the Shananigans

Always energetic and entertaining the Shananigans are considered fun for all ages which is why they are such a popular choice for venues and festivals seeking to appeal to a mass audience.

With all of the members having Celtic roots it's not hard to understand where they find their inspiration for Irish, Scottish and East Coast music. Their sound follows in the footsteps of the Dubliners, Chieftains, Clancy Brothers, and the Irish Rovers and then proceeds to include more contemporary influences such as Great Big Sea, Spirit of the West, Flogging Molly, Drop Kick Murphys and more... giving the Shananigans the unique ability to be a Celtic Rock/Folk band with music that is enjoyed by everyone from 2 to 92. 

Chris Whelan: Chris was born in New York City and immigrated to Canada when he was only 8 months old, his father was an accomplished button accordion player from Dublin, Ireland and Chris quickly took to the music of his heritage. Chris became an accomplished entertainer at an early age and a founding member of the Shananigans in 1989, Chris is a third generation Irish button accordionist and has performed on stages in pubs and dance halls in Canada, the United States and Ireland. Chris re-established the Shananigans in 2008.

Tawnya Moore: is a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia with family roots on both sides of the pond including Scotland, England, Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island and completed her studies in music performance at Wilfrid Laurier University  in Waterloo, Ontario. Tawnya is an accomplished flutist and vocalist and also plays piccolo, tin whistle and Irish flute. Tawnya is a successful flute teacher and has travelled and performed in Canada, Europe and the United States. Tawnya joined the Shananigans in 2009

Aimee Jesso: Also has family back home in Nova Scotia & Newfoundland and currently resides in Stratford, Ontario. She is best known for her drumming skills but has been mainly providing guitar, vocals and bodhran for Shananigans and can also play among other instruments fiddle & pipes which just might come in handy with this group. Aimee has travelled and performed extensively with several other bands before joining the Shananigans. In addition to her music abilities, she also enjoys Irish Step Dancing. Aimee joined the Shananigans in 2011.

Dan Tapper: Of Kitchener, Ontario is an accomplished singer, song-writer, bass and guitar player. Dan has professionally recorded three albums with his former rock band which he co-wrote and produced. His band travelled and performed for 12 years before Dan took a break to start a family. Dan now looks forward to getting in touch with his Celtic musical roots, both his parents are from Newfoundland and his father was also a Celtic musician. Dan joined Shananigans in 2012.

Robbie McMaster: Ontario born, Robbie believes himself to be a true Celt with roots in Nova Scotia, Ireland and Scotland and is an accomplished guitar, mandolin and bodhran player. He has even been known to sing on occasion. Robbie has been playing in rock and folk bands in the local bars and pubs of the Niagara and Waterloo regions for many, many years.  Robbie played with the Shananigans in 2008-9 and rejoined the group in 2013 so he considers himself a Shananigan-agin!