"Clearly loved by his peers for his generosity, Hank is very happy to share his stage."
-The Irish Examiner
With songs inspired by good time artists including The Lovin' Spoonful, Grateful Dead, and Richard Thompson, Hank Wedel brings comradery to his music and his fans in both recordings and shows. His new album, the 10-song “What Happens in Cork” –released August 25— was produced by Declan Sinnott (Christy Moore). The album features 9 songs written by Hank, and one song written by Declan. Guest artists on the album are a who’s who of players especially from the Cork County scene.
"There are a few
reasons I decided to give the name, '"What Happens in Cork,'” says
Hank. “First, I find myself saying ‘it’s what happens in Cork,’ when I explain
nightly events in Cork City and County. I’ve heard it said, ‘if you love Cork,
it has a way of keeping you,’ and ‘if you marry a Cork woman, you’ll end up
living there…’ ‘Cork City is the only city in Ireland that hasn’t forgotten
what it is.’”
When Hank saw an
image by Cork’s longtime music photographer, “Murphy Kie” of Hank hamming it up
like a warrior with his guitar versus soldier statues at Cork’s Elizabeth Fort,
“What Happens in Cork” became his slogan, (future) podcast, and this
collection of songs!
Hank recorded “What
Happens in Cork” at Declan’s studio in The Hills of Bandon, Co. Cork during
the global lockdowns from 2020 into 2023.
Hank Wedel was born in Dayton, Ohio, USA 1963, raised in New York City and
Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland. Based in Cork City, this guitarist/vocalist/
songwriter/recording artist/band leader has performed thousands of gigs
from The North Pole to The Canary Islands, all over The USA and Europe as well
as recording/releasing albums and singles of his own material, solo or
with bands "Princes Street," "Open Kitchen," and
"Small Town Talk." This year 2024, Hank celebrates 50 years of
living in Ireland, 40 years of being based as a musician in Cork City and 30
years of a Monday Night residency with mandolin supremo Ray Barron at Charlies
Bar, Cork City. In his time Hank has performed onstage with
Shane McGowan, Mary Black, Christy Moore, Kila, Philomena Begley, and Bono.
