Gemma Whelan (she/her) is an award-winning director, screenwriter, and educator. As an Irish immigrant to the U.S. her perspective crosses the boundaries between cultures, and as an artist she gives expression to stories that have been suppressed. Gemma was the founding Artistic Director of Wilde Irish Productions in the San Francisco Bay Area, and of Corrib Theatre in Portland, Oregon. She has been directing, and teaching at universities and conservatories in the U.S, Ireland, and Asia for over 35 years. Her novels are Fiona: Stolen Child and Painting Through the Dark. She is also published in the Wordstock Ten Anthology and The New Hibernia Review. She lives in Portland, OR.

With a classical training tempered by a sojourn in Bluegrass and Old-Time, Bronnie Griffin broadened her already considerable abilities after she went to the well of the tradition, and spent over 10 years in Ireland busking, traveling the country to play dances, learning the music at sessions, and listening to the great tune keepers and lore masters.  She returned and played around the U.S., sharing the stage with Kevin Burke, Gerry O’Beirne, Johnny B. Connolly, Cary Novotny, and John Williams of Solas to name only a few.  She has performed at Festivals across the country and is a regular fixture of the Yachats Celtic Festival on the Oregon coast.  Today she lives in the musically rich and diverse city of Portland, Oregon where Celtic music flourishes, enriched by the vibrant and eclectic world scene, all of which is reflected in Bronnie’s playing. Her debut album Three Colours Ginger was met with rave reviews.  With one stellar album under her belt, and another forthcoming, Bronnie Griffin brings a strong bow, melodic lift, and sheer joy to the world of traditional music.