Asheville Irish Band – Celtic Music Rooted in Tradition

This Asheville Irish band was born during a late-night jam session at the National Old Time Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho. In the wee hours of the morning, two musicians connected instantly—both musically and personally—igniting a creative partnership that continues to thrive today.

Now based in Asheville, North Carolina, this dynamic Irish duo blends traditional Celtic roots with innovative arrangements, captivating audiences throughout the United States and Scotland.

The Story Behind This Asheville Irish Band

Before forming this Asheville Irish band, one member built a distinguished career as both a celebrated solo fiddler and professional symphony violinist. After winning the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship in 2002, he dedicated himself to full-time touring across the U.S. and Scotland. He has appeared on NPR, major concert series, and prominent Celtic music festivals nationwide.

The second member of this Asheville Irish band is an accomplished champion in her own right. After winning the Western Open Picking Championship in 2003 and 2004, she collaborated with internationally recognized mandolinist Mike Marshall on instructional method books. She has taught at the Mandolin Symposium in California and performed extensively in Los Angeles while completing her classical studies in violin and cello.

Accolades and National Recognition

This Asheville Irish band has earned widespread acclaim. The San Diego Tribune featured the duo in a full-page spread, calling her a “mandolin phenomenon.” Mike Marshall describes her as “a rising star in the world of traditional and alternative music who is as comfortable playing in formal concert settings as in spontaneous jam sessions.”

Following a 28-concert tour of Scotland, he was praised as “a new star for the Old World” (FiddleOn Magazine) and “the next Alasdair Fraser” (Scotland Press and Post). U.S. media outlets have called him “one of North America’s finest practitioners of traditional Scottish music” (San Jose Mercury News) and “a fantastic fiddler who captures the essence of Celtic sentiment and yearning” (Olympian Weekender).

Why Audiences Love This Asheville Irish Band

Audiences across the country are drawn to this Asheville Irish band for their electrifying stage presence, musical precision, and heartfelt performances. Their shows blend intensity and tenderness with playful onstage chemistry that has become their signature style.

The duo regularly performs at renowned venues and festivals including:

• The Freight & Salvage – Berkeley, CA
• Club Passim – Cambridge, MA
• Don Quixote’s – Santa Cruz, CA
• Duke University – Durham, NC
• California Traditional Music Society Solstice Festival – Los Angeles, CA
• Sutter Creek Theatre – Sacramento, CA
• Blackstone River Theatre – Providence, RI
• Northwest Folklife Festival – Seattle, WA
• The Hollywood Theatre – Portland, OR
• Swallow Hill Productions – Denver, CO
• Grandfather Mountain Highland Games – Boone, NC

Whether performing in Asheville or touring internationally, this Asheville Irish band delivers an unforgettable Celtic music experience that bridges tradition and innovation.