| Band Members | BRENDAN FAHEY: With a mother from Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, and a father with Galway/Mayo roots and a love of traditional music, Brendan was destined to inherit the musical gene. At the early age of five, his parents began to take him to the Post Avenue (Westbury, NY) sessions, where Brendan was soon drumming out the beats on the backs of the chairs. His uncle provided an accordion, which Brendan played for many years, although he now prefers the flute and tin whistle. However, it is the céilí drums that are his true musical love. Playing for dancers is his passion.
The early recordings of the Laichtín Naofa, Tulla and Kilfenora céilí bands, as well as others, were a tremendous influence on Brendan’s musical development. He has, quite literally, studied the great céilí bands, their drummers and styles...and he continues to do so.
For many years, Brendan played for sessions and céilithe at the Post Avenue hall, as well as at the Irish American Society and Comhaltas gatherings in Mineola. He teaches both céilí drums and bodhran, and his drumming students have placed at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Brendan has played with the Kilfenora and Four Courts Céilí Bands on their US visits. He regularly performs with the Green Gates Céilí Band and is well-known by dancers for the energy he brings to the music.
LINDA HICKMAN: Linda was born and raised in California and is now a long-time resident of New York City. A renowned flautist, tin whistle player and singer, she is a former member of Celtic Thunder, performing at the White House with the group on three occasions. Linda is also a prolific composer and has a number of television compositions and performances to her credit.
Linda devotes much of her time and energy to music therapy, particularly with the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, as well as with hospitals and long-term care facilities. She currently teaches at The Irish Arts Center in NYC, Catskills Irish Arts Week, Alaska Traditional Music Camp, as well as conducting workshops and classes around the United States. She is a member of the trio "Hearts Content." Linda is in constant demand to host numerous sessions around the New York City/Northern New Jersey area and has been a member of Ceol na gCroí Céilí Band since 2002.
JOHN NOLAN: John was born and raised in the Bronx, where his initial interest in music came from listening to his father play the button accordion. John began to play at the age of 12, studying under John Glynn. He later studied with Martin Mulvihill, and through Martin's son Brendan, John met Billy McComiskey. It was Billy who introduced John to the music and friendship of Seán McGlynn, the great accordionist from east Galway, who greatly influenced John’s music.
In 1982, John became the first American-born musician to win the Button Accordion Senior Championship at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. In February, 2009, he was inducted into the Mid-Atlantic Region CCÉ Hall of Fame. John has several recordings to his credit and is a composer of many tunes. He also performs tuning, adjustments and repairs of instruments. John teaches button accordion and collaborates with other teachers to provide young musicians with opportunities to play in student sessions, competitions, and performances. He can be found regularly leading sessions in the Porter House, Dunne’s and O’Neill’s pubs, as well as frequently performing with the Kitty Kelly Band, Peter McKiernan, Billy Keenan and others. John has been playing with Ceol na gCroí Céilí Band since the fall of 2006. |
