This duo, undoubtedly the most dynamic and energetic pair of stepdancers to ever hit the stage, have been performing together for upwards of 20 years and have over 45 years of stepdance experience between them. Hailing from the Ottawa Valley of Ontario, Canada, Jon and Nathan (who has been aptly nicknamed Crazy Legs) started stepdancing at the tender ages of 4 and 5 respectively. Jon then picked up the fiddle at age 9.
Since 2002, these brothers have been touring the world with Irish moguls The Chieftains, visiting countries including Sweden, Norway, China, Australia, and most of Eastern Europe and North America. They have performed everywhere from The Ryman Auditorium with Emylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, and Allison Krauss to Late Night with David Letterman and Conan OBrien. In addition, Jon was invited in 2001 to join 10 of Canadas best fiddlers in a diverse musical show called Bowfire, which is currently touring North America.
2005 proved triumphant for the Pilatzke brothers as they garnered a Gemini Award (the Canadian equivalent of the Emmy) for Best Performance in a Variety Program on The Chieftains in Canada. Jon and Nathan were also extremely proud to be performing throughout the 2005 Grammy-nominated record The Chieftains Live From Dublin: A Tribute to Derek Bell.
Back in Canada, Jon and Nathan have created a 6-piece Celtic fusion ensemble called Quagmyre. Besides touring the North American theatre and festival circuit, Quagmyres first full-length record Of Cabbages and Kings received rave reviews and a nomination for Best Instrumental Album at the 2005 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Be sure to check them out at www.quagmyre.ca
Hey Guys: Just want to say Thanks!for such an awesome show in Toronto ,St.Patricks nite with the Chieftains. Everyone was in top form and we had so much FUN! Hope to see you locally again,very soon!
