The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band

Subject: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Mar 01 - 04:11 PM

Earlier today I was talking with an old friend who was reminiscing about old friends, The McGowan Brothers. He remembers them staying in his Boston bachelor pad back in the '50's and early 60's while touring in eastern New England. They were a three piece Celtic band. Later they changed their name to the Fabulous Farquhars (sp?) and worked a resort in New Hampshire.

Does anyone know more about them? My friend is curious and I would like to find recordings of them.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 13 Mar 01 - 04:19 PM

Barnswallow, Hummingbird Farquhar and some other birds' names. They were a very talented and funny group of guys. They played the Cape and down round New Haven and Branford, CT in the early to mid '70s. One of their funny songs was: Carol, You're The Bottom Of The Barrel, (You're The Rotten Apple Of My Heart.) Don't know where they are now, but this is the place to ask.

All the best.

Seamus

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Anglo
Date: 13 Mar 01 - 05:22 PM

They played regularly around the Mount Snow area of Southern Vermont, all through the 70s and early 80s, then more occasional ly - happy hour will never be the same.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Anglo
Date: 14 Mar 01 - 12:26 AM

I looked for the old LP I'm sure I have somewhere of the Fabulous Farquahr, but currently can't find it. :-(

Don't worry Seamus, I can't find my Beggarmen LP either.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 14 Mar 01 - 01:54 AM

Anglo, I still have a vinyl copy of the Beggarmen -our first album from 1977. If you PM me, I'll send you dub. Jeez, someone remembers the Beggarmen!

All the best.

Seamus

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Moleskin Joe
Date: 14 Mar 01 - 05:41 AM

I have an Elektra LP of Farquahr made about 1969. I am intrigued to discover that they were once a Celtic band. The only information on the cover is their names. I always wondered who they were.

Ian M.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Naemanson
Date: 14 Mar 01 - 06:49 AM

About the same time as the above events a young fellow walked into that same bar and began to perform. He had funny looking glasses, buck teeth and a haircut that looked like someone had upended a bowl on his head. The performer blew them all away. In talking with him they found he was in town for a couple of weeks and staying at the YMCA. They offered him space in their pad and he accepted staying for three weeks. His name was John Denver.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Anglo
Date: 14 Mar 01 - 11:36 AM

Thanks for the offer, Seamus, but I found it - Beggarmen, that is. :-)

Still didn't find Farquahr, though.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Mar 01 - 09:40 AM

By the power of the Mudcat - REFRESH!

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 12:18 PM

Let's try this again. I'd hate to have to tell my friend the Ol' Mudcat has met me down...

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:11 PM

Seamus:

We are looking for lyrics/music for "Poking around my knee" which we once had on a compillation that include that song by the Jolly Beggarmen. Any clues where we might find it??

Thanks a Million

John

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,farquahr
Date: 28 Nov 07 - 04:46 PM

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,farquahr
Date: 28 Nov 07 - 04:50 PM

I was looking for a album with the song cloud nine motel by The Fabulous Farquahr on it

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Nov 07 - 04:53 PM

Found a kind of sad thing...a 2004 obit for Frank McGowan:

In Branford October 21, 2004, Francis T. "Frank" McGowan, lifelong resident of Branford.

Survived by his fiancée, Robin Swanson, and her four sons, of Branford, brothers, Jack (Sue) McGowan and Bobby (Caren) McGowan of Branford; sister Peggy (Jim) Piergrossi of Guilford; sister-in-law Marcia McGowan of Branford. Also survived by eight nieces and nephews. Pre-deceased by his brother Dennis McGowan and nephew Sean McGowan.

He was born in New Haven June 8, 1939, son of John and Margaret Purcell McGowan. He worked as an entertainer as Flamingo Farquahr in the musical group The Fabulous Farquahr, and he had a lifelong interest in classic cars. He was a longtime member of the Ancient Mariners Drum Corps, and the Sons of the Whiskey Rebellion

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Ski Bum 1968
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 06:45 PM

I have a story about the Farquhars. In the summer of 67, I saw the McGowan Brothers several times during " happy hour " at Jerry Lynchs in Belmar, New Jersey. They really rocked the place and used to get everyone going with " Will you still love me when I'm 64 ". In the winter of 67-68, I went to Mount Snow, Vermont for a weekend and ended up staying the season. The most popular place that winter in Wilmington was Fat City with headliners The Fabulous Farquhars. The first time I saw them I thought they looked familar and asked them if they were the McGowan brothers which they replied yes to. They were still doing the ever popular 64 tune plus a hilarious " Rocky Gay " routine. Two years later just by chance my new wife and I went to the Osterville Inn on the Cape. Yes, The Fabulous Farquhars were playing! I still have pictures of them from that night including the infamous " Rocky Gay " routine. I will always remember The Fabulous Farquhars as a very pleasant remembrance.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 07:28 PM

They lived in Branford, CT and there are still several McGowans in town. A phone call or two should get you in touch with a family member who can tell you about recordings. Saw them once at the Dock & Dine restaurant in Old Saybrook, CT many years ago, and once at the Branford Festival on the green several years ago. Much loved around here.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Tom Nelligan
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 09:53 PM

Wow, what a flashback. I hadn't thought of the McGowen Brothers in many, many years but I remember them well as regulars on the Saturday night "hootenanny" show that WTIC radio in Hartford, Connecticut, used to broadcast in the mid-1960s, my formative years as a folkie.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Neil Leibowitz
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 09:45 PM

The Fabulous Farquahrs.......

Dennis McGowan = Condor Farquahr
Frank McGowan = Flamingo Farquahr
Bobby McGowan = Hummingbird Farquahr
Doug Lapham = Barnswallow Farquahr

Great bunch of guys. Great act. Saw them as a college student many times at Charlie Bates Saloon in NYC. Hired them to do a show at my college, CCNY Downtown (now Baruch College). They did some Beatles covers....especially "With a Little Help from My Friends". Their best songs were "My Eggs Don't Taste the Same Without You", "The Morning After (the Night Before), "Daddy I've Tried". Most of their original tunes were written by Barnswallow (Doug).

Sorry to hear that Doug and Frank have passed on.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Newport Rhode Island
Date: 29 Jan 08 - 09:05 PM

Doug is still going strong. Dennis unfortunately passed away.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Feb 08 - 06:32 PM

Whatever happened to "Fat City" in Willimington, Vt where they used to play?

I once dated a young woman who introduced me to "The Farquhar."

They were most excellent!

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,GUEST Tim
Date: 26 Feb 08 - 12:28 PM

Just flipping around the internet here in PHL and was sadden to read about Dennis and Frank. I just talked to Frank in Branford at his antique car shop and now realize, it was probably 4 years ago!!

Been a fan since: Lower deck in Essex, Ct
                  Crown and Anchor in Provincetown
                  Dock and Dine in Old Saybrook (I'm a native)
                  The Branford Festival back in '86 and
                  anywhere else I could find them

I go to CT regularly and around the late 90's pulled into their car shop in Branford. Gave Dennis my card and $20 and three days later, I had their latest tape in my mailbox. It's the one that starts with Jimmy (who took Doug's place) singing "It feels so good" great country song. I own the original 1968 albulm with Sister Theresa on it as well as two of their tapes. If there's more, I'm interested.

When Doug left and started selling cars at the Ford garage he started another band... something "Men." Good group, saw them in the Chowder Pot in Branford....or is that Stony Creek? Hope Doug gets the urge to start another band and I also hope Jim and Bobby are a part of it. I'll be looking for it.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Carol Rotten Apple of my heart
Date: 09 Mar 08 - 01:55 PM

Hi, I am looking for the lyrics to the song Carol, your'e the bottom of the barrel, you're the rotten apple of my heart.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Guest Tim
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 05:51 PM

I have the song on a tape, I'll try and get the lyrics down for you this week. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 10:37 AM

As of a month or two the former site of Fat City is going to be some kind of church. It was a pool/ spa place before that. As a matter of fact I spoke with Bill Doherty (sic?) today, he was staying at the Snow Lake Lodge and is on a book tour for his book "Murder in the Irish Song (or something like that)".

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Henry / Deerfield
Date: 16 Mar 08 - 11:05 AM

Sorry to learn that Fat City, that wonderful Vermont club/bar is becomming a church. A sad fate indeed.

What this sorry planet needs is less religion and more music. A touch more Guiness might also help.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Mar 08 - 11:31 AM

Good God! I haven's seen Billy Dougherty in years! I've been wondering if he was still with us, but it sounds like he's thriving. I used to see him around Falmouth (MA) occasionally - he'd come to my gigs. I knew both him and his late brother Franny who used to play Irish music around the pubs of Wilmington/Mount Snow when I first mover there some 35 hears ago. Thanks for the blast from the past, GUEST, I'll have to try and get in touch with him.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Anglo
Date: 16 Mar 08 - 11:34 AM

Oops, sorry, that last post was me. I hadn't realized I'd tossed my cookie.

John

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Guest Tim
Date: 17 Mar 08 - 07:18 PM

Lyrics to "Carol"

Whoa, whoa Carol
You're the bottom of the barrel
You're the rotten apple of my eye

Everytime I see you, I hold my nose and go PU, nobody wants to be you
But, that's understandable
Your breath is unforgetable

Oh, oh Carol
You're the bottom of the barrel
you're the rotten apple of my eye

And, you complexion could stand some correction
that's not the section
that bothers me.

And in the summer
Carol, you're a bummer
I'm beginning to wonder
If your arms could stand some ventilation
Someone pass the Kenilration

Oh Carol
You're the bottom of the barrel
You're the rotten apple of my eye

Whoa, whoa Carol
You're the bottom of the barrel
You're the rotten apple of my eye.

And, again...if you're into it.

Enjoy.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Apr 08 - 12:17 AM

Fat City was the name of a song that the Farquahars used to sing.   Very upbeat tune.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,EGKG
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 03:22 PM

Talk about a blast from the past...It's amazing what a search on Yahoo will turn up!

I never saw the Farquahr play live, but my parents were fans in the late 60s. When my dad passed away a few years ago, I found a few reel-to-reel tapes of the Farquahr playing at Fat City, on 3/5/69, which I drove to CT to give to Bobby McGowan (but not before burning copies to CD for him, and me, hehe). What a nice guy! He took time out of his busy day to show my wife and I around the shop, to have a look at some of the Farquahr memorabilia around the place.

The Bill Dougherty you were talking about...Is he the one mentioned in "Provicetown Jug Band" and "Dear John Deere"?

I was reading on another board that the car shop in Branford has become a victim of the bulldozer...I hope they got everything out first.

I'm glad there are still a bunch of people who still remember and appreciate the Farquahr...

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Guest, Three Rivs
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 08:37 PM

Whoa - was looking for something about the FF's and found this thread.   My Nancy died recently and I'm planning her memorial, picking out her favorite tunes to play - and have to include "My Eggs Don't Taste the Same Without You" and "My Island" - she loved them both. She saw them in the 60's both in Vermont and in Provincetown - and we saw them just 5-10 yrs ago at the Provincetown Portuguese Festival - they came back to town for a one-night stand at the Surf Club - and you should have seen the crowd.   It was packed with old fans and they went wild.   I'm so glad I got to see them that once.   They were selling tapes that night too - we got a couple, thank God.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,janet nave
Date: 23 Aug 08 - 09:39 PM

why did Doug leave the group? I remember seeing them many times in Boston and at the Cape in early 70s and he seemed to be the leader--very talented. I had many good times hearing them and they always put a smile on my face.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 08:32 AM

The Fabulous Farquahr was comprised of brothers Frank, Dennis and Bob McGowan, who were all members of the Ancient Mariners Fife and Drum Corps from Ct., as well as Doug Lapham, Jim Ricker (bass) and Dick Liso (drummer) who were not Mariners. The Fabulous Farquahr was the brain child of Doug Lapham, a relative of the Mcgowan Brothers. After a falling out, it was Frank, Dennis, Bobby, from Guilford Ct., & Jim who was from Grand Isle, Vermont. Individually, they were known as Barnswallow Farquahr, Hummingbird Farquahr, Flamingo Farquahr (Bobby), Condor Farquahr (jim), and Little Dicky Bird (Dick). (missing one bird) Their music has been described as a mix of Irish folk music, bluegrass, psychedelic rock and comedy. According to Ancient Mariner John Ciaglia (Woodpecker Farquahr), who joined in 1981 and played with them for eighteen years until their last gig in 1999, the comedy routines were all done by Bobby and were mostly gay humour routines. Evidently they were a big hit in Provincetown. Along with Ciaglia, Mariner Craig Stopka joined for one year.

The Fabulous Farquahr have the distinction of being the official band for Hubert Humphrey's presidential bid during the 60's.

They released two albums early on, "The Fabulous Farquahr" (1968), and "Farquahr" (1970). During the eighties they released a couple of other albums, which I have not been able to track down.

Dennis McGowan passed away in 2001.
Frank McGowan passed away in October 2004 at the age of 65.

The antique car business is no more.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 12:02 PM

Big John Hartman of Branford here..203 481 2378...I was in the group at the chowder pot in the 80's..We were Barnswallow and the Bigger Brothers..we were the first to perform Doug's Pizza Boy..I am in regular touch with him and have recorded several new songs...a couple of years ago he wrote a one act play for red hatters that we produced..he wrote the whole script and songs...please call me..I play piano...my nick name was " Ski "...as in a skiing buffalo.."Big John" Hartman.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,beverly of "Ariel"
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 11:18 PM

Have always wondered what became of Fat City...my rock band, Ariel (all women) played and lived there throughout the summer of 69... On our one day off we would go to hear the Farquahr and hang out..they were a real treat.
We were playing the weekend of woodstock, had a huge house that weekend, but when we came in to the club the next day to practice, all our amps had been stolen, and were later found being used as canoes on lake whitingham.
Nontheless, we loved the place and everyone who came to hear us...I think the owner's name was Kenny Boos...not sure.\
A church ??? how ungodly.
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Mar 09 - 09:53 PM

I grew up in Branford, Connecticut and saw the fellas all the time. I am now in florida and would so much like to get some type of recording of them! Any ideas? I love the shower song and all the others as well! [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Paul McShane
Date: 10 Mar 09 - 03:51 PM

I saw the lads many times on the Cape and once owned both LP's. I was briefly in band that covered "My Eggs." Here are the lyrics:

My coffee is cold, it's sittin' ther by the stove
My toast and my juice are there too
My heart's in a shambles, I can't eat my scrambles
My eggs don't taste the same without you

The chair where you sat is occupied by the cat
I wish you had taken him too
I could do very nicely with your once over lightly
My eggs don't taste the same without you

(chorus) No more good morning kiss
No more I love you
No more laughining how the dog bit
the paper boy kid
My, wasn't that big news?

So if you ever come back,
I'll even feed your old cat
And you can wear your curlers, too
I'm sittin' hered fired, you took my sunnyside
My eggs don't taste the same without you.


Remember 'Swallow's "My Island"? A beautiful song.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 19 Mar 09 - 06:26 PM

Anybody know how Dennis died in 2001??

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 04:11 PM

If I remember correctly it was Cancer.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Harry
Date: 02 May 09 - 09:09 AM

Barnswallow played on ocassion with The Paul Wayne review. Anyone know where Paul is? I think Barnswallow also played with the P town jug and marching band at the Met in Providence as well as P town.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,charlie, guest
Date: 06 May 09 - 12:28 PM

Does anyone know how to get in touch with Doug Lapham, I hope he is still with us. I have lyrics to several songs. I contacted Bobby 04/08, he never got back to me. His nephew was supposed to be putting something together. Terrific Group, dearly missed

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,EGKG
Date: 09 May 09 - 09:26 AM

Charlie, Last I checked, Doug's contact info was listed. Try Superpages.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Charlie/ OFD
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 10:17 PM

Thank you I left a voicemail, and got one back, Happy to know he is alive and apparently well.
I intend to get in touch after 4th of july. I will keep this thread updated.
Happily some of their stuff is now showing up on YouTube!

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Tony
Date: 26 Oct 09 - 08:21 PM

In the summer of 1969 I was a waiter at "The Steakpub" in Dennisport (Cape Cod). Several nights a week a group of us would go up to Orleans after work to see the Fahrquahr perform at the "Southward Inn" (AKA Orleans Inn)...great memories, great times, what a group..You could watch the same routines and hear the same music night after night and love every minute! My favorites: "My Eggs", "the morning After", "my Island" and "the Shower song". I still have 2 original tapes.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Charlie OFD
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 02:13 AM

Good news, 'Cloud Nine Motel' is now on youtube, somebody was able to download/copy it from the Dr Demento archives.Several other songs are also there as well as some tribute covers! God I miss them so.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Pete
Date: 24 Nov 09 - 02:42 AM

Could anyone post the lyrics of 'Cloud Nine Motel'?

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,Guest, Tim
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 12:45 PM

Yes, I have the lyrics to Cloud Nine, it's on the "Farquahr Country" album (cassette) which Dennis actually stuck in an envelope and sent to me down here in PA. God, maybe 15 yeras ago !! Anyway, I'll need to find a cassette player before I can get the lyrics. Just in Nov. I junked a 1995 Merc. with 180K mi. on it. That car's only value to me was it had a cassette player in it and "Country" or one of two other Farguahr tapes were always in it when I drove around the beaches of southern NJ where I am in the summer and where I kept the car in the winter. Hang in there, I'll try and get lyrics before Christmas.

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,EGKG
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 11:58 AM

Pete, here are the lyrics you requested. Rated PG :>) Cloud 9 Motel:

I took my wife and kids on vacation To a place where we had never been There was a mix-up in our reservation So for us there was no room at the inn

Now this was at the height of the season When a room was really hard to find We drove around and long about evenin' We found the motel they called Cloud Nine

Now the wife and kids went out to find our room While I unloaded the car Soon the kids came runnin' back excited They said "Hey Dad, this is the best place by far!"

CHOURUS And they said Daddy they got mirrors on the ceiling And you ought to see what's playin' on TV They got whips and chains in the closet And the bathtub'll hold a family Now your bed is shaped like a big heart And Dad, it goes up and down And Mom's so happy she's cryin' It must be the magazines she found

I ran to that room so bewildered T'was there I found my wife in tears Cryin' "Someone please take off these handcuffs, And what's that trapeze doin' in here?"

Just then I saw my youngest A-walking by with something he had found He said "Hey Dad, what the heck is this thing? It vibrates, and makes a hummin' sound"

CHOURUS

I said to my wife, "Now Honey I won't do us any good to bitch and moan In fact, this place has got me thinkin' Let's send the little bastards home"

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,EGKG
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 12:00 PM

Sorry, Pete, it didn't format quite the way I thought it would.
You can figure it out, right?

Subject: RE: The McGowan Brothers - Old Celtic Band
From: GUEST,KV . FROM,SPRINGFIELD, MASS
Date: 03 Jan 10 - 10:22 AM

It was about a year ago and i found out Frank had passed,and then to read on that Dennis also.
When you hear that a part of your youth has died and they were a part of mine that was the best. It is very sereal. I had the pleasure of seeing these talented men at the Keg Room and the Dock and Dine,and of couse the Cape.And they never disapointed. It was just fun,the kind of fun the young people of today will never know. I also would love to locate some of thier music. but if thats not possible I will just have to enjoy what little bit that I have. Bobby,Jim and Doug, thanks for the memories.