Simon Lace

Simon Lace has established himself as one of the most prominent rising talents in Irish Traditional Music west of the Atlantic. Hailing from Northern California, he got his start in music learning rock and jazz but was exposed to Irish music from an early age through the traditional music community of his hometown, Nevada City. While studying composition and jazz at San Francisco State University, Simon honed his guitar and banjo skills in the SF Bay Area trad community. Since moving to Boston, his sophisticated banjo and guitar playing has made him a fixture in the Irish music scene. He has been heard performing at events such as the Maine Celtic Celebration and Boston Celtic Music Festival, in addition to hosting weekly sessions in the greater Boston area.  In addition, he has taught at programs such as CCÉ Boston Music School and the Baltimore Irish Tenor Banjo Summit, and won 1st place at the 2023 and 2024 Mid Atlantic Fleadh on banjo, mandolin, and guitar accompaniment. In addition to his own projects, he also tours the US and Australia as featured guitarist with A Taste of Ireland Dance Company.