Pete Strickler

Having spent his entire adult life being involved in music, from playing and promoting, to teaching, Pete Strickler finally found exactly what he was looking for when he was first introduced to Irish Traditional Music in his 30s.

Pete’s early years playing Irish traditional music were under the tutelage of both Matt and Shannon Heaton.  In 2006, he took over the reins of the Small Circle Tune Learning Session in Colorado (originally founded by the Heatons), and helped continue its legacy as a popular conduit for introducing people to the world of Irish traditional music. He still teaches the learning session weekly, as well as giving private lessons to banjo students both online and out of his home in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and at festivals around the U.S.

Pete has played in several bands in Colorado, including Ask My Father, Maggie’s Favourite, and Down The Back Lane.  He has performed with the likes of John Carty, Tony DeMarco, Brian Conway, Marla Fibish, and Matt and Shannon Heaton.

In 2016, Pete released his debut solo album, Giotár, along with accompanist Charlie Branch. The album primarily features Pete’s tenor guitar playing, along with healthy doses of both tenor banjo and mandolin. The album has been well received, and has been featured on radio programs in both the U.S. and Ireland.