Maria Anthony
(vocals, acoustic guitar, and flute)
Matt Kirby (vocals, hammer dulcimer,
bodhran, and a
wide variety of percussion)
A founding member of
Newgrange, Matt traces his involvement in folk music to the hammer
dulcimer revival of the '70s. Aside from his proficiency at playing (and
making) hammer dulcimers, Matt has expanded his role of percussionists to
include bodhran, congas, bongos, toms, cymbals, and other assorted
instruments, and he incorporates Afro/Caribbean rhythms into the band's
music. He is also a fine singer and songwriter. Matt is also a current
member of the Alferd Packer Memorial String Band and was a founding member
of the group Scartaglen. He recently completed the score for the CBS
television show Destination Hope.
Rebecca Pringle
(fiddle)
The former fiddler for the seminal Midwest
Celtic band Scartaglen, Rebecca has played at venues ranging from the
Winnipeg and Philadelphia Folk Festivals to the National Public Radio
Mountain Stage Program. One of the best Irish fiddlers in the Midwest,
Rebecca has traveled frequently to Ireland and brought a wealth of tunes
back to the Heartland.
Joe Root (vocals, accordion, keyboards,
synthesizer,
and pennywhistle)
Multi-instrumental and a founding
member of Newgrange, Joe is one of the most in-demand session players in
the region. Aside from Newgrange, he currently performs with the Nil
Irish Band and has performed and/or recorded with Mike Dugger and Roger
Landis, Connie Dover, and Kieran O'Hare. He is accomplished in the true
Irish Button accordion style (as learned from Jimmy Keane) as well as the
Cape Breton style. His traditional expertise, combined with piano and a
full range of orchestral keyboard sounds, make Joe's lively melodies and
beautiful accompaniment a joy to hear.