Switchback Bringing Irish/American Roots Music to ECC on St. Patrick's Day

The musical duo will perform an afternoon concert of Celtic and American folk tunes at Elgin Community College.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 8:11pm

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The musical duo Switchback, composed of Marty McCormack and Brian FitzGerald, will be performing an afternoon concert of Irish/American roots music on St. Patrick's Day at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theater. The laidback matinee show is a far cry from the duo's past St. Patrick's Day gig schedules, which used to involve playing multiple shows throughout the day. Switchback has a long history of performing everywhere from caves to stables, and they even had the privilege of playing with the legendary Irish group The Chieftains in 2019.

Why it matters

Switchback's St. Patrick's Day concert at Elgin Community College provides an opportunity for the local community to celebrate the Irish holiday with high-energy, genre-blending music from a veteran duo with deep roots in both American and Celtic folk traditions.

The details

Switchback will be performing their mix of "America roots and Celtic soul" music at a 1:30 p.m. show on Tuesday, March 17 at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theater. The matinee timing is intended to attract an audience that wouldn't typically stay out late, especially on a weekday. The concert will be alcohol-free, allowing attendees to grab a pint and some corned beef at a pub after the show and still be home in time for bed.

  • Switchback will perform the concert on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
  • In 2019, Switchback had the opportunity to open for the legendary Irish group The Chieftains as part of their "Irish Goodbye" tour.

The players

Switchback

A musical duo composed of Marty McCormack and Brian FitzGerald, known for their blend of American roots and Celtic folk music.

Marty McCormack

One half of the Switchback duo, who grew up on a farm in rural Woodstock and started performing on the Woodstock Opera House stage for their first Irish Night.

Brian FitzGerald

The other half of the Switchback duo, whose family owned the noted music venue FitzGerald's in Berwyn until 2020.

The Chieftains

A legendary Irish musical group that Switchback had the privilege of opening for in 2019 as part of their "Irish Goodbye" tour.

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What they’re saying

“A matinee will bring out an audience that wouldn't typically stay out late, especially on a weekday.”

— Marty McCormack, Switchback Musician

“We opened for the Chieftains in Tyler, Texas, as part of their 'Irish Goodbye' tour. They played on our song, 'Muintir na Sidhe' (The Fairy Folk). That was a major life experience. It was totally special to have that privilege to be with them.”

— Brian FitzGerald, Switchback Musician

What’s next

Switchback will also be performing at FitzGerald's in Berwyn on Saturday, March 14, 2026, providing local fans another opportunity to catch the duo's Irish/American roots music.

The takeaway

Switchback's St. Patrick's Day concert at Elgin Community College showcases the duo's ability to blend American folk and Celtic musical traditions into a high-energy, interactive performance that celebrates the Irish holiday in a unique and accessible way for the local community.