The Belfast Cowboys have been performing throughout the state of Massachusetts since the late 1980’s. The band’s founding member, Jerry Robinson, is also the Massachusetts Area Coordinator for Project Children. Project Children is an American-Irish partnership/charity that seeks to diminish the tension among Catholic and Protestant young adults by providing summer internships in the United States. From the band’s inception, Robinson has donated the net proceeds from performance engagements, CD sales and apparel sales etc. solely to Project Children. Since 2017, Jerry has been splitting the proceeds between Project Children and diabetes research (JDRF). 

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Their mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.

Project Children shall continue to be the sole beneficiary of our annual Irish Open Golf Tournament.  

The Belfast Cowboys first began as a duo, Robinson and his brother in law, Father Francis Reilly, initially playing at family weddings, wakes and holiday functions. Not long thereafter, the duo took to the road to entertain at colleges, pubs and charitable events.  

Jerry has been fortunate to surround himself with great musicians over the years. In the early 90’s, a Massachusetts Judge joined the band for a stint and played the accordion on two Belfast Cowboys CD’s. Then, some 20 plus years ago, the extremely talented, Peter Larson joined the band thrilling fans with his Fiddle, Harmonica, Mandolin, Backup Vocals and his own custom made double neck guitar. 

A decade later, the equally talented, Tom Brady, signed on to play bass and provide backup vocals to round out the sound. The band now consists of three members, Jerry, Pete and Tom with the occasional guest appearance of some great local musicians and friends. 

The purpose of the band: 

“We want the people to come out, leave their troubles behind and enjoy the show. I’d like them to think of Project Children and diabetes research when they hear the name, Belfast Cowboys. The goal is to cure Type 1 Diabetes in my lifetime and to do a small part to help bolster a lasting peace in Northern Ireland.” -Jerry