Meet the Band
John "Pickle" Delbridge
Drums, Vocals
More infamously known as "Pickle", John has been playing percussion on the Austin music scene since 1995.
In addition to playing a drum kit, he has taken on the Bodhran as a result of a love for traditional Irish music. On occasion, Pickle incorporates the Bodhran in with a small drum kit during live performances while singing leads and backup.
Exploring his Irish heritage 20 years ago led him down the pathway to discover Irish pub and Trad music, and a yearning to visit the Emerald Isle. In 2019 his dream came true and he drove everywhere, from Cork to Belfast, Galway to Kinsale and still did not see it all. The high point was leaving Portmagee and sailing out to the Skellig Islands. His mother willingly gave up a genetic sample, and even though Pickle is distantly related to Brian Boru, he holds no legal claim to land or castles.
Josh Foss
Guitar, Vocals
Originally from Buffalo NY, Josh has made Austin his second home since 2014.
A long-time admirer of Celtic and Maritime folk music, Josh came to musicianship later in life than most.
Through a chance meeting of Austin's Daithi Arwine, he got his start by being invited on stage to sing with the band on occasion. This exposure inspired him to learn to play guitar to strengthen his ability to share his love of irish music. He counts Christy Moore, Liam Clancy, Paddy Reilly and Shane MacGowan among his many influences.
The can find him performing with The Yokes and occasionally sharing the stage with Daithi Arwine and The Chancers at B.D. Riley's.
MeLinda Gaines Wright
Whistle, Irish Flute
Melinda was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She has a Bachelor Degree in Music from Tarleton State University and spent 14 years in the United States Navy as a Musician performing and touring throughout the US and South Pacific in Jazz Bands, Woodwind Quintets and Orchestral and Symphonic bands.
She plays Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute and Irish Flute, Dizi, as well as Tin Whistle and Bagpipes. She has played in many bands such as Whiskey on a Sunday, The Naggins, The Wurst Band, Austin Polka Band and Austin Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums.
Liz Adrienne
Fiddle
Since the age of eight, Liz Adrienne has cultivated a passion for violin. In addition to her Irish music performances with the Yokes, her talents encompass a diverse range of musical styles that have her playing all over the Austin area. Her repertoire includes jazz, country, bluegrass, pop, and rock, among others.
Patrick Courtade
Banjo, Vocals
Patrick hails from Garland, TX and lives in the Austin area with his wife and daughters.
He grew up with an appreciation for a wide variety of music and enjoyed casually playing his guitar to all his favorite tunes. He became more serious about music later in life and one day he picked up a friend's banjo at a jam session and was enamored by the sound. He started playing it as a way to become a better guitar picker and he hasn't been able to put it down ever since. He enjoys playing traditional, folk, bluegrass, country, and classic rock. He derives inspiration from Luke Kelly, Steve Martin, and Jerry Reed.
You may currently watch Patrick play in The Yokes and the old-timey rock band, The Stumpers.