2019 Sherman Celtic festival performers
the town pants
Vancouver, Canada
Blaggards
Houston, TX
cleghorn
CLEGHORN is America's Celtic Rock Band!
The musical engine of CLEGHORN is renowned fiddler Dylan Cleghorn and his father, the legendary Texas guitarist John Cleghorn. CLEGHORN’s unique brand of “Celtic rock” mixes their original songwriting with high energy fiddle and bagpipe tunes.
The Celtic Music News review of CLEGHORN's album states: "The robust and pristine sound of Dylan Cleghorn's fiddle is wrapped in heavy pop rock rhythms that approach anthemic intensity. John Cleghorn, adding his original songwriting, screaming guitar riffs and golden vocal melodies, reveals himself as a man who truly knows rock."
The performances of CLEGHORN have enamored audiences and stirred up festivals across North America. Dylan and John have been acclaimed as charismatic performers who even go as far as leaving the stage to play among the crowd during their concerts.
CLEGHORN promotes an energetic and uplifting show for all ages that should not be missed.
The musical engine of CLEGHORN is renowned fiddler Dylan Cleghorn and his father, the legendary Texas guitarist John Cleghorn. CLEGHORN’s unique brand of “Celtic rock” mixes their original songwriting with high energy fiddle and bagpipe tunes.
The Celtic Music News review of CLEGHORN's album states: "The robust and pristine sound of Dylan Cleghorn's fiddle is wrapped in heavy pop rock rhythms that approach anthemic intensity. John Cleghorn, adding his original songwriting, screaming guitar riffs and golden vocal melodies, reveals himself as a man who truly knows rock."
The performances of CLEGHORN have enamored audiences and stirred up festivals across North America. Dylan and John have been acclaimed as charismatic performers who even go as far as leaving the stage to play among the crowd during their concerts.
CLEGHORN promotes an energetic and uplifting show for all ages that should not be missed.
rathmore
plunk murray
Celtic Pub Rock from Dallas, TX
If you've ever lifted a pint with good friends at a local pub, or heard a song that reminds you of an old friend, then you know the spirit of Irish music already, even if you're not Irish yourself. Dallas-based Plunk Murray brings that spirit of friendship and fun to the stage with every performance. Audience sing-alongs, pint-raising toasts and plenty of Irish humor make Plunk Murray a great fit for any event where a good time is the goal.
While primarily a Celtic band, playing everything from traditional Irish tunes from The Dubliners and The Irish Rovers to more modern Irish songs by The Pogues and Flogging Molly, you're also likely to hear a wide range of "not-so" Irish songs as well. On any given night you may here songs by Merle Haggard, The Cure, Men at Work or the Beatles.
Since the band's inception in 2013, Plunk Murray has impressed crowds at the North Texas Irish Festival, The Sherman Celtic Festival, pubs all across Texas and Oklahoma and at countless private functions.
Founded by DFW music scene veteran, Johnny Zercher, the band boasts a group of incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist musicians who play accordion, mandolin, tenor banjo, Irish whistle, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, Irish percussion along with fantastic 3 or 4 part vocal harmonies.
Named after Johnny’s Great Great Grandfather, a 19th Century Scots-Irish immigrant, Plunk Murray is proud of the reputation they've established as one of the most fun and exciting Irish bands in North Texas. At home on large festival stages, small pubs and just about everything in between, Plunk Murray always puts on a great performance that will have you singing along, lifting a pint and cheering for more.
If you've ever lifted a pint with good friends at a local pub, or heard a song that reminds you of an old friend, then you know the spirit of Irish music already, even if you're not Irish yourself. Dallas-based Plunk Murray brings that spirit of friendship and fun to the stage with every performance. Audience sing-alongs, pint-raising toasts and plenty of Irish humor make Plunk Murray a great fit for any event where a good time is the goal.
While primarily a Celtic band, playing everything from traditional Irish tunes from The Dubliners and The Irish Rovers to more modern Irish songs by The Pogues and Flogging Molly, you're also likely to hear a wide range of "not-so" Irish songs as well. On any given night you may here songs by Merle Haggard, The Cure, Men at Work or the Beatles.
Since the band's inception in 2013, Plunk Murray has impressed crowds at the North Texas Irish Festival, The Sherman Celtic Festival, pubs all across Texas and Oklahoma and at countless private functions.
Founded by DFW music scene veteran, Johnny Zercher, the band boasts a group of incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist musicians who play accordion, mandolin, tenor banjo, Irish whistle, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, Irish percussion along with fantastic 3 or 4 part vocal harmonies.
Named after Johnny’s Great Great Grandfather, a 19th Century Scots-Irish immigrant, Plunk Murray is proud of the reputation they've established as one of the most fun and exciting Irish bands in North Texas. At home on large festival stages, small pubs and just about everything in between, Plunk Murray always puts on a great performance that will have you singing along, lifting a pint and cheering for more.
beyond the pale
Beyond The Pale is a high-energy quartet performing Americana/Celtic/Roots Music. Beyond The Pale has been performing at festivals and concert venues since 2001 and delivers a wild ride with stunning harmonies and dazzling instrumental flare. The band effortlessly spins out fiery instrumentals, humorous and haunting songs and culturally rich stories from a variety of musical traditions. Expect the unexpected as Beyond The Pale cooks up a tasty acoustic stew on fiddle, flute, hammered dulcimer, accordion, guitar, mandolins, bodhran, whistle, concertina and saxophone. From Celtic to Cajun…Beatles to Bluegrass …Euro Swing to Texas Swing and more; discover your roots and expand your borders with this highly versatile, never-a-dull moment band! Beyond The Pale has recorded six CD’s .
www.beyond-the-pale.com
www.beyond-the-pale.com
reel treble
The friendship of these young talented musicians started over 5 years ago through their passion for playing traditional up-tempo tunes from Irish, Scottish, Old Time. The Great mix of Celtic and Americana! They have had the Incredible opportunity to be able to perform throughout Texas and Louisiana. Always feeling welcomed and making new friends.These young musician's are GREAT instrumentalists! On stage: ANTONIO plays the Tenor Banjo, Mandolin, Tenor Guitar & Guitar. ARTHUR plays the Accordian, Flute & Whistle. ELIJAH plays the Bass guitar. JORDAN plays the Fiddle. SAM plays the Guitar, Harmonica & Mandolin. They perform as a 3 - 5 person band depending on their schedule & occasionally they will have a special guest perform with them.
Members of the band have been recognized for their musicianship by placing in local, regional and international competitions. Their tenor banjo player, Antonio, was one of the first youth musicians from North Texas to compete in the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo, Ireland in 2015 for banjo and has qualified to compete again in Ennis, Ireland this summer 2016 for banjo and mandolin after placing first place in both catagories.
Performances: The State Fair of Texas 2017, The Love Shack, Texas Scots Talent winners 2017, St. Patrick's Day Celtic Top 20 Features the Top 2016 Celtic bands / Irish and Celtic podcast 2017, The Bull Ring in Ft. Worth the Stockyards, The Cowtown Scottish Society, The Tartan Festival 2017, The Sherman Celtic Festival and Highland Games 2017,2018, Harry's Pub, Zin Zen Wine Bistro, The Dhog Winter Shootout Chili Cook Off 2017, Plano Magazine International Art & Wine Walk 2016, Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games 2016, 2017 & 2018, Celtic Bayou Festival in Lafayette, LA 2016 & 2017, North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas 2016 , 2017 & 2018, Plano Artfest 2016, CH 5 NBC, Reimagine Crowdus - St. Patricks Day 2016, Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival 2016, Enoch's Pub & Cafe 2016, Tyler Scottish Festival & Highland Games 2016 & 2017, St Paddy's Day Texas Style in Lewisville 2018!
Reel Treble would not be the musicians they are today without the guidance of their music teachers and mentors. THANK YOU!!!:
Mary Walsh, Gordan Mc Leod, Daniel and David Mehalko, John McGuire, Paul Dryer, Sandra Walsh, Clare Cason, Rick Cunningham and Ken Fleming.
Members of the band have been recognized for their musicianship by placing in local, regional and international competitions. Their tenor banjo player, Antonio, was one of the first youth musicians from North Texas to compete in the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo, Ireland in 2015 for banjo and has qualified to compete again in Ennis, Ireland this summer 2016 for banjo and mandolin after placing first place in both catagories.
Performances: The State Fair of Texas 2017, The Love Shack, Texas Scots Talent winners 2017, St. Patrick's Day Celtic Top 20 Features the Top 2016 Celtic bands / Irish and Celtic podcast 2017, The Bull Ring in Ft. Worth the Stockyards, The Cowtown Scottish Society, The Tartan Festival 2017, The Sherman Celtic Festival and Highland Games 2017,2018, Harry's Pub, Zin Zen Wine Bistro, The Dhog Winter Shootout Chili Cook Off 2017, Plano Magazine International Art & Wine Walk 2016, Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games 2016, 2017 & 2018, Celtic Bayou Festival in Lafayette, LA 2016 & 2017, North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas 2016 , 2017 & 2018, Plano Artfest 2016, CH 5 NBC, Reimagine Crowdus - St. Patricks Day 2016, Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival 2016, Enoch's Pub & Cafe 2016, Tyler Scottish Festival & Highland Games 2016 & 2017, St Paddy's Day Texas Style in Lewisville 2018!
Reel Treble would not be the musicians they are today without the guidance of their music teachers and mentors. THANK YOU!!!:
Mary Walsh, Gordan Mc Leod, Daniel and David Mehalko, John McGuire, Paul Dryer, Sandra Walsh, Clare Cason, Rick Cunningham and Ken Fleming.
Scenic Roots
*info coming soon*
selkie girls
Originally formed in 2013, The Selkie Girls have firmly established themselves as a mainstay in the North Texas folk music scene. With dozens of music and art festivals under their belt, as well as numerous television appearances, the band has toured throughout the States, never failing to captivate audiences with their unique instrumentation, lush harmonies, and dynamic arrangements. The band (Alli Johnson: vocals/guitar, Jaycie Skidmore: vocals/flutes/penny whistles, Dave Ervin: vocals/guitar/mandolin, Joel Black: upright and fretless acoustic bass, Martin McCall: percussion, and Linda Mudd: harp) draws upon a vast repertoire of ancient and contemporary ballads, traditional Irish and Scottish songs (often sung in the native tongue), and foot-stomping jigs and reels, creating a truly eclectic and affecting musical experience.
Their debut album, The Parting Glass (2013) has been well-received both critically and commercially, with the title track garnering international attention. For their sophomore effort, Long Time Traveling (2015), the band expanded its sound with more intricate arrangements, further pushing the envelope of contemporary folk music. The lead-off track, “The Gaelic Song,” won the Celtic Radio Music Award for “Best Song of 2015” in the Roots Traditional category. For their third album, The Pirate Queen (2016), the band focused on strong female historical figures, including Grace O’Malley and Princess Louise, and continued to refine their sound, amalgamating more influences—both modern and past—in yet another distinct sonic expression of melody, harmony, and rhythm. All three albums have received rave reviews—from both fans and press alike—and have sold steadily at live shows and online via iTunes and Amazon, with numerous tracks receiving airplay on stations throughout the world.
Their debut album, The Parting Glass (2013) has been well-received both critically and commercially, with the title track garnering international attention. For their sophomore effort, Long Time Traveling (2015), the band expanded its sound with more intricate arrangements, further pushing the envelope of contemporary folk music. The lead-off track, “The Gaelic Song,” won the Celtic Radio Music Award for “Best Song of 2015” in the Roots Traditional category. For their third album, The Pirate Queen (2016), the band focused on strong female historical figures, including Grace O’Malley and Princess Louise, and continued to refine their sound, amalgamating more influences—both modern and past—in yet another distinct sonic expression of melody, harmony, and rhythm. All three albums have received rave reviews—from both fans and press alike—and have sold steadily at live shows and online via iTunes and Amazon, with numerous tracks receiving airplay on stations throughout the world.
string theory
String Theory is a Celtic folk band that specializes in high energy Irish trad tunes and songs. Recently ranked one of the top 4 Irish Bands in Texas by the Dallas Observer, the band features Jesse Ramirez on guitar and mandolin, D/FW fiddle legend Linda Relph, Nathan Kennedy on fiddle, Bill Zauner on upright bass, and Matt Cook on vocals, octave mandolin and bodhran.
The band premiered in 2015 with performances at The Celt and Trinity Hall and has since had over 60 shows between those two pubs. In 2015 they were selected to open for Celtic Thunder’s Emmet Cahill. They performed at NTIF in 2016 and 2017, Irishfest Atlanta in 2016, the 2015 O’Flaherty Retreat, the 2017 and upcoming 2018 McKinney Celtic Music Festival, 2017 and 2018 Sherman Celtic Festival and 2018 Irving Canal Fest. The band was the headline performer at the 2016 and 2017 City of Allen’s Shamrock Shindig St. Patrick’s festival. They also have an active Celtic wedding and private party schedule. You can find them at StringTheoryIrish on all social media and www.stringtheoryirish.com. Their recently re-released CD self titled String Theory is available at Amazon and iTunes.
The band premiered in 2015 with performances at The Celt and Trinity Hall and has since had over 60 shows between those two pubs. In 2015 they were selected to open for Celtic Thunder’s Emmet Cahill. They performed at NTIF in 2016 and 2017, Irishfest Atlanta in 2016, the 2015 O’Flaherty Retreat, the 2017 and upcoming 2018 McKinney Celtic Music Festival, 2017 and 2018 Sherman Celtic Festival and 2018 Irving Canal Fest. The band was the headline performer at the 2016 and 2017 City of Allen’s Shamrock Shindig St. Patrick’s festival. They also have an active Celtic wedding and private party schedule. You can find them at StringTheoryIrish on all social media and www.stringtheoryirish.com. Their recently re-released CD self titled String Theory is available at Amazon and iTunes.
three pints and a glass
Her fiddle work described as "fearless and formidable . . . with captivating tone and intonation," Virginia-born Margaret Graham honed her traditional music skills playing at festivals with a vast array of talents. Margaret, an engineering student at Southern Methodist University, is a classically-trained violinist and former concertmistress of the Richmond Youth Symphony Orchestra. This early training served as a foundation for her interest in performing traditional music. In 2014 she was named Virginia State Bluegrass Fiddle Champion by the Virginia Folk Music Association. Margaret displays most passion, though, with her Irish music. She has performed at concert venues and festivals across the United States, Canada, and Ireland. Performing Irish music is Margaret's way of unwinding from her studies and work, which she delightfully shares with her fellow musicians. Margaret made her 2018 debut with "Three Pints & A Glass" at the Sherman Celtic Festival and looks forward to leaving her stamp on the band and the Irish music community.
Uzbekistan born multi-instrumentalist KeyReel Raskolenko has been described by Mary Kathleen Burke as “world class as a violinist and composer.” Keyreel graduated from the Gnesin’s Russian Academy of Music in 2005 with his BM and MM degrees in violin, as well as an Artist Diploma from Texas Christian University in 2018. He is classically trained with experience in chamber and orchestral music, fiddle music, improvisation, and music composition. While his fiddling is rooted in the Cape Breton style, he is equally versed in classical, Irish, Scottish, and American Folk music. He has taught and performed at prestigious festivals including the Cape Breton Fiddler’s Association (Canada), Celtic Colours (Canada), Summer Music Intensives (Texas), and has also toured extensively across Europe, Asia and the United States.
Buddy Ferrari is a bouzouki player and singer of traditional folk songs; He performs around the Twin Cities with the traditional Irish group Unwelcome Visitors, and the song duo The Winterm’n. He loves all things traditional music, but especially the songs and tunes that circulated through the Midwest in the days before recorded music. Buddy spends his non-musical time working as a librarian for the St. Paul Public Library.
Cara Wildman is an experienced musician and dancer from Dorchester, Texas. Cara’s talents have led her to perform in a variety of musical ensembles and genres around the United States and internationally. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education from Texas Christian University, and continued on to complete a second Master's in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the University of Limerick, graduating with honors. While in Limerick she was fortunate to study with bodhrán greats Jim Higgins, Eamon Murray, Colm Murphy, Martin O’Neill, Colm Phelan, Cormac Byrne, and Junior Davey. Cara has performed with the 2007 Carolina Crown, Celtic Thunder, Donal Lunny, and The Irish Memory Orchestra, among others. She was the senior bodhran champion for the 2016 Limerick and the 2018 Midwest fleadhs, and released her first self-titled EP in 2017. She has performed and taught at various festivals around the country, including the prestigious O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat. Cara's playing has been described by Donal Lunny as having "great taste . . . as an artist she can be immersed in her playing while retaining perspective on its contribution to the music. The development of the bodhran is an exciting work in progress. I think Cara is at the front edge of this development."
Ryan Behnke is a multi-instrumentalist from the Twin Cities specializing in Uilleann Pipes, Irish Flute, and Irish whistles. He holds a Masters degree in Traditional Irish Music performance from the University of Limerick. Ryan has spent much of his time performing in Minnesota with the group "Unwelcome Visitors" and internationally as a solo artist. Over the past few years he has spent much of his time between the United States and Ireland honing his craft.
Uzbekistan born multi-instrumentalist KeyReel Raskolenko has been described by Mary Kathleen Burke as “world class as a violinist and composer.” Keyreel graduated from the Gnesin’s Russian Academy of Music in 2005 with his BM and MM degrees in violin, as well as an Artist Diploma from Texas Christian University in 2018. He is classically trained with experience in chamber and orchestral music, fiddle music, improvisation, and music composition. While his fiddling is rooted in the Cape Breton style, he is equally versed in classical, Irish, Scottish, and American Folk music. He has taught and performed at prestigious festivals including the Cape Breton Fiddler’s Association (Canada), Celtic Colours (Canada), Summer Music Intensives (Texas), and has also toured extensively across Europe, Asia and the United States.
Buddy Ferrari is a bouzouki player and singer of traditional folk songs; He performs around the Twin Cities with the traditional Irish group Unwelcome Visitors, and the song duo The Winterm’n. He loves all things traditional music, but especially the songs and tunes that circulated through the Midwest in the days before recorded music. Buddy spends his non-musical time working as a librarian for the St. Paul Public Library.
Cara Wildman is an experienced musician and dancer from Dorchester, Texas. Cara’s talents have led her to perform in a variety of musical ensembles and genres around the United States and internationally. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education from Texas Christian University, and continued on to complete a second Master's in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the University of Limerick, graduating with honors. While in Limerick she was fortunate to study with bodhrán greats Jim Higgins, Eamon Murray, Colm Murphy, Martin O’Neill, Colm Phelan, Cormac Byrne, and Junior Davey. Cara has performed with the 2007 Carolina Crown, Celtic Thunder, Donal Lunny, and The Irish Memory Orchestra, among others. She was the senior bodhran champion for the 2016 Limerick and the 2018 Midwest fleadhs, and released her first self-titled EP in 2017. She has performed and taught at various festivals around the country, including the prestigious O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat. Cara's playing has been described by Donal Lunny as having "great taste . . . as an artist she can be immersed in her playing while retaining perspective on its contribution to the music. The development of the bodhran is an exciting work in progress. I think Cara is at the front edge of this development."
Ryan Behnke is a multi-instrumentalist from the Twin Cities specializing in Uilleann Pipes, Irish Flute, and Irish whistles. He holds a Masters degree in Traditional Irish Music performance from the University of Limerick. Ryan has spent much of his time performing in Minnesota with the group "Unwelcome Visitors" and internationally as a solo artist. Over the past few years he has spent much of his time between the United States and Ireland honing his craft.
North Texas School of Irish Music
The North Texas School of Irish Music is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization that is part of the School of Irish Music Inc. The school was formed to provide goals, structure, and performance opportunities for young people who are interested in learning Irish music. We also provide an avenue for private lessons for adults, and help them connect with other playing outlets such as the Dallas Slow Sessions adult learning group operated by Jim Wells (www.dallasslowsessions.com).
The school was originally formed as part of the Traditional Irish Music Education Society, but as the success of the school quickly grew along with its size, TIMES unanimously agreed to spin off the organization into its own entity. The school owes much to the leadership of TIMES for their support and guidance and looks forward to continued good relations.
The school was originally formed as part of the Traditional Irish Music Education Society, but as the success of the school quickly grew along with its size, TIMES unanimously agreed to spin off the organization into its own entity. The school owes much to the leadership of TIMES for their support and guidance and looks forward to continued good relations.
giants of the causeway
Giants of the Causeway is a band of siblings Joseph, Libby and Caroline Davis and their lifelong friend, Audrey Dalton. Their sound includes traditional Irish tunes and songs, American Folk and they will occasionally sneak in a show tune.
Caroline, on Celtic harp, piano and flutes, and Joseph, on guitar, have performed throughout the Dallas area at music festivals and events as members of Harps Accord. Festivals include NTIF, the Sherman Celtic Festival and Highland Games, Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Sherwood Forest Celtic Gathering, and the McKinney Celtic Music Festival. Libby joins her siblings playing bass and Cajon. Audrey, with her musical theater background, adds a powerful and emotive voice to the band’s tunes.
Caroline, on Celtic harp, piano and flutes, and Joseph, on guitar, have performed throughout the Dallas area at music festivals and events as members of Harps Accord. Festivals include NTIF, the Sherman Celtic Festival and Highland Games, Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Sherwood Forest Celtic Gathering, and the McKinney Celtic Music Festival. Libby joins her siblings playing bass and Cajon. Audrey, with her musical theater background, adds a powerful and emotive voice to the band’s tunes.
sarah copus
Sarah Copus is an award-winning, Billboard charting singer/songwriter and harpist. She has been performing and recording for over 7 years with her parent's platinum selling band, 2002, and more recently as a solo artist. For a musician under 16, she has had some extraordinary success: two albums hit the Billboard charts that feature her as lead singer, radio airplay across hundreds of stations worldwide, and a Best Vocal Album award at the Zone Music Reporter Awards Show in 2015. Her 2017 album “Moorland Winds” was accepted into the first round voting for the 60th GRAMMY Awards.
Her first recordings in the Irish language appear on the album “Winter Air” in 2013 when she was only 9 years old. Sarah has also been featured as a soloist at concerts with major touring artists like Celtic Woman and The Irish Tenors. In July 2016, she sang a duet with Emmet Cahill of Celtic Thunder during his performance in Dallas. She has also performed as an opening act for Irish musical sensations, Téada at their “Irish Christmas in America” tour.
Sarah is an active member in the Texas Celtic music scene, performing at venues including: Allen Civic Auditorium, North Texas Irish Festival, Trinity Hall, The Celt, Sherwood Forest Faire, Poor David’s Pub, Lone Star Wine Cellars, Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games, and The Sherman Celtic Festival. Sarah sings in Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Italian, Welsh, and English.
Her first recordings in the Irish language appear on the album “Winter Air” in 2013 when she was only 9 years old. Sarah has also been featured as a soloist at concerts with major touring artists like Celtic Woman and The Irish Tenors. In July 2016, she sang a duet with Emmet Cahill of Celtic Thunder during his performance in Dallas. She has also performed as an opening act for Irish musical sensations, Téada at their “Irish Christmas in America” tour.
Sarah is an active member in the Texas Celtic music scene, performing at venues including: Allen Civic Auditorium, North Texas Irish Festival, Trinity Hall, The Celt, Sherwood Forest Faire, Poor David’s Pub, Lone Star Wine Cellars, Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games, and The Sherman Celtic Festival. Sarah sings in Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Italian, Welsh, and English.
misty posey
Misty, sometimes referred to as “Opera-Girl,” is a Celtic/ Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter with strong Irish influences. Inspired by her grandmother’s Irish heritage and her grandfather’s Native American roots, she blends tribal and percussive elements with Celtic instruments. Her music feels timeless – old songs and new – full of moments and fantasy from a Celtic heart.
She has performed as a soprano soloist with symphony orchestras in Florida, most recently singing the Theme from Titanic with the Space Coast Symphony and with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. She also performs as a soloist with a guitar or piano accompanist.
She has performed as a soprano soloist with symphony orchestras in Florida, most recently singing the Theme from Titanic with the Space Coast Symphony and with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. She also performs as a soloist with a guitar or piano accompanist.
nathan kennedy & bill zauner
Nathan is an Irish fiddler and classical violinist who performs in a variety of ensembles. With Irish music, he was a founding member of String Theory, a 4 year member of the TIMES Session Players, and currently plays with billboard charting artist Sarah Copus. With classical music, he is associate principal 2nd Violin with the Sherman Symphony Orchestra, and plays chamber music with the DAAYO chamber group . Nathan was the first youth fiddler from Texas to compete in the World Championships of Irish Music, the All Ireland Fleadh and competed twice. He is a Texas State champion classical violinist as concertmaster for the McKinney, TX ISD orchestra that won Texas State best full orchestra. He was concertmaster of McKinney ISD orchestra that won Best String Orchestra at Midwest Clinic’s annual international competition with competitors from 30 countries and all 50 states. He was selected as an All-State violinist in Texas - the highest award a Texas violinist can receive out of almost 80,000 musician competitors. Nathan has recorded on 5 CDs to date as a principle artist, and his music has been played over 250,000 times on internet streaming sites like Pandora, Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play and others, as well as hundreds of radio stations around the globe.
Bill is an upright bass player and has played in a variety of genres from Celtic to jazz and classical. He grew up in Lubbock, TX and attended Texas Tech where he performed with Chris Smith and Roger Landes' Celtic Ensemble and graduated with a degree with honors in music performance as well as music education. He also plays acoustic guitar, rhythm electric guitar, piano, banjo, mandolin, and vocals. Bill was in the musical "Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story", and toured on occasion with them as well as toured with the musical "Million Dollar Quartet". He was a member of the Lubbock Symphony for 7 years, and Midland Odessa Symphony for 7 years. He has played with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and several other ensembles. Bill taught high school orchestra in Midland, TX for 4 years, and Galveston for 2 before joining the Lewisville ISD as their orchestra director. He currently plays with Nathan in String Theory.
Bill is an upright bass player and has played in a variety of genres from Celtic to jazz and classical. He grew up in Lubbock, TX and attended Texas Tech where he performed with Chris Smith and Roger Landes' Celtic Ensemble and graduated with a degree with honors in music performance as well as music education. He also plays acoustic guitar, rhythm electric guitar, piano, banjo, mandolin, and vocals. Bill was in the musical "Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story", and toured on occasion with them as well as toured with the musical "Million Dollar Quartet". He was a member of the Lubbock Symphony for 7 years, and Midland Odessa Symphony for 7 years. He has played with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and several other ensembles. Bill taught high school orchestra in Midland, TX for 4 years, and Galveston for 2 before joining the Lewisville ISD as their orchestra director. He currently plays with Nathan in String Theory.
harber row
Harber Row feature brother and sister twins Declan and Ireland Harber - some of the most gifted young folk musicians to come out of Texas. Emmet Cahill of Celtic Thunder described their rendition of Last Rose of Summer as one of the best he has heard from any artist including many who had performed for decades. Their performances feature some of the common celtic reperatoir as well as americana and even beautiful folk renditions of songs from classic metal and punk bands. Their vocal are emotive, pure and tug at everyones heartstrings. In 2017, they were selected by the Prime Minister of Ireland to perform at a celebration between a delegation from the Irish Government and Choctaw Indian Nations that was televised around the world and featured in dozens of papers internationally and favorably reviewed by Irelands leading newspaper, The Irish Times.
plectra
Plectra is a traditional Irish music band from the D/FW area featuring brothers Sam and Arthur Hatch, and Ian Wilkinson. Sam plays guitar and mandolin, and Arthur plays button accordion, whistle, and flute. Ian plays a multitude of instruments including: banjo, fiddle, button accordion, tenor guitar, mandolin, and bodhran. The band is also joined on occasion by Sam's wife, Ashley Hatch on vocals. The band debuted in 2016 playing for the Irish American Society and has since played at Trinity Hall and The Celt as well as being dinner performers at The O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat in 2016 and 2017. They are scheduled as a regular Sunday performers at the Celt through all 2018 as well as other venues and festivals.
The band plays an instrumental mixture of upbeat Celtic tunes and the occasional ballad. Trading off multiple instruments as they go, they bring a wide variety of sounds and harmonies to their performances.
Sam, Arthur, and Ian are also members of the prestigious TIMES session players, the most talented Irish musicians in the state of Texas. Prior to that the were members of the senior touring band from the North Texas School of Irish Music for 5 years and performed in a multitude of shows including Celtic Thunder, Irish Tenors, Donegal Castle in Ireland, North Texas Irish Festival, Lughnasa Legends Festival at Grianán Fort in Donegal Ireland, Texas Scottish Festival, Sherwood Celtic Music Festival, and others.
The band plays an instrumental mixture of upbeat Celtic tunes and the occasional ballad. Trading off multiple instruments as they go, they bring a wide variety of sounds and harmonies to their performances.
Sam, Arthur, and Ian are also members of the prestigious TIMES session players, the most talented Irish musicians in the state of Texas. Prior to that the were members of the senior touring band from the North Texas School of Irish Music for 5 years and performed in a multitude of shows including Celtic Thunder, Irish Tenors, Donegal Castle in Ireland, North Texas Irish Festival, Lughnasa Legends Festival at Grianán Fort in Donegal Ireland, Texas Scottish Festival, Sherwood Celtic Music Festival, and others.
gaelic youth chorus
The North Texas Gaelic Youth Chorus is a youth group of singers age 8-18 who perform Irish folk songs harmonized in a chorus. The songs are mostly in the Irish and Scottish languages (called Gaelic) and are traditional in nature. The chorus is part of the North Texas School of Irish Music. The group has performed with many leading touring shows including with:
- Celtic Woman,
- Irish Tenors,
- Celtic Thunder
- Teada/Irish Christmas In America