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• Chicago’s the Tossers bring Irish-punk fusion to the Highdive

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Chicago, Illinois' the Tossers.

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The Tossers w/ special guests The Mighty Stef »

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• Highdive »
  51 Main St. Champaign, IL 61820
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If an upbeat combination of Irish folk, punk rock and a tall glass of Guinness is your thing (which it should be), then the Tossers are bound to impress. Representing Chicago’s South Side, the crew offers a combination of instruments traditionally found in Irish folk music, such as the mandolin, tin whistle and banjo, and plays them with a punk-inspired accent.

The Tossers began playing bars and pubs in the Chicago area in the early ’90s, and the band has since released six full-length albums. Their most recent releases, The Valley of the Shadow of Death, Agony, Gloatin’ and Showboatin’: Live on St. Patrick’s Day and On a Fine Spring Evening have all been with the Chicago label Victory Records, according to the Tossers’ Web site.

The meaning behind the name of the band is open to interpretation. According to their bio, the name comes from the term meaning “to throw away.” However, it also dates back to Shakespeare and offers a variety of meanings, ranging from “drunk” to the name of the rejected currency of the British.

The Tossers’ sound of “Irish folk on crack” is along the same lines as the Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly—all of which are synonymous with lots of dancing, whiskey and beer.

This genre, although incredibly unique, is also very lovable. With lyrics such as, “Where there’s no loot, there’s no booze, and it’s no fun,” it’s blatantly obvious that the band is out to share their love of good music, good times and good people.

The Tossers have played across the country alongside countless legendary bands, with genres ranging from the punk-ska vibes of Reel Big Fish to the hardcore blend of Murphy’s Law.

Don’t miss the six-piece ensemble when the Tossers ring in St. Patrick’s Day a few days early at the Highdive in Champaign on March 12 at 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m., and The Tossers will be preceded by The Mighty Stef at 9 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale and cost $12.