A key figure in Rochester’s Irish and American Roots Music scene has died. Joe Dady, one-half of the Dady Brothers, died Saturday at the age of 61.
The Democrat and Chroniclequotes family members as saying that Dady was surrounded by family just before his passing.
The D&Chad reported recently that Joe’s brother, John Dady donated stem cells to Joe in an effort to combat the leukemia he was dealing with.
The Dady Brothers have been performing for more than 40 years, playing Irish and American Folk Roots music. Their websitenotes that among the instruments they were proficient in included the banjo, pennywhistle, ukulele, fiddle, mandolin, bodhran, harmonica, concertina and the uilleann pipes
The duo has played thousands of shows at concert halls, schools, music festivals and night clubs.
There were many remembrances and notes to the family Sunday at Joe Dady’s Facebook page.
John Savino is the former, longtime owner of Johnny's Irish Pub in Rochester. He says the Dady Brothers were a constant presence at his pub, not only on St. Patrick's Day, but they also played once a month at that establishment.
“I had an almost two decade relationship with them and both guys are great, but Joe is such a gentle soul, obviously incredible talent, but just such a nice, nice guy, I’m really sad to hear of his passing," Savino told WXXI News.
Local musician Jed Curran says he was devastated to hear of Joe Dady's passing. Curran knew Dady for about 40 years, and says the Dadys are like family to him. Curran also remembers Joe Dady's gentle manner.
"He really lived the folk tradition of peace through music, he didn’t just give it lip service, he really lived that life and spreading joy and peace through his music," Curran said.
Another one of the local musicians remembering Joe Dady is local singer-songwriter Connie Deming.
She says the Dady Brothers worked on a music project with her, and she remembers both of them fondly.
"They were always giving, always loving, always fun, always full of joy and kindness and if they ever saw you in an audience they would invite you up to play," Deming said.
Details on memorial services for Joe Dady are pending.
Copyright 2019 WXXI News
