Bill Monaghan
Bill Monaghan is a member of CCLI , ASCAP (songwriter, publisher)
“…and the music that’s inside me keeps on fighting to be free.” -- “Floatin’ (Down a River)”, Some Assembly Required CD
He has been called varied, eclectic, surprising…Bill Monaghan has been crafting musical compositions since his high school days in the Philadelphia suburbs. A writer of songs, musical plays, children’s ballets, and thematically charged CDs like his 9/11 In Memoriam, Bill is at home finger picking folk songs, story-telling in his energy driven rock songs, or reflecting in his touching love songs and ballads. Bucks Happening Mag named Bill “Best Musician in Bucks County” in 2013.
Bill receiving his Best in Bucks award, 2013
Bill signed with Canadian-American Records (2008) for distribution of his Some Assembly Required CD, and three singles, “You Belong There,” “All That Your Heart May Desire,” and “When the Rain Comes,” which debuted at number 28 on the Top 40 Independent Country Song Chart for August 2008.
From his Some Assembly Required CD release party and the 9/11 In Memoriam Tribute Concert in 2007, to his yearly nearly sold-out Celtic Pride/St. Patrick’s Night performance at the Sellersville Theater, Bill continues to deliver his diverse mix of song, story, emotion, and journeys to bigger and more widespread audiences.
The Word: A Gospel Opera, a full length spirited stage drama, has moved audiences with more than 60 performances in the tri-county area since its inception. The heart-warming “All That Your Heart May Desire,” in memory of his brother Michael who died in the US Navy, sets the theme for an annual memorial concert, presenting local artists and performers joining together to raise scholarship money for high school students in need. Dance Elite continues to perform Bill’s original ballets, most recently The Wizard of Oz. Bill's mission work in Africa, and working firsthand with the Ugandan people has become an influential force in much of his work, strengthening and making his harmonies and rhythms even more authentic.
On stage, Bill can be seen solo or with his band, and he has played such venues as Sellersville Theatre, North Wildwood’s Irish Fall Festival, Virgin Megastore (NY), Stockton Inn, Grape Street Pub, Dr. Watsons, NCYC (Indiana), and as a featured artist at many local charity concerts.
“Fresh! Jimmy Buffet meets Nancy Griffith and Paul Simon. Certainly an album of poppie folk. All-in-all a very pleasant mix of music.” [David Hermanson on CDbaby.com, on Bill’s Some Assembly Required CD]
“This poignant album…never lags as it presents a wide variety of sounds through the eclectic styles of the songs…Mr. Monaghan never resists the opportunity to touch back to his Irish roots as he does in “Father to a Son” and he even boasts his inner southern gospel singer in “Angels and Prayers.” ...diverse instruments…such as the cello in the bittersweet evocative and hopeful “Garden of Reflection.” …acknowledges the rebirth of patriotism in America that succeeded September 11th, declaring “Today’s the day America is baptized in the fire and Americans become Americans again.” …a beautiful tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001 and provides a hopeful message for the future.” "In all his musical endeavors, Mr. Monaghan never holds back, pouring heart and soul into his songwriting." [Karen Orzechowski, The Viking Voice, Spring Ed. 2008, on Bill’s 9/11 In Memoriam CD]
Beatles Tribute
We sing early Beatles, middle Beatles, late Beatles, solo Beatles - you name it! We are available for parties, celebrations, festivals, fundraisers and corporate events.
If you would like to book us for an event, send an email inquiry to willie.monaghan@gmail.com.
Check us out here playing Sgt. Peppers & Space Oddity live at the WMGK House Band Competition in Big Heads Richboro Pub, Aug 14, 2014.
Billy Joel Tribute
Bill Monaghan and the Angry Young Men capture the essence of Billy Joel’s repertoire, performing the top hits as well as the cult favorites and obscure masterpieces!
We are available for parties, celebrations, festivals, fundraisers and corporate events.
If you would like to book us for an event, send an email inquiry to willie.monaghan@gmail.com.
Piano Man
Angry Young Man
Celtic Pride
"The immigrant's heart marches to the beat of two quite different drums, one from the old homeland and the other from the new.” – Irish President McAleese
Rustic, energetic, and light-hearted, Celtic Pride delivers traditional and modern Irish tunes in the flavor of the Clancy Brothers, Dubliners, Irish Rovers, and U2. This high spirited band is also capable of poignant, touching ballads, featuring Bill Monaghan on vocals, acoustic guitar, tin whistle, harmonica, and recorder, and occasional piano; Jim Monaghan on vocals, bass, and guitar; Brian DiBiagio on guitars; with percussion and guest female vocals on occasion.
Since 2008, Celtic Pride has played the Sellersville Theater (PA) to warm, friendly near capacity audiences for St. Patrick’s Night celebration. The Irish-American Band plays annually at the Temperance House (Newtown, PA) with a blend of Irish and good old Rock and Roll, as well as the Irish Fall Festival (North Wildwood, NJ), and other Philadelphia area places including Austrian Village, AOH’s division 39 in Northeast Philly, carnivals, festivals, fairs, and many a grand party!
When Celtic Pride performs songs like “Wild Colonial Boy” and “Whiskey in the Jar,” the hand-clapping, foot-stomping, rebel rousing energy is contagious, but not to be outdone by touching ballads like “Danny Boy” and “Red is the Rose.” Celtic Pride even offers fresh new songs, like Bill’s original “Irish Blessing,” “Donegal,” and “Philadelphia Kid.” Listeners have no fear, with songs like “Moonshiner” and “Nancy Whiskey,” the arsenal of drinking songs is surely full to the brim!
Demos available upon request. If you would like to book us for an event, send an email inquiry to willie.monaghan@gmail.com.
Buy the Celtic Pride CD at the Store. ...And don't miss the T-shirt!
Wild Colonial Boy
Elvis Presley Tribute
The King lives on, fronted by Jim Monaghan and featuring his highly electric and energetic band!
We are available for parties, celebrations, festivals, fundraisers and corporate events.
If you would like to book us for an event, send an email inquiry to willie.monaghan@gmail.com.
Melodies & Memories
Melodies & Memories is a melodious tribute to the popular American music scene of the first half of the twentieth century. The program features Bill Monaghan at the piano and singing some of these wonderful classics. He’ll take you through the years, remembering sing-along favorites such as “Let Me Call You Sweetheart;” songs from the Tuneful Twenties (“Side by Side,” “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue”); film classics and Broadway hits, like “Pennies from Heaven” and “Hello, Dolly!;” enjoyable ballads of Ireland (“When Irish Eyes are Smiling”); and unforgettable songs of the Forties and Fifties, like “And the Way You Look Tonight.”
Melodies & Memories is a fun, musical program customized for any special occasion, such as Birthday parties, Anniversaries, St. Patrick’s Day, Fourth of July, and other special events, like “Beat the Winter Blues.” Bill makes every effort to make Melodies & Memories a suitable, entertaining, and memorable time for everyone.
Bill presents Melodies & Memories for an affordable fee* comparable to normal entertainment rates, and welcomes the opportunity to begin planning your special event.
*The current standard rate is $150 to $200 for a 45-60 minute program; Rate adjustments for distance may apply beyond a certain travel radius.
Available for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, residence life home, senior citizens' homes, parties or celebrations.
For information and scheduling, please call Bill Monaghan at (215) 357-3370 or send an email inquiry to willie.monaghan@gmail.com.
Some Assembly Required
Some Assembly Required is Bill Monaghan’s backing band for his original material, and a cover band too! The roots of Rock N Roll to that specialized sound: Some Assembly Required can cover it! Founded in the Philadelphia suburbs in 1989 by active members Bill and Jim Monaghan, our tight 4 piece band can expand to include female vocals, horns, and more!
Music ranges from standards (Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Patsy Cline, etc) through 50s dance & oldies rock, through the years of 60s and 70s rock, with slow songs, and special areas including Beatles, Billy Joel, Elvis, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, and more!
We also specialize in themed & holiday music, and a Christmas party is right at the top of the list! We can do up-beat Christmas songs as well as sing alongs and even the special soft ones that we love! Duets with great harmonies too!
Places We’ve Played:
- WMGK Radio 102.9 House Band Competition - one of 16 semi-finalists
(Aug 2014) - Independent Music Conference (Aug, 2007)
- Annual Monaghan Scholarship Concert – 1998-2010
- Carnivals for Nativity, St. Catherine’s, Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. John Bosco (annually)
- St. Andrew’s 125th Parish Anniversary Gala (2005)
- 9/11 In Memoriam Tribute Concert (September 2007, 2009)
- Nativity of Our Lord Family Picnic (September 2007)
- St. Vincent DePaul Family Picnic
- Greene Scholarship Fundraiser (April 2007)
- Temperance House St. Patrick’s Day (March – annually)
- United Bio Source Christmas Party 2006 (as a 3-piece band)
- Many wedding receptions – references available
We will be happy to provide a reference contact for any of the above. Available for weddings, parties, celebrations, festivals, fundraisers and corporate events.
For information and scheduling,send an email inquiry to willie.monaghan@gmail.com.
Wedding Music
Bill Monaghan provides music for wedding ceremonies! Whether you are looking for that elegant touch or a special song or even want to do something a little different, Bill is always happy to help plan your ceremony and get it just perfect.
Ceremony music is primarily piano based, as well as guitar. Bill also frequently works with female soloists, providing great harmonies and leads, as well as other instruments, including violin, trumpet, flute, electric guitar, and more! Even drums and percussion!
For Catholic based ceremonies, Bill is a practicing Catholic and knows the Catholic Liturgy based on his experience and current position(s) as a music minister.
For Christian or non-denominational based wedding ceremonies, anything is possible, and Bill is always happy to discuss the options with you.
Entrances
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (J.S. Bach)
- Canon in D (Pachelbel)
- Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke)
- Trumpet Tune
- Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
- River is Wide
- Simple Gifts
Responsorial Psalms
- This is the Day of the Lord (Psalm 118) (Monaghan)
- I Have Loved You
- May the Lord Bless Us (Psalm 128) (Monaghan)
- Blest are Those Who Love You
- Blessed are Those Who Love the Lord (Psalm 128) (Monaghan)
Gospel Acclamations
- LENT: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory
- LENT: Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ (Monaghan)
- Alleluia (Monaghan)
- Halle Halle
- Celtic Alleluia
- Alleluia (Norbert)
Recessionals
- Irish Wedding March (Monaghan)
- Ode to Joy/Joyful Joyful (Beethoven)
- Wedding March (Mendelsohnn)
- Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke)
- O Happy Day (from Sister Act)
- Ode to Joy (from Sister Act)
Other Selections
- The Prayer (duet, includes Italian)
- Irish Blessing (Monaghan)
- Irish Wedding Song
- Wherever You Go (Haas)
- Wherever You Go (older version)
- Prayer of St. Francis
- How Beautiful
- Ave Maria (Schubert)
- Ave Maria (Bach-Gounod)
- Ave Maria (Monaghan)
- Morning has Broken
- Pedro Arupe Prayer (Monaghan)
- All of this is nothing without love (Monaghan)
- You Have Loved Me In Return (Monaghan)
- Rise My Love, Come Away with Me (Monaghan)
- Panis Angelicus
- For the Beauty of the Earth
Secular Songs
- Storybook Love (from Princess Bride)
- Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley)
- I Will Be Here
- Dragon Roost Island (Legend of Zelda)
- Fairy Footsteps (Chen Yue)
- Unchained Melody
- Unforgettable
Classical Songs
- Rondeau (Mouret)
- Spring (Vivaldi)
- Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel)
- Prelude in C (Bach)
For information and scheduling, send an email inquiry to willie.monaghan@gmail.com.
Irish Wedding March (Monaghan)
Irish Blessing (Monaghan)
Wordstock Praise & Worship
Bill & friends present an evening of praise and worship songs,
featuring songs from his original The Word: A Gospel Opera, Let Us
Go Rejoicing series of Psalms and sacred songs, as well as some
contemporary favorites and traditional classics. Bill weaves
Scripture stories and real life stories into the musical presentation,
and engages the audience with opportunities to participate with singing,
clapping, hand motions, and even answering trivia questions.
Through these uplifting events, Bill, friends, and concert goers build up
God’s Kingdom through music, Scripture, fellowship, and a whole heap of
energy!
For information and scheduling, send an email inquiry to willie.monaghan@gmail.com.