Friday Bears: The Chieftains are 50

The Chieftains, the legendary Irish folk group, have hit their active 50th anniversary. Let that sink in. The Chieftains are now 50 years old. And while the band members continually changed over time, which isn't that strange given the circumstances, sticking together in any form for that long is a certain testament to resilience.

To celebrate the achievement, the group is planning to release Voice of Ages; a compilation effort which includes help from Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, The Decemberists, The Low Anthem, and more.

Listen to the group's collaboration with Bon Iver on "Down By The Willow Garden" below, courtesy of Pretty Much Amazing.

Decemberists on Leno

Supporting the group's most recent album, Hazards of Love, and upcoming summer tour, The Decemberists (with supporting vocals from both Lavender Diamond and My Brightest Diamond members) performed "The Wanting Comes in Waves" on Leno last night.

The Portland, Oregon group, for any locals following Bears and Bullets (New York City, Philadelphia area), will be appearing at Radio City Music Hall, NYC June 10 with Robyn Hitchcock and The Venus 3.

The Decemberists - The Wanting Comes in Waves (Live on Leno)