Angela Usher, born in Manchester, is a well-known tin whistle and tenor banjo player, as well as an experienced teacher and composer of Irish music.
Angela learned the tin whistle from Marian Egan and soon progressed onto other instruments. By her mid teens, she joined her first band Curragh and was then a founding member of the popular Manchester Celtic rock group, Toss the Feathers.
Angela teaches the tin whistle and a range of other instruments to hundreds of children in schools across Manchester. She is an experienced workshop leader and recently travelled to New Zealand, Australia, and Europe to perform and deliver music workshops at various Celtic festivals.
In July 2018, Angela released her debut solo banjo album The Gort Mile. The album’s title is a reference to her origins; Angela’s grandfather, John-Joe Lally, came from Peterswell and won the Gort Mile race in the early 1920’s. Angela spent her summers in Peterswell, frequently visiting the family home of celebrated box player Joe Cooley, playing tunes with Joe’s brother, Jack. Almost half of the tunes on the album are Angela’s own compositions.
“The Gort Mile is a rare and spirited collection from an outstanding musician and teacher. Cherish it.” – Mike Harding (Broadcaster and folk musician)
Instructor – Intermediate & Advanced Tenor Banjo | Workshop Presenter – Playing Tunes with… |