The members of The Elders
Reviewed in numerous publications such as PASTE Magazine, Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange, Music Row Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, The Kansas City Star and more, the band remains a recognizable music force.

Light Up the Lawn: The Elders

8:30 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025 | Nerman Museum lawn

Free; no reservations required.

Join the Midwest Trust Center and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art for the 2025 Light Up the Lawn Concert Series featuring some of the best live music Kansas City has to offer. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets (no alcohol) for these fun events. Come early and grab a bite to eat at one of our local food trucks! No reservations required.

The Elders remain one of the top Celtic-rock bands in the U.S. after more than two decades. Their fans feel connected to them because of their passion, great melodies, unique harmonies, unparalleled musicianship, and strong songwriting. The indie band with musical roots in Americana and Celtic rock mesh styles, textures, and soaring vocals with vibrant narratives that explore history & life.

Their story began in 1998 when two musicians moved back from LA to Kansas City to play Irish music. Norm Dahlor and Brent Hoad played in numerous bands, but their American and Celtic-folk rock roots were calling, and The Elders were born.

“Well Alright Then,” their ninth studio album released in April 2022, was conceived after the band retired and the country experienced a lockdown. During that time, the band continued to meet, write, and sing, but never intended to record. That is, until guitarist Steve Phillips asked them to release an album in his honor. Before Phillips passed in 2020, he had recorded all of his vocals and musical parts.

“Well Alright Then” delivers the unique storytelling the band is known for – stories of love, loyalty, and Irish feistiness.

From an Emmy-winning DVD to an induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and a PBS concert televised across the U.S., The Elders are still going strong because of their powerful, personal, and musical chemistry.

The Elders are Ian Byrne (lead vocals and percussion), Kian Byrne (vocals, drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar and mandolin), Norm Dahlor (vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar), Diana Ladio (vocals, fiddle), William "Liam" Latas (vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar), and Daniel Loftus (vocals, keyboards, bass guitar).