Michelle Hedden is one of Texas' most in-demand bodhrán players and teachers. Using her vast knowledge of styles and her immense talent, she supports each tune by accentuating its unique character and feel in order to help create the communal magic that is Irish music. Michelle certainly has the ability to step out and provide impressive individual "fireworks" with her playing, but her real focus … [Read more...] about Michelle Hedden
2015
David Howley
Born in Galway on the west coast of Ireland, David Howley started his musical life at a very early age. From the age of 12, David really began to hone his craft, gigging in the local bars in Clare and Galway and joining every session possible. Playing guitar, banjo and mandolin, David was quickly marked as a hugely talented singer and multi-instrumentalist being described as having "soul beyond … [Read more...] about David Howley
Martin Howley
Seven-time All Ireland Banjo Champion, Martin Howley, is one of Ireland's most distinguished banjo exports. Martin, hailing from South Galway, grew up in a house full with music with his father and brother both playing music professionally. He began touring at a young age, travelling across Europe and the U.S. performing with the Brock McGuire Band and Celtic Legends. His diverse musical … [Read more...] about Martin Howley
Alan Kelly
Described by New York's Irish Voice as "in league with the best piano accordionists in the world," Alan Kelly is regarded as one of Ireland's most accomplished musicians in any genre. He is a piano accordionist, composer and arranger, utterly at home in his own skin. Though Alan hails from the rich traditional musical landscape of Roscommon, in the west of Ireland, variety in repertoire is one of … [Read more...] about Alan Kelly
John Liestman
John Liestman has been playing Irish traditional music on the tenor banjo, mandolin, and uilleann pipes for over 30 years. He taught mandolin in 2011, 2012 and 2015 at the prestigious O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, at the 2015 St Louis Tionol, and is an instructor with the Houston School of Irish Music. Over the years he has been a member of Terry and the Pirates, Claddagh (featuring Olcan … [Read more...] about John Liestman
Brian McNamara
Brian McNamara hails from County Leitrim, a musically rich rural region of Ireland which has produced notable musicians past and present and which has been prominently associated with the preservation and performance of Irish Traditional Music. Introduced to the uilleann pipes in 1979, Brian has become renowned nationally and internationally for his unique musical style and repertoire. As a winner … [Read more...] about Brian McNamara
Caitlín Nic Gabhann
Three time All-Ireland champion on concertina, Caitlín Nic Gabhann is a regular performer at festivals and in concert halls from North America all the way to Asia. She is also an accomplished dancer and in 2009, joined Riverdance as a troupe dancer. Writing tunes since the age of ten, her compositions have been performed in the Cork Opera House and The National Concert Hall, Dublin. She … [Read more...] about Caitlín Nic Gabhann
Ciarán Ó Maonaigh
A former recipient of TG4 Young Musician of the Year, fiddle player Ciarán Ó Maonaigh hails from the Gaoth Dobhair gaeltacht in Co. Donegal. Growing up, he was heavily influenced by his extended family; his grandfather and teacher Francie Mooney, Altan members Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy, Derry fiddle player Dermot McLaughlin as well as the Donegal fiddle legend John Doherty amongst … [Read more...] about Ciarán Ó Maonaigh
Sue Richards
Sue Richards is a traditional Celtic harper who studied classical harp as a teen at Oberlin College and then Ohio State University. When she discovered Celtic harps, she immediately ignored the pedal harp and turned to the Irish and Scottish music of her heritage, winning the American National Scottish Harp Championship four times. She has played for Presidents Clinton and Bush, Queen Elizabeth of … [Read more...] about Sue Richards
Enda Scahill
Enda is the co-winner of the prestigious 2022 Steve Martin Banjo Prize, an award that recognises excellence in banjo. He is one of the most accomplished and recognised banjo players of his generation, an innovator who bridges the traditions of Irish music and the dynamic folk music of America. His rise from session musician to his debut album Pick It Up and on to founding one of Ireland’s greatest … [Read more...] about Enda Scahill