Dan Vaughn, an Irish whistle and flute player based out of Iowa City, Iowa, has been making a name for himself since the early 2000's. Playing with bands and artists such as Gaelic Storm, Flook, John Williams (Solas) and many more. Dan has established himself as one of the premiere musicians in Irish music. Along with gigging, Dan has competed in multiple Mid-West Fleadhs, winning titles for both whistle and flute. This led him to competing in the 2005 All-Ireland Cheoil in Letterkenny, Ireland.
Dan went on to get a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. He focused on playing guitar and developing his composition skills during this time, going on to collaborate with musicians from diverse genres.
In the Fall of 2022, Dan joined the Iowa based Irish band, Blame Not the Bard. They've performed at Iowa Irish Fest and Kansas City Irish Fest, with plans to expand across stages throughout the nation. Fueled by a passion for collaboration, at the 2023 Iowa Irish Fest, Dan debuted his band Sorcha, with Joseph Carmichael on the guitar and Nikki Philbrick on fiddle. With electric reception for Blame Not the Bard and Sorcha, Dan is looking to cement himself as one of the most exciting Celtic musicians of his generation.
DAN VAUGHN
Nicole Philbrick is a multi-genre fiddler who has made a name for herself in the heart of the US for her unique style which skillfully blends her classical violin roots with the energy and groove of celtic fiddle. An in-demand fiddler, Nicole regularly performs with her bands Blame Not the Bard and Sorcha and, with these groups, has been featured on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, CeolPlay with Colum King, and a full-length Iowa PBS special, Greetings from Iowa. Nicole’s dynamic and engaging performance style and infectious joy on stage has led to some of the largest stages in the midwest, including appearances at the Iowa Irish Fest, Kansas City Irish Fest, and Levitt AMP Galva Concert Series along with orchestral appearances at Hancher Auditorium, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, and the Paramount Theater.
Nicole is passionate about music education, and is a sought-after clinician and teacher in eastern Iowa. Through her studio, JA Clair School of Music, Nicole is dedicated to creating accessible musical opportunities for all who want to learn.
NICOLE PHILBRICK
Joseph Carmichael, originally from Dallas, TX., is known for his unique approach to accompaniment within the traditional Celtic and folk genres.
Joseph was born into a musical family, and began his journey composing on his family's computer, before being drawn to Irish music as a teenager. He is mostly self-taught, and in summers of 2011 and 2013 attended the Burwell Bash, learning under Brian Finnegan (Flook).
Through his free-thinking, sometimes considered “jazzy” chords, and ability to draw from multiple styles, Joseph has established a strong reputation as an accompanist in the traditional music scene in the US and abroad, his guitar work being featured on a track of Brian Finnegan's 2021 solo release ‘Hunger of the Skin’.
Currently, Joseph is working to complete his debut solo album, “Desiderium” which is set to release in early 2024. You can learn more about Joseph through his bandcamp site here - https://josephcarmichael.bandcamp.com/
JOSEPH CARMICHAEL