Sean Daly and the Shams with Culann’s Hounds

Get ready for a powerful night of Irish music as the UICC Emerald Pub welcomes the return of Sean Daly and the Shams, joined by opening act Culann’s Hounds.

Sean Daly and the Shams bring their unmistakable blend of Irish rebel rock, folk, punk, and tradition to San Francisco as a final stop before heading to Ireland for a sold-out tour. Known as the #1 Irish Rebel Rock band in the United States, the band is based in Portland and proudly rooted in Donegal, Ireland—delivering music that is bold, unfiltered, and built for the pub stage.

Opening the night, Culann’s Hounds set the tone with driving energy and modern Celtic edge—making this a double bill not to be missed.

Come get your Irish on for a night of music, community, and rebel spirit at the UICC.

About Sean Daly and the Shams

Back home in Donegal, “sham” simply means dude. For Sean Daly, it became something more—a calling.

Raised on the songs that carried Ireland’s soul—The Wolfe Tones, The Dubliners, Rory Gallagher, The Pogues—Sean brought that music across the ocean and built something new around it. The Shams are an eclectic crew, colliding folk, rock, punk, and traditional Irish music into a sound that hits hard and lands deep.

From intimate pub sessions to headlining major venues like the American Music Hall, The Shams deliver every show with conviction, heart, and history. Their music offers a raw, modern perspective on Irish tradition—respectful of the past and fearless in the present.

Meet the Band

Franko – multi-instrumentalist blending trad Irish, blues, Americana, rock, and funk. A seasoned performer who has graced iconic stages like Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and the Bluebird Café.

Helmut De La Cruz – Drums. A powerhouse rhythm force with roots in Barranquilla, Colombia, and Long Beach, CA. Former USC Trojan Marching Band snare drummer (Rose Bowl, Rose Parade, Grammys), bringing global rhythms and stadium-level drive.

Jason – Mandolin, accordion, whistles. A lifelong Celtic music devotee and co-founder of Portland bands Sons of Malarkey, Bellow Bridge, and The Morags—keeping the rebel songs alive with depth and soul.

Cole Derry – Bass. Forged in Portland’s bar scene and garage rock circuit, anchoring The Shams with gritty, road-tested energy.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher United Irish Cultural Center