Isaac Alderson was born in Chicago and grew up there until he reached the age of 18. Growing up, his father often played several instruments at home and encouraged him to experiment with music. At age 12, Isaac first heard the captivating sound of the uilleann pipes and was immediately hooked. For the rest of his teenage years, he took advantage of access to the Irish music community in Chicago and the greater region, studying with pipers such as Al Purcell, Kieran O'Hare, and Patrick Cannady. He also studied the Irish flute and tin whistle with the great Laurence Nugent, who made the greatest impact on Isaac’s understanding of music at that time in his life. In 2002, Isaac was named senior champion at the the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil on each of his three instruments. He remains the only American ever to achieve such a victory. At 18, Isaac moved to New York and enrolled at Sarah Lawrence College while immersing himself in the city’s excellent music scene. After finishing his studies, he became a full-time musician, and has had the good fortune ever since to travel the world as a performer. He has been a member of several groups over the years, including the great fiddler Eileen Ivers’ band, the baroque and Celtic music group Ensemble Galilei, the iconic show Riverdance, and the hit Broadway musical Come From Away. He also founded, together with his friends and collaborators, the acclaimed group The Yanks, whose two albums have received much attention and praise in the traditional music community in Ireland and beyond. As a native Chicagoan, Isaac was honored to perform the national anthem at the United Center for the Chicago Bulls' St. Patrick's Day game in 2024. As an instructor, Isaac has conducted uilleann pipes, flute, and tin whistle classes and workshops at many events throughout the United States, and also in Ireland, Canada, Argentina, Colombia, and Belgium. He is also a dabbler on the saxophone, a lover of cats, a dedicated student of the Spanish language, and an enthusiastic experimenter with Indian cooking.

Brooklyn-based fiddler Patrick Mangan is a two-time All-Ireland champion. He made his Broadway debut at age 16 with Riverdance on Broadway and has since performed with the Grammy Award–winning Irish dance production and other luminaries of Celtic music in over 30 countries on every continent. Recent performance highlights have included the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Moya Brennan of Clannad, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts with Riverdance composer Bill Whelan, and frequent appearances on Broadway and on tour with the hit show Come From Away. Pat is also a regularly featured guest at New York’s most renowned traditional Irish music session spots such as The 11th Street Bar, Swift Hibernian Lounge, and The Dead Rabbit. His latest album, The Frost Is All Over, is a mix of traditional favorites, original compositions, and a few surprises. Irish Music Magazine calls it “a stylish album, full of heart and thoughtfulness,” and The Irish Echo says “fiddle virtuoso Patrick Mangan’s playing is top tier.”

Matt Stapleton, a predominantly self-taught guitarist from upstate New York, is a sought-after accompanist for the Irish traditional music scene in New York City, where he leads two popular weekly sessions — Hartley’s in Brooklyn and Grace’s in Manhattan. Matt has played alongside some of the great traditional musicians and acts from the United States and Ireland, including Liam O'Connor, Noel Hill, and the band Lúnasa.