The roots of the Celtic Groundhogs trace back to St. Mary of the Woods, a parish on the northwest side of Chicago. A group of local musicians decided to put together a sing-a-long for the annual St. Patrick’s day party. Truth be told, practicing for the sing-a-long was a lot more fun than the actual gig, so several of the musicians decided to continue meeting, usually in someone's basement (parts of the reason for "Groundhogs").

After a few personnel changes and performing at private parties (usually at a member's house), the Groundhogs settled into it's current line-up in 2005.

The group has performed at block parties, neighborhood fests, private parties, in pubs, a USO show ....

The Groundhogs have played 

• Edgebrook Wildwood 4th of July Picnic,

• Fifth Province Pub (Irish American Heritage Center), Chicago

• The Edgebrook Fest

• Moher’s Pub , Chicago

• Abbey Pub , Chicago

• Ridgemore Country Club,

• Zia’s , Edison Park

• Bridie McKenna's Pub , Highland Park

• O'Brien's Restaurant and Pub , Chicago

• Taste of Park Ridge ,

• Local St. Patrick's Day Parties ,

• Private Parties