2012 CELTIC COLLEGE TEACHER BIOGRAPHIES

*teachers and groups are listed in alphabetical order*

Isaac Alderson – Int/Adv Irish , Beg 2 Flute/Whistle, Irish Ensemble with Comas All-Ireland Senior Champion on three instruments: , flute and whistle. Now residing in New York, he has played throughout the northeast and across the country with a wide range of traditional and modern trad music artists. Isaac Alderson began pursuing the craft of at the age of 13 in his home city of Chicago. Throughout his teenage years he had the good fortune to study with Fermanagh flute and whistle master Laurence Nugent, and took piping lessons periodically with Al Purcell, Kieran O'Hare, and Jerry O'Sullivan, among others. www.isaacalderson.com

Rachel Aucoin – Song, Quebec Piano Accompaniment, Quebec Ensemble with Raz de Maree After a frankly classical training including two Masters degrees (performance - UM 2001 and piano pedagogy - UL, 2003), two first prizes at the Canadian Music Competition (1997 and 1998) and a solo performance of Beethoven's second with the Orchestre Symphonique de la Montérégie (1997), Rachel Aucoin specialises today in accompaniment, since her first appearance at the Carrefour Mondial de l'Accordéon in 1999. www.tidalwavemusic.com

Qristina Bachand - Qristina Bachand is an expressive fiddler, with a unique personal style that is bold & edgy. Though strongly rooted in the Celtic tradition, her versatility and interests also include Old-Time, Appalachian, Swing and . Qristina‘s personal fiddling style reflects her varied musical interests and the many international coaches with whom she has studied. Clearly at ease on stage, Qristina is a natural performer, consistently delivering a spirited performance that features her energy, enthusiasm and love of www.qbachand.com

Quinn Bachand - Guitar Victoria born Quinn Bachand already has a reputation as "one of the best Celtic guitar accompanists in the world" (Ashley MacIsaac). Although Quinn plays a range of styles including gypsy-jazz, it is his talents in the world of Celtic music that are drawing the most attention. A focused and intense musician, Quinn has the unique ability to bring out the best in each tune. Quinn adds a contemporary edge to traditional Celtic music; his hard-driving strumming, inventive chord voicing and powerful rhythmic effects make even the most well-worn tunes seem new and exciting. www.qbachand.com

Aidan Burke – Fiddle, Irish Ensemble with Comas Born of Sligo and Tipperary parents Aidan was brought up in the Irish culture of music song and dance, he was playing and dancing at an early age – the drums at 2 years, dancing at 5 years. Having (Fiddle player in , and Open House.) as a first cousin he was destined to play the fiddle and started at 8 years. Aidan has won twenty 1st place titles and as many 2nd and 3rds on his main instruments between The Fleadh Cheoil na Breataine and Fleadh na hEireann. www.aidanburke.com

Jake Charron – Piano, Ontario Ensemble Jake Charron is continuing to build a reputation as one of ‘s finest accompanists for fiddle music. He has become a much sought-after musician for traditional styles, playing piano and guitar with artists across Canada and the United States. www.jakecharron.com

Max Cohen – Guitar Max Cohen‘s natural humility belies his amazing talent. An accomplished guitarist, Max is capable of playing with tremendous sensitivity as well as driving rhythmic power. As an accompanist, his approach is appropriate for the music, and his attention to detail sets him apart from the herd. His original melodies shine with elegant simplicity and his spacious arrangements leave room for the listener. www.fiddlingdemystified.com/home/max

Comas - Irish Ensemble Although coming from diverse musical backgrounds, and residing in different parts of the globe, Comas found each other in their similar approach to music, bringing together their many cultural influences to forge a unique blend of traditional Irish music that literally had them, within months of coming together, playing on major Festivals in Ireland/ Belgium/France/ England/ Denmark/ Holland. When you hear Comas you'll know that their choice of name was no mere coincidence, translating from Irish Gaelic as ―power‖. And power is exactly what this band is about. Depicting their own driving power coupled with a fine sensitivity for the inner strands of magic that is inherent in Irish music. www.comasmusic.com

Shane Cook – Fiddle, Ontario Ensemble Shane Cook "rates at the top of the short list of the finest fiddlers in the world today," says the Canadian Fiddlers' Hall of Fame. Shane has distinguished himself as a master of an array of fiddle styles and is a multiple winner of the Canadian Open, Canadian Grand Masters, and US Grand National Fiddle Championships. www.shanecook.com

Shane Cook and Jake Charron - Ontario Ensemble Shane Cook "rates at the top of the short list of the finest fiddlers in the world today," says the Canadian Fiddlers' Hall of Fame. Shane has distinguished himself as a master of an array of fiddle styles and is a multiple winner of the Canadian Open, Canadian Grand Masters, and US Grand National Fiddle Championships. Jake Charron is continuing to build a reputation as one of Canada‘s finest accompanists for fiddle music. He has become a much sought-after musician for traditional styles, playing piano and guitar with artists across Canada and the United States. www.shanecook.com www.jakecharron.com

Catherine Crowe – Copper Enamelling It is my belief that art, like music, can build cultural community rather than foster elitism. By changing our relationship to modern artifacts we can come to a better understanding of our past, and consequently, our relationship with each other. Each piece has its own story, informed by research in early history, archaeology, anthropology and folklore. My vision is to mirror the past, and speak to the present through ancient symbols. My love affair with Irish Culture began with an interest in traditional singing, which I still pursue. I have recorded two critically acclaimed albums and played at major folk and Celtic Festivals across , but my favourite place to sing in still in the kitchen with a few like-minded friends. www.imagocorvi.com

Cupola – Morris Dance, English Vocal Harmony CUPOLA brings together Sarah Matthews, Doug Eunson and Oli Matthews as a three-piece band, playing English and European dance music, and singing English songs in three-part harmony. Melodeons, , viola, soprano saxophone, vocals, and hurdy-gurdy combine effortlessly with sublime harmonies. The choice of material is inspired by tradition and contemporary works alike, with the emphasis on great melodies and intricate arrangements. www.myspace.com/cupolafolk

Fionan de Barra – Guitar, Bodhran, Contemporary Celtic Ensemble Fionan started playing guitar professionally with Riverdance in the USA in 1999. Since then he has worked as musical director for Moya Brennan (of Clannad) and her band. He performed, co-wrote, arranged and recorded songs for her albums, and co-wrote music with her for the film ‗To end all wars‘ (2001). He has performed with Solas, Eileen Ivers, Camille O'Sullivan, Zoe Conway, Catriona McKay, Tommy Fleming, Francis Black, Damien Dempsey, Rodrigo y Gabriella, and Galldubh. www.runamusic.com

Christina Dolphin – Flute, Whistle, Irish Repertoire for Ensemble Christina is a flute player from . After starting the at the age of 7, she then progressed to the flute, fiddle and classical piano. She has All-Ireland and Oireachtas titles on both flute and tin whistle; and received honours in grade 8 piano with the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She has toured extensively with Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann around Ireland, the UK, the USA, Canada and China. She has taught and performed at various festivals in Ireland around Europe, including Scoil Eigse at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Cavan, Le Bono Winterschool in Brittany, and Busto International Folk Festival in Italy. Christina also holds a diploma in teaching traditional music (TTCT) which she received from Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in 2008. www.myspace.com/christinadolphin

Doug Eunson – Melodeon, Morris Dance, English Vocal Harmony CUPOLA brings together Sarah Matthews, Doug Eunson and Oli Matthews as a three-piece band, playing English and European dance music, and singing English songs in three-part harmony. Melodeons, fiddles, viola, soprano saxophone, vocals, clarinet and hurdy-gurdy combine effortlessly with sublime harmonies. The choice of material is inspired by tradition and contemporary works alike, with the emphasis on great melodies and intricate arrangements. www.myspace.com/cupolafolk

Daoiri Farrell – , Song, Irish Repertoire for Ensemble Daoirí Farrell is a folk singer and bouzouki, guitar and player from Dublin who is a graduate of the Ceoltoir, Higher National Diploma In Traditional Music Performance course in BCFE, and is currently studying for his B.A. (Hons) in Applied Music in DKIT. In 2009 he toured Germany with the Irish Spring tour as a solo artist. His influences are , & Frank Harte. www.daoiri.com

Eric Favreau – Quebec Fiddle, Quebec Ensemble with Raz de Maree Éric Favreau comes from a family of traditional musicians and has spent a great deal of time playing with other fiddlers, learning their repertoire and studying their varied styles. Éric has explored and exploited various sources including archives and personally made field recordings and has accumulated a rich and fascinating repertoire. Over the years, he has garnered a profound understanding and vast knowledge of Québécois traditional music. www.tidalwavemusic.com

Sheila Graziano – Percussive Step Dance Smitten with the art of traditional dance, Sheila devotes much of her time to continually developing her skills and knowledge of traditional dance, including Appalachian, Canadian, Celtic-inspired and historic American dance steps. She was a founder and member of The Crosstown Cloggers, Crow‘s Feet, and The CommonWealth Dance Collective. Her solo dancing was a spotlight feature of The Raisin Pickers Stringband‘s show for many years. She teaches ongoing lessons for adults and teenagers and presents workshops at various festivals and events.

Matt Griffin – Guitar Matt Griffin is a multi-instrumentalist based in Dingle, Co Kerry. Born in London of Irish parents, Matt grew up playing and learning music within the capital‘s vibrant traditional Irish music scene. In 2001. Matt was awarded a scholarship at the Purcell school of music where he studied Classical and composition. In 2004 Matt relocated to Ireland where he began his studies in Irish traditional music at the University of Limerick. Since arriving in Ireland, Matt‘s abilities as a guitar accompanist have been in great demand and he has recorded and/ or performed with a variety of artists including Alan Kelly, Steph Geremia, Niall Keegan, Garry Shannon, Michael O'Suillleabhain and .

Donna Hebert – Fiddle A fiddle teacher at both Smith and Amherst Colleges and recipient of eight NEA Master/Apprenticeship Grants in the Traditional Arts, Donna Hébert understands fiddling like few teachers can. ―Donna gets it all right,‖ says fiddling pioneer Darol Anger in his foreword to her Fiddling Demystified for Strings, a 70-page volume with 3 instructional CDs that he calls ―a fiddling encyclopedia‖. Donna‘s workshops teach defining techniques in Celtic, Québecois and Southern Old-Time fiddling, sometimes using one tune for several styles. Students learn rhythms that help define a style first, adding melody, ornaments and harmony in layers over a core beat. www.fiddlingdemystified.com

Molly Hebert-Wilson Singer Molly Hebert-Wilson graduated in May 2011 with degrees in Irish studies and musical theater from NYU‘s Tisch School of the Arts. She remains a member of NYU‘s Irish Folk Group at Ireland House and teaches Irish to children in Brooklyn. With almost thirty theater productions to her lifelong credit, Molly imbues Irish, French and English-language songs with every ounce of character and meaning, comedic to tragic. She is also a vocal coach, preparing children for performance at festivals in the northeast and Canada. www.fiddlingdemystified.com

Jean Hewson – Guitar, Song, Newfoundland Fiddle and Guitar Ensemble Jean Hewson has been a professional musician for thirteen years, and is one of the most talented balladeers singing and playing in Newfoundland today. She is best known for her work with the now defunct folk group Barkin Kettle. This band performed at the Edmonton, Vancouver, and Hamilton folk festivals at Expo ‘86, and at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1986. Jean has had many appearances singing and playing piano and guitar on CBC radio and television. www.jeanandchristina.com

Josh House – Instrument Repair I picked up my first guitar when I was 15 and never looked back. My interest in guitar-building came from my love for the instrument, and through seeing the custom guitars that many of my favourite musicians were playing. It had never occurred to me that someone could build their own guitar. In 2003, I took a building course with world-renowned luthier, Sergei de Jonge, then returned home to continue honing my skills through self-study. www.houseguitars.com

Sabin Jacques – Button , Quebec Ensemble with Raz de Maree Since Sabin Jacques began playing the accordion at age 14, his reputation grew non-stop: his multiple and diverse musical engagements made him a versatile and accomplished artist. Deeply influenced by such musicians as Simard, Bruneau, Labbé, Messervier and Montmarquette, he sought his originality in his unusual technique which gives him, as a left-handed player, a recognizable signature. His most recent recordings (2007 and 2010) present traditional tunes from Quebec played through remarkable arrangements, with his fellow musicians from band Tidal Wave / Raz-de-marée, putting a highlight on his stunning technique and musicianship while confirming his status as one of Quebec's leading master accordionists. www.tidalwavemusic.com

Hilary James – Song, Drawing in Music Hilary James' "elegant singing" (Daily Telegraph) has received huge acclaim: quintessentially English but easily crossing the great musical divides from Celtic ballads to blues and Berlioz. She's famed too for an unlikely taste in bass instruments (she could turn up with her giant mandobass or slimline semi-acoustic ), accompanying Simon on guitar on anything from Vivaldi to bluegrass and even managing a step dance if the wind is in the right direction. www.mandolin.co.uk/duo.html

Sharon Johnston - Harp Sharon Johnston has always had a passion for music making in a group or ensemble, and brings her skills and experience as a long time teacher to the . Sharon has studied harp with Mary Anderson, Anita Leschied, Robin Huw Bowen, and her mentor Janet Harbison, with whom she spent two weeks in intensive study in Castleconnell, Ireland. Based in Goderich, she is a founding member of the Huron Harp Ensemble and has established a growing harp school in Huron County. Sharon makes learning the harp accessible and fun. www.sharonjohnstonharp.com

David K – Learning a Second Instrument, Guitar Somewhere out there is a crossroad where old blues collides with country, and there you'll find David K, dodging the wreckage to create his unique blend of acoustic country, folk and blues. David K has toured extensively across Canada, the United States, Great Britain and Ireland, impressing audiences everywhere with his Guitars, Slide & Steel Guitars, and , plus his great singing. He is a dynamic solo performer and songwriter, as well as a gifted side-musician, and his performances have been highly praised on both sides of the Atlantic. http://members.shaw.ca/davidk1/

Caroline Keane – Concertina, Irish Repertoire for Ensemble Caroline's musical career began at the age of seven when she began tin whistle lessons with her local Comhaltas branch in Limerick. After a brief stint with this, her ambitions soon spread to the concertina. Under the guidance of her then teacher, she developed proficiency her art, receiving the Lán Mara award in 2006. She now regards her music as having a strong traditional base with occasional references to the genres including Classical, Jazz and East Clare. At present, while studying as an undergraduate on the BA in Irish Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, Caroline has already secured her TTCT Diploma in Irish music teaching, awarded by Comhaltas and is teaching on a part-time basis at secondary level in addition to her private classes. www.myspace.com/reelsnheels

Sean Keane – Song, Sean Keane, who hails from the the famous traditional music family from Caherlistrane, Co. Galway, needs no introduction to lovers of folk, traditional and indeed . His background in music and singing stretches back to early childhood and his solo career is now ten years strong. In that time he has released six solo albums, with material ranging from unaccompanied traditional songs, through folk and newly penned offerings, to country songs and even some blues. In all cases, the hallmark of Sean`s work is his unmistakeable voice which lends itself perfectly to all these genres and allows him to take ownership of a widely diverse selection of material.

Stuart Kenney – Quebec Tunes, Banjo One of the most in demand upright bass, and five-string banjo players on the US contradance circuit, Stuart Kenney's regional musical interests sweep from Southwest Louisiana to Acadia. He has a long career in many traditional music genres. Stuart cut his Cajun teeth with the legendary, late Dewey Balfa, and played with him for many of his northeast appearances. His interest in Quebecois music formed through the fiddling of Lisa Ornstein, and performances by La Bottine Souriante. www.tidalwavemusic.com

Cathall King – Irish Flute Cathall is one of the new breed of avant-garde flute players currently emerging in the world of Celtic Music. He hails from the Clare/Limerick area and is quite experimental in style. He has an excellent natural flair for fluid, effortless ornamentation and variation which interweaves seamlessly with the melody. He has performed with Niamh Ni Charra regularly both nationally and internationally and also tours with Irish Dance show Celtic Legends.

The Kruger Brothers - Arranging for Folk Ensemble Since a formal introduction to American audiences in 1997, their remarkable facility with their instruments and unique take on the American Songbook have made the Kruger Brothers a fixture within the world of . Although initially staying fairly close to a traditional repertoire, the group later turned to song writing and composition in order to draw more closely from their personal experiences. The Kruger Brothers personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. www.krugerbrothers.com

Jens Kruger – Chords and Harmonic Structure, Banjo, Folk Ensemble At age six, when Jens heard the banjo on one of his dad‘s American records, he yearned to play it. Jens‘ style and virtuosity cannot be characterized with a word or phrase. But those who have heard Jens play banjo know that he is truly a master of his art. As a composer, Jens‘ comprehension of music in all of its forms is becoming well known among his peers, colleagues, and the Kruger Brothers‘ growing audience. www.krugerbrothers.com

Uwe Kruger – Guitar, Folk Ensemble For more than twenty-five years Uwe has been playing guitar and singing as a professional musician. Performing in Switzerland‘s relatively limited music market required Uwe to develop versatility, and he became proficient on other instruments including the electric guitar and the banjo. Today, Uwe astonishes audiences with his blend of guitar styles. His rich, resonant, and mellow baritone voice has an uplifting effect on all who hear him sing. www.krugerbrothers.com

Shannon Lambert-Ryan – Song, Contemporary Celtic Ensemble Coming from a variety of musical backgrounds including Celtic, folk, classical, and musical theatre, Shannon Lambert-Ryan, of Philadelphia, fronts Runa with rich, vibrant vocals, and gentle piano playing. As a musician, she spent three years as the lead female vocalist in Boston-based, ensemble, the Guy Mendilow Band, before forming, Runa, with husband and co-founder, Fionan de Barra. Together, they recorded and produced her solo album, Across the Pond, in 2008, and Runa's new release, Jealousy, in 2009. Additionally, she has performed as a vocalist with a number of artists, including Moya Brennan,John Flynn, and Joe Jencks. www.runamusic.com

Joel Landsberg – Bass, Folk Ensemble One can only imagine the number and variety of musical influences—Broadway, classical, jazz, rhythm and blues—that surrounded Joel as he was growing up in New York City. Like Uwe and Jens, Joel began his musical career early in life, and picked up the bass at the age of 12. Destined to find Uwe and Jens, in 1989 Joel moved to Switzerland and began a successful career as a bassist with various country/rock and jazz groups based throughout Europe. It was during this time that he met the Kruger Brothers and developed what would turn into a deeply rewarding musical alliance and friendship. www.krugerbrothers.com

Zac Leger – Flute/Whistle Zac Leger is largely self-taught, and an award winning uilleann piper, multi-instrumentalist , performer and composer. Zac was a gold medalist in the 2003 Mid-Atlantic Fleadh, taking several other medals on other instruments. He also holds a senior All-Ireland piping title, one of only several Americans to ever place in this prestigeous event. He has played and toured with a number of groups such as Pictou, Sigean, Glen Road, The Border Collies and Finnegan's Wake and he was the featured piper in the 2007 Irish dance show "Emerald Beat" based at Busch Gardens Theme Parks. He has also performed, played and recorded with many of the leading lights in Irish and Celtic music including fiddler Liz Carroll, guitarist John Doyle, and ethnomusicologist and Irish music legend Mick Moloney. www.myspace.com/zacleger

Emory Lester - Mandolin Emory Lester is one of this day's foremost exponents of the acoustic mandolin. The power and attack of his mandolin playing are unmatched, and his sound is infectious. His 1993 recording "Pale Rider", and 1995 recording "The Emory Lester Set" has placed him among the elite mandolinists of our time. But there is more to this musician than first meets the ear. He has long been an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, and has performed with many jazz groups as a violinist, and with several new age ensembles playing a variety of instruments. His jazz playing retains the energy that is the trademark of his bluegrass playing, while his new age compositions show a lighter and more flowing style of his music. www.emorylester.com

Darrell Markewitz – Smelt and Forge Ancient Iron Darrell Markewitz is the hand that guides the hammer. He has been working with forged steel, and producing historic reproductions, since the late 1970's. Four years at Ontario College of Art has led to a blending of modern design concepts with a traditional craft. Five years at Black Creek Pioneer Village, three as primary blacksmith, has yielded a deep understanding of historic styles and techniques from the Settlement era. An area of personal interest and study has been the Early Mediaeval period, especially the Viking Age, resulting in work that truly spans the ages. www.warehamforge.ca

Philip Masure – Guitar, Irish Ensemble with Comas Although Philip plays a number of instruments, he is mostly known as a guitar player. He has specialised in open-tuning (DADGAD) and has played with a number of well-known bands. Philip is also in great demand as a guitar teacher, and has been giving workshops all over the world (Ireland, Canada, Brittany, Belgium, Holland, France, Denmark). He also does a lot of studio work and is often asked as a producer. www.comasmusic.com

Oli Matthews – Improv for Melody Instruments, Morris Dance, English Vocal Harmony CUPOLA brings together Sarah Matthews, Doug Eunson and Oli Matthews as a three-piece band, playing English and European dance music, and singing English songs in three-part harmony. Melodeons, fiddles, viola, soprano saxophone, vocals, clarinet and hurdy-gurdy combine effortlessly with sublime harmonies. The choice of material is inspired by tradition and contemporary works alike, with the emphasis on great melodies and intricate arrangements. www.myspace.com/cupolafolk

Sarah Matthews – Fiddle, Morris Dance, English Vocal Harmony CUPOLA brings together Sarah Matthews, Doug Eunson and Oli Matthews as a three-piece band, playing English and European dance music, and singing English songs in three-part harmony. Melodeons, fiddles, viola, soprano saxophone, vocals, clarinet and hurdy-gurdy combine effortlessly with sublime harmonies. The choice of material is inspired by tradition and contemporary works alike, with the emphasis on great melodies and intricate arrangements. www.myspace.com/cupolafolk

Simon Mayor – Mandolin Simon Mayor is one of the world's leading mandolinists as well as a fine fiddle player, guitarist, composer and wit. His live performances are a riot of humourous anecdotes and off-the-cuff wit alongside dazzling musicianship. www.mandolin.co.uk

Eileen McGann – Song 2002 Juno nominee Eileen McGann is widely acclaimed as one of the best contemporary Canadian songwriters, as well as one of the finest Celtic traditional singers anywhere. Add to this a dynamic performance style, an infectious sense of humour and a singing voice variously described as "magnificent", "stunning" and "hauntingly beautiful", and you have an artist not to be missed. Her songs paint pictures, tell stories and poke fun at life's absurdities. A strong environmental and social sensibility pervades much of her writing and her choice of traditional material ranges from ancient ballads to rollicking songs of love and adventure. http://members.shaw.ca/emcgann

Brian McNeill – Fiddle, Scottish Song One of the most acclaimed forces in Scottish music, Brian has been described as ‗‘s most meaningful contemporary songwriter‘ (The Scotsman); add to that his work and influence as performer, composer, producer, teacher, musical director, band leader, novelist and interpreter of Scotland‘s past, present and future and you have a man who has never stood still. He has performed around the globe, both as a soloist and with some of the era‘s most influential bands, including , which he founded in 1969, and Clan Alba. www.brianmcneill.co.uk

Jackie Moran – Bodhran, Irish Ensemble with Comas The foundation of Irish traditional music is the pulse of its drum, the Bodhrán. And no other percussionist tills that ground better than Jackie Moran. A founding and driving force of such influential bands as The Drovers, Wilding, Comas, Bua, and The Otters, Jackie is a fixture in the studio and in concert settings, sympathetically accompanying such great artists as Daire Bracken, Kevin Burke, Dennis Cahill, Liz Carroll, John Doyle, Alain Genty, Martin Hayes, Paddy Keenan, Philip Masure, David Munnelly, Aidan Burke, Daithi Rua, and Jimmy Keane. www.comasmusic.com

Maureen Mulvey – Dance Maureen Mulvey is a renowned set and ceili dance caller and teacher in Southwestern Ontario, and has been teaching with us since the beginning. Maureen makes dancing easy, fun, and welcoming – no experience required!

Niamh Ni Charra – Fiddle, Concertina Niamh hails from Killarney, Ireland, where she started playing music at the age of 4. A multiple award winner on both fiddle and concertina, she toured for 8 years as a soloist with Riverdance, performing in over 2500 shows, before returning to Ireland where she is now based. Along with touring extensively as a solo artist and with her own band, Niamh has also performed and recorded with The Chieftains, and with Carlos Núñez. and in 2011 released a new album "The Basque Irish Connection", in collaboration with Basque musician Ibon Koteron. She is currently working on her fourth album due for release in March 2013. She has taught both fiddle and concertina and regularly gives workshops and masterclasses. www.niamhnicharra.com

The Once – Vocal Harmony, Newfoundland Songs From their beginnings as three actors who also loved to sing together, The Once has embraced a different vision of Newfoundland music. Their sounds do not come from the noisy pubs and dockside taverns that fuel so much of the Island‘s energy. Instead, their music comes from a quieter and more thoughtful place. Hope and tragedy are intertwined in their music, whether they are singing an old lament from World War I, original songs that speak of love defeated, or tasteful songs from the artists whose music inspires them.

Cheryl Prashker – Contemporary Celtic Ensemble, Hand & Auxiliary Percussion Cheryl Prashker studied classical percussion at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where she was born and raised. She has toured Canada, U.S. Europe and Russia. She spent many years in NY City where she honed her skills of playing anything from , Klezmer, to Celtic as well as Middle Eastern music. She now uses her special style of percussion to enhance the music of such artists as Jonathan Edwards, Pat Wictor, Tracy Grammer, Full Frontal Folk and her new group Runa. Cheryl is currently a President of NERFA (Northeastern Regional Folk Alliance). www.runamusic.com

David Rankine – Draw & Design, Dulcimer David Rankine composes for and performs in two different bands, Dulcimerhead and Appalachian Trance Project. With ten CDs to his credit, his playing style combines many different techniques and influences ranging from trad. Scottish and Appalachian to Indo-persian and Rock. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts at York University and it was there that David began to explore Celtic art and saw how closely it was connected to Celtic music and dance. www.davidrankineart.com

Raz de Maree - Quebec Ensemble Raz de Maree (Tidal Wave) is a unique traditional music ensemble on the Quebecois folk music scene. Composed of accomplished musicians, recognized by their peers as top musicians, the ensemble has evolved since 2004 primarily as a dance band, infusing them with the original essence of traditional instrumental music: to make people dance. The members come from Quebec (Sabin Jacques on accordion and Eric Favreau), Acadie (Rachel Aucoin on piano and vocals) and (Stuart Kenney on bass and banjo) invites cultures to meet and share a passion for traditional music and dance. www.tidalwavemusic.com

Kim Roberton - Harp Kim Robertson is a renowned performer, arranger and recording artist who has stretched the boundaries of the harp for a new generation of performers and audiences. As a pioneer in the American folk harp movement, she combines an improvisational spirit with a passionate sense of tradition, bringing a contemporary touch to a centuries-old instrument. www.kimrobertson.net

Brenda Roy – Jewellery Brenda Roy is an international award winning designer creating contemporary jewellery that explores contrasts in metal and stone: smooth stone and polished metal defined by deep, textured backgrounds; the play of colour in unique stone inlays; precious gems paired with rough minerals; and contemporary designs that have the feel of ancient artifacts. Her work appears in galleries across the country and has been featured in television and film. She was a 1992 recipient of a Diamonds' International Award and is a member of the Society of Jewellery Historians. Brenda currently works out of a studio in Alliston, Ontario. www.brendaroy.com

RUNA - Contemporary Celtic Ensemble RUNA draws on the diverse musical backgrounds of its band members and offers a contemporary and refreshing approach to traditional and more recently composed Celtic material. Through their repertoire of both highly energetic and graceful, acoustic melodies, along with their fusion of music from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and the United States, this vocal and instrumental ensemble gives its arrangements of traditional songs and tunes a fresh sound. RUNA is Shannon Lambert-Ryan, Fionan de Barra, and Cheryl Prashker. www.runamusic.com

Shaunessy Sinnett – Dance Shaunessy Sinnett has been dancing since the age of four. After eight years as a ballerina, she began training and competing in other styles like jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and acro-gymnastics. Shaunessy has also been a competitive Irish dancer for twelve years. She medaled at the 2010 World Irish Dance Championships, and was consistently placed in the top five at the Eastern Canadian Championships. Now, Shaunessy is beginning her second year as a professional Irish dancer. She is now performing with the acclaimed show, Celtic Crossroads, on their World Tour, and will be featured in their television special set to air on PBS this Autumn.

Smith & Hewson – Newfoundland Fiddle and Guitar Ensemble ―A great collaboration of old and new, humorous and serious from two exceptional musicians.‖ Sing Out! Jean Hewson and Christina Smith are both native Newfoundlanders dedicated to the preservation and performance of Newfoundland music. Their long-standing friendships with the older generation of singers and musicians such as the late fiddlers Emile Benoit and Rufus Guinchard, singers Gordon Willis and Tess Murphy, and accordion players Frank Maher and John Joe Pigeon have given them a repertoire of unique songs and tunes that are rooted in the rocky coast of this Island. With voice, guitar, fiddle and cello, they shape this material into unusual and engaging arrangements. www.jeanandchristina.com

Christina Smith – Fiddle, Newfoundland Fiddle & Guitar Ensemble Christina Smith is a classically trained cellist with a degree in music, and is a master of several instruments in a variety of styles, but is best known for her work as a Newfoundland fiddler. She has performed in Canada, Japan, England, Ireland, Mexico, and the U.S.A. She and Jim Payne also represented Newfoundland at the Canadian Pavilion at Expo ‘92 in Seville, Spain. Christina has a special commitment to passing on this music to the next generation. www.jeanandchristina.com

Solid Clarity – Irish Repertoire for Ensemble Solid Clarity is an exciting new traditional music group, based in Limerick, Ireland. Since their formation in 2010, Christina Dolphin (flute, piano, backing vocals), Caroline Keane (concertina, tin whistle, backing vocals) and Daoiri Farrell (lead vocals, bouzouki, banjo) have creatively blended their diversity, in terms of musical styles and influences to shape their unique sound. Balancing the strands of Irish traditional music and song against the folk melodies of Scotland, Brittany, Nova Scotia and America, their music pushes the boundaries of the old in exploration of the new. http://www.myspace.com/562025240

Brian Taheny – Fiddle, Mandolin, Tenor Banjo Brian Taheny emigrated to Canada in 1988 from Sligo, one of the most famous musical counties for traditional music in Ireland. Brian plays Fiddle, Tenor Banjo, Guitar, , , Mandolin, , , Dobro and Bass guitar, and is also known for his innovative arrangements of traditional tunes. Brian has built a solid reputation for himself as an extremely accomplished Celtic musician with strong and uniquely distinctive style.

Travis Teed – Sound Travis Teed is a renowned sound and recording engineer based in Auburn, Ontario, who has been involved in creating the great sound of the College and Festival with us for many years. Travis takes the intimidation out of sound and PA equipment, and provides a great learning experience for all Sound students.

Laura Travis – Brigid’s Crosses, Stone Carving As an artist, Laura walks between the worlds of fine and folk art, utilizing traditional iconography in some very contemporary contexts. The inspiration for her work comes from the Celtic traditions in music, dance and the visual arts which she has studied extensively for more than twenty years. She works primarily in limestone, soapstone, and slate. Recent large scale projects involve public art pieces in South Kingstown, Rhode Island; she‘s also shown her work in Providence, Maryland, Toronto, Worcester and New Bedford. She is an art teacher at Hope Arts High School, holds an MFA in sculpture from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and works in a post and beam studio a stone's throw from the ocean in Rhode Island. https://campus.digication.com/lauratravis/

Sharlene Wallace – Harp Sharlene Wallace is one of Canada's most prolific and influential Celtic/lever harpists. Playing both Classical/pedal and lever harps has led Sharlene to copiously diverse musical influences and opportunities. Winner of two international competitions, Sharlene has created five independent CDs. These albums feature many of Sharlene‘s compositions inspired by her explorations in South American, Celtic, Classical and contemporary music and by her close connection with the Canadian landscape. www.sharlenewallace.com

Janet Whittam – Basketry, Cloth Weaving Janet started weaving in 1972 after a few classes from Robert Cawood in Toronto. In the autumn of that year she moved to the countryside south of Ottawa and since then has been refining her skills and re- defining her products. In the last 2 decades she has also been weaving baskets, multimedia, full of colour and texture. She has studied with many fibre artists from Canada, the United States and around the world. www.handweaving.com

Brigitte Wolf – Stained Glass Brigitte Wolf has been working in stained glass for over 20 years. Her work is primarily flat glass, intended for private and public spaces, enhanced with sandblasting and glass painting. Brigitte's work is rooted in an understanding of the past. She has studied traditional stained glass and knows that the transmission of light is the essential function. Her work probes the mysterious process by which light is transformed into ideas and emotions. www.reflectionsglass.ca