Full-time Faculty, 2009

Yvonne and Liz Kane - fiddle

The Kane Sisters of Co. Galway grew up surrounded by the rich fiddling traditions of western Ireland, which they imbibed from family and friends. Their music is strongly influenced by the great Paddy Fahey, and their recordings feature many of Fahey's compositions. Liz and Yvonne are not only wonderful, fiery performers, but also excellent teachers. We're happy to welcome them for their first visit to Friday Harbor Irish Music Camp.

[Kane Sisters home page]

Randal Bays - fiddle

American-born fiddler Randal Bays has been playing Irish fiddle for over 30 years and has earned the respect of Irish music fans around the world. He's widely known for his teaching and is a co-founder of the Friday Harbor Irish Music Camp. Randal lives on an island in the Salish Sea, not far from Friday Harbor.

[Randal Bays Home Page] 

Gearoid OhAllmhurain - Anglo Concertina

A fourth-generation Clare concertina player, Gearoid spent many years under the tutelage of the great Paddy Murphy and has built a reputation as one of the finest performers on this difficult instrument. In addition to his performing and recording, Gearoid is Professor of Irish Studies at the University of Missouri-St Louis. His workshops and concerts are enriched by his extraordinary knowledge of Irish traditional music, cultural history and folklife.

[Gearoid OhAllmhurain home page]

Catherine McEvoy - flute

Catherine McEvoy is one of the leading flute players in Irish music today, and one of the most popular teachers of that instrument. From 1984-1988 Catherine was a member of "Macalla," the first all female traditional group. In more recent years she has been one of the senior flute tutors at the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.

Catherine has taught flute at Friday Harbor every year since the camp's inception in 2002.

[interview with Catherine McEvoy]

Roger Landes - bouzouki, mandolin

Roger was one of the North American pioneers of bouzouki accompaniment with his popular group, Scartaglen, and went on to become a skilled performer on mandolin and tenor banjo as well. He's performed and recorded with many great Irish musicians, and is a highly regarded teacher. Roger lives in Taos, New Mexico and is the founder of the ZoukFest music camp in Santa Fe.

[Roger Landes home page]

Dáithí Sproule - guitar, Irish singing

Dáithí could be thought of as one of the creators of the modern sound of Irish traditional music. He helped popularize the use of DADGAD tuning and has been a key member of several groundbreaking bands beginning with Skara Brae in the late sixties. He's been with the great Donegal group Altan for many years, and also performs with Fingal, Liz Carroll, Trian, The Hibs, Laura McKenzie and others.

[Daithi Sproule home page]