Much-loved Galway band The Saw Doctors will play four shows in the US in August, making their annual visit to the Cape Cod Melody Tent before playing at Jersey Shore landmark the Stone Pony and joining in the fun at the Westbury Music Fair on Long Island.

“The Docs”, recently among the acts invited to play for President Obama when he made his historic visit to Ireland, have been touring and promoting their latest album, The Further Adventures of the Saw Doctors, since its release last summer.

The band’s manager Ollie Jennings told The Irish Emigrant that this visit to the Northeast will be extra special, as it marks a significant anniversary.

“It’s been 20 years since we first came to the US, in September 1991, when we were brought over by the late, lamented Tommy McGann,” Jennings said. “We played the Irish Embassy pub in East Falmouth, The Channel in Boston and the old Tramps on West 21st St. in Manhattan.”

Saw Doc Leo Moran spoke of fond memories of the Melody Tent, where the band filmed the acclaimed documentary From Clare Island to Cape Cod in 2008.

“It’s one of those places you just feel privileged to play in,” he said. “The crowd is great and it’s got a wonderful atmosphere. We just love playing there.”

He said that with two Melody Tent gigs on the cards, the band is looking forward to spending some time visiting Cape Cod, which will be a novelty.

“At least we get to have a night on the Cape this year,” he laughed. “Normally we play our show and then we’re off again. We’ve got the two gigs now, so we’ll have a whole day and will be able to enjoy it.”

Jennings said the two-show stint at the tent was decided because of the way the place always catches the imagination with Saw Doctors fans. He did however wish they had more time to spend Stateside, something their hectic summer schedule didn't allow. Busy as ever, the band headlined the newly-revived London Feis in June and played the Oxegen music festival in Ireland for the seventh time in eight years at the start of July.

After the Melody Tent, the Docs will play the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, a placed famed for its connection with Bruce Springsteen, of whom Moran is a big fan.

“It’s a great place to play with all the tradition and history behind it. It should be a great gig.” he said, before intimating that the band hopes to start on a new album this winter.

“We’re all very proud of this album but it’ll be great to start working on the new one. We’ve had no time this past year but hopefully in the new year we’ll get a chance to put our feet on the ground.”

The Saw Doctors play the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, MA on August 11 and 12, and the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ on August 13. August 14 sees them at the NYCB Theatre in Westbury, Long Island for the Westbury Music Fair. Of the latter show, Jennings is keen to remind fans it’s only a short hop from the city, and with the Docs on at 7.30 pm, “You’ll still be home in plenty of time for work Monday!”

For more see sawdoctors.com.