Michael Tubridy
(flute, dancing)

A native of Kilrush, County Clare, Michael Tubridy is known for his talents on the flute, tin whistle, and the concertina, an instrument common to his native County Clare. While studying at UCD in the 50’s, Michael began to attend the Thomas Street Pipers’ Club, where he met Paddy Moloney and Sean Potts, and they established strong musical connections, performing together in concerts, sessions, and making a number of radio programmes together. Along with Paddy, Seán Potts, and Martin Fay, he was one of the founding members of The Chieftains in 1962.

James Keane
(button accordion)

James Keane is a composer, storyteller and masterful musician. As one of Ireland’s finest performers, Keane has evolved the standards of accordion playing  around world. Keane’s compositions invoke a musical mind from an ancient tradition nurtured by his family for generations.  Keane has recorded eight highly acclaimed studio albums, and appeared on many classic records. The New York Times review of a concert at Carnegie Hall wrote “James Keane, the accordionist, swung through reels with such exciting drive that he nearly lifted the audience out of their seats.”

More recently Keane has been presenting multimedia lectures — recordings of which are available at the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress. His talks using his renowned humor, expertise and memories of the tradition come from a life between Ireland and New York where he has lived and performed for many decades.