Dermot Byrne hails from the Inishowen peninsula of Co. Donegal, the most northerly part of Ireland, and has played accordion from the early age of four. He learned from his father Tomás O’Beirn from Teileann in South West Donegal who is an enthusiastic promoter of the tradition. Dermot at the age of only seven had already achieved an All Ireland Title at the Buncrana Fleadh Cheoil … [Read more...] about Dermot Byrne
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Johnny B. Connolly
Johnny B. Connolly was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland and has been immersed in Irish traditional music since he was eight years old. By the age of 15 he was a regular feature around his hometown, performing with musicians sometimes twice his age. Johnny’s dexterity on the accordion earned him a slot with established Celtic ensemble Anam at the age of 17. For the next two years, he continued to … [Read more...] about Johnny B. Connolly
Mike Dugger
Michael Dugger has been playing Irish music since 1982 when he was a founding member of the early super Irish American music group, Scartaglen. He was also a founding member of Sunrush and The Kelly Band. Though he started out in the music playing the stringed instruments, a left hand injury pushed him in the direction of the button accordion. He has been playing the box since 2001. He’s has shown … [Read more...] about Mike Dugger
Ken Fleming
Ken Fleming has been playing Irish music for more than four decades in the Dallas area on tenor banjo, button accordion, concertina, guitar, bouzouki and mandolin. His love of Irish music led him to become involved in 1983 in the formation of the Southwest Celtic Music Association and North Texas Irish Festival of which he was the founding president and founding director respectively. In the … [Read more...] about Ken Fleming
Colm Gannon
Colm Gannon was born, in Dorchester, Boston, MA. of Connemara parents. His father John, from Droim and his mother Gerry from Tuirin, both moved to America in the 1950’s. He learned to play music from his father and brother Sean. From a young age he was exposed to a variety of great musicians. Around Boston, in his younger years, Colm was lucky enough to play regularly with Seamus Connolly, Tina … [Read more...] about Colm Gannon
Margaret Graham
Her fiddle work has been described as "fearless and formidable . . . with captivating tone and intonation," Virginia-born Margaret Graham honed her traditional music skills playing at festivals with a vast array of talents. Margaret is a classically-trained violinist and former concertmistress of the Richmond Youth Symphony Orchestra. This early training served as a foundation for her interest in … [Read more...] about Margaret Graham
Judd Heartsill
Judd Heartsill was inspired to take up button accordion in 1997 after hearing the incomparable Jackie Daly play live with Patrick Street. He has recorded three albums with his friends from Houston's Irish Traditional band, "The Jig is Up", and also particularly enjoys playing for set dancers. He is really grateful to play with the wonderful Irish musicians around the state of Texas, and … [Read more...] about Judd Heartsill
Derek Hickey
Derek Hickey hails from Adare, Co. Limerick. Both his grandfathers played fiddle and his own musical career began at ten years of age when his uncle left an accordion in the family home. Derek progressed to dance tunes within weeks though he didn’t begin lessons - under the tutelage of Dónal de Barra - until he was 12. Derek’s professional career began three years later when he joined the … [Read more...] about Derek Hickey
James Keane
There is a substantial element of spirituality in James Keane’s love for and dedication to Irish traditional music. It is embodied in his demeanor as a quiet, thoughtful reverence that is both heartfelt and profound, but it is conveyed in his playing as a joyous devotion - tremendously uplifting, self- renewing, and triumphantly alive with emotion. Raised with a deep and abiding respect for his … [Read more...] about James Keane
Violet Moore
The daughter of professional musicians, Violet Moore started piano at an early age, switching to button accordion when she was eleven. She has studied with Natasha Sheehy, Sheila Doorley and National Heritage Fellowship recipient Billy McComiskey. Now a college sophomore, Violet has won multiple medals in regional Fleadh Cheoil competitions and is an active member of Chicago’s session scene. … [Read more...] about Violet Moore