Cillian Vallely, a native of Co. Armagh, is the product of an important traditional Irish music family. His parents Brian and Eithne Vallely founded the legendary Armagh Pipers’ Club, an organization that has fostered the revival of traditional music in the north of Ireland for over fifty years, and there, Vallely grew up surrounded by music. Taught by his father and local piper Mark Donnelly, he … [Read more...] about Cillian Vallely
Niall Vallely
Niall Vallely was born in Armagh in 1970 and began learning the concertina at the age of seven from his parents Brian and Eithne Vallely, founders of the Armagh Pipers' Club. Over the years he has developed a unique approach to playing the instrument and has established himself worldwide as one of Ireland’s most significant musicians. A resident of Cork since 1988, Niall completed a degree in … [Read more...] about Niall Vallely
Steve Vanlandingham
Steve grew up in Oklahoma and began playing the guitar in college, learning the blues and ragtime styles of Mississippi John Hurt, Elizabeth Cotton and other early folk musicians. He took up the 5-string banjo, inspired by the music of the Appalachian Mountains, and learned the claw-hammer styles of Uncle Dave Macon, Grandpa Jones and others. One thing led to another and before long Steve had … [Read more...] about Steve Vanlandingham
Ian Varley
Ian Varley is a native of New York, and has made Austin TX his home for the last 14 years. His day job is writing software, but he's been a professional touring and studio musician on and off since childhood. A recent convert to both Piano Accordion and traditional Irish music, he now holds down a weekly session in Austin, and he can always name a tune. Ian's given well-received talks at … [Read more...] about Ian Varley
Caitlin Warbelow
Caitlin Warbelow hails from a family of entrepreneurs and bush pilots in Alaska and currently serves as the violinist/fiddler in the original Broadway cast of the Tony Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated musical, Come From Away. She leads the new trad ensemble Warbelow Range, with Kyle Sanna, Dan Lowery, and Alan Murray. Her live album of Irish trad in Manhattan pubs, Manhattan Island … [Read more...] about Caitlin Warbelow
Jeremy Welch
Jeremy Welch has been singing his entire life, and has become an avid collector of songs from many musical traditions: Irish, Scottish, Maritimes, Americana, Bluegrass, and Cowboy, to name a few. His passion for keeping these singing traditions alive is evident whether he's on a stage or in a session. … [Read more...] about Jeremy Welch
John Whelan
Often hailed as one of the world’s best living Irish button accordion players, seven-time All-Ireland champion John Whelan was born to Irish parents living in Dunstable, England. He was raised in the vibrant London Irish music scene of the 1970s, learning his craft from such legends as Lucy Farr, Roger Sherlock, Paddy Taylor, Mick O’Connor, and his teacher, Brendan Mulkaire. John has received … [Read more...] about John Whelan
Cara Wildman
Cara Wildman is a well-respected percussionist, pianist, dancer and bodhrán player from Dorchester, TX. Cara’s talents have led her to perform in a variety of musical ensembles and genres around the world including in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Argentina, Ireland, Canada, and across the United States. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education from Texas Christian University, and … [Read more...] about Cara Wildman
Ian Wilkinson
Ian Wilkinson is from Wylie, TX and plays multiple instruments including banjo, fiddle, button accordion, mandolin, and bodhran. Ian began learning traditional Irish music while attending The North Texas School of Irish Music. His first instrument in traditional Irish tunes was the fiddle. He then picked up on the banjo and went on to become a member of the Festival Band, made up … [Read more...] about Ian Wilkinson
Ben Williamson
Ben Williamson is a bouzouki player from Ohio. He developed a love of traditional folk music as a teenager and has played in various musical groups over the years, ranging in genre from punk rock to psychedelic bluegrass. Ben further explored Irish and Balkan music and honed his skills at ZoukFest in New Mexico, where he studied with and was inspired by bouzouki legends, such as Roger Landes, Andy … [Read more...] about Ben Williamson