Our Story Welcome to the world of The Orange and Green Band! Formed by Paul Davis and Chris Cooke, our band embodies the vibrant fusion of cultural backgrounds and musical styles. Named after the famous Irish song “The Orange and the Green,” our music celebrates the rich tapestry of Irish heritage and the spirit of inclusivity and friendship.
Paul Davis, an active member of his Protestant church community and Chris Cooke, a proud Irish Catholic and member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, have been making music together for over a decade. Their bond over music and mutual respect for each other’s backgrounds have turned The Orange and Green Band into a symbol of unity through music.
Our Music Our repertoire is a lively mix of Irish pub songs, traditional tunes, and occasional Rock and Pop tune thrown in for good measure. With Chris on guitar and mandolin, and Paul on the bodhrán, tin whistle and Bouzouki we bring a dynamic energy to every performance. Both members also share a passion for playing bagpipes, adding a unique flavor to our sound.
Our Mission The mission of The Orange and Green Band is to bridge cultural divides through the universal language of music. We aim to create an inviting atmosphere where everyone, regardless of background, can come together to enjoy the spirited melodies and rich stories woven into our songs.
Meet the Band
Paul Davis – The Orange part of the Band
Paul makes up the Orange portion of the band and is a native of North Carolina.
Paul is a proud alumni of NC State where he played in the marching band. Paul also joined the NC State Pipe Band where he learned to play the bagpipes. He is a long time member of Wake & District Public Safety Pipes and Drums as well as a member of An Gorta Mor Memorial Pipes & Drums.
On occasion Paul hangs up his kilt and puts on his lederhosen to play trombone with the Little German Band.
Chris Cooke – The ‘Green’ part of the Band
Originally from New York, Chris moved to North Carolina in 2009 and quickly became involved in the Irish Community around Raleigh, NC. His musical journey began at the tender age of 8 when he joined the Mid-Hudson Rivermen Drum and Bugle Corps alongside his brother, Gordon (Buddy) Cooke. Starting on the Soprano Horn, Chris later transitioned to the Mellophone with the Rivermen and eventually played the Trumpet, Baritone, and Tuba in his high school marching band and the Hudson Valley Council Band. Throughout his time with these bands, Chris participated in numerous parades, with a standout moment being a performance at Buffalo Bill’s Rich Stadium (now Highmark Stadium) during a Drum Corps International (DCI) competition.
Chris’s passion for music deepened through his involvement in his church choir, under the direction of Joseph Bertolozzi. Bertolozzi not only taught him how to sing but also instilled in him a profound love for music. Growing up near folk legend Pete Seeger, Chris treasures memories of Seeger and Arlo Guthrie performing at his elementary school, where he was captivated by Seeger’s banjo skills and stage presence.
For the last decade Chris has performed throughout the Triangle and beyond with another Irish Pub band Ewes Tree .
In 2020, despite global challenges, Chris actively ran a weekly online Irish Traditional Music Session on Zoom and began learning to play the bagpipes and is a founding member of An Gorta Mor Memorial Pipes and Drums. That same year, he was appointed as the Digital Coordinator to the National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
In 2021, Chris was recognized by the Irish Echo, receiving one of the inaugural Arts & Culture Awards for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of Irish music and culture.
In 2023, Chris had the honor of performing in Youngstown, Ohio, for former Taoiseach of Ireland, Bertie Ahern.
The following year, in 2024, Chris led as the Lead Piper in the Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a role that marked a significant milestone in his musical career.
Through his musical ventures and cultural contributions, Chris continues to inspire and connect communities, celebrating his Irish heritage with every note played.
What are the instruments you play?
Paul plays Tin Whistle, Bodhrán, Bouzouki and Harmonica with the band which Chris plays Guitar and Mandolin. You may be asking your self what some of these instruments are. A tin whistle (or penny whistle) is a small six-holed flute that is commonly found in Irish music. A Bodhrán is a traditional Irish Drum that is played with a beater (also known as a tipper) . A Mandolin is a small 8 stringed instrument which has 4 pairs of matching strings that give it a unique sound. A Bouzouki is a long-necked Greek lute which has been adopted into the Irish Tradition and is very closely related to the Octave Mandolin.
That’s Not even close to all the instruments they play. Paul and Chris are both instrumentalists and there’s a chance you might see them playing Irish Tenor Banjo, 5 String Banjo, Fiddle, Button Accordion, Concertina, Lap Dulcimer, Hammer Dulcimer, Bowed Psaltery and even the Hurdy-gurdy.
They both also play the Bagpipes!
Our Journey Our journey has taken us from intimate pub settings to larger cultural festivals, where we’ve had the honor of sharing our music and message with diverse audiences. Each performance is not just a show; it’s an opportunity to celebrate and foster understanding across cultural lines.
Join Us Stay connected with The Orange and Green Band as we continue to explore and expand the horizons of traditional Irish music. We invite you to join us at our shows, participate in our gatherings, and follow our adventures online. Whether it’s your first time encountering Irish music or you’re a seasoned enthusiast, we promise an experience filled with joy and camaraderie.
Contact Us Interested in booking The Orange and Green Band for your event, or just want to chat about music and culture? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us to get in touch.
