Over 202 years of combined individual musicianship is not a light joke with Inisheer. We've done it all. From the most prestigious weddings, to the barn dance, and the most humble of gatherings, Inisheer really shines. It's the musicians that make the instruments sing. We're proud to be able to offer our unique attributes, talents, and experience, as we come from many vast stretches of the world of music. Want a pop tune in the middle of jigs and reels? You got it...Steve will fire up his guitar and voice for a stunning rendition of "Moon Dance", or the dreaded....."Lime in the coconut!". Phyllis will stun the crowd with a fine vocalization of "Danny Boy", or "The Green, Green, Grass of Home". We're proud, and so will you be, when you book Inisheer.
Biography Photos by: Mark Kurtz, Gloria Volz, Arnie Nidecker
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Fiddle, keyboard, and vocals: Joel is the driving force behind the band. He is classically trained and has played violin for 18 of his 26 years, first as a classical musician and for 6 years as a fiddler. Joel is very thankful for his musical heritage, playing with his father, Phil, and his great aunt, Phyllis, both of which are members of Inisheer. He also plays keyboard and can be coerced into singing on occasion. He leads a busy life as a full-time college student and teacher of a handful of violin students. When he is not performing with Inisheer, he has begun composing and has written several pieces. Joel currently has an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, and is attending the Crane School of Music for a BM in music education. He hopes to make a life as a performer, composer, and music teacher. Facebook: joelperkins@gmail.com
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Hand percussion, djembe, and vocals: Erik "Van Djembe" is Inisheer’s percussionist. He is a third generation drummer who got is first “Snoopy drum set” at 3 months old. Erik moved from drum set to hand percussion in 2003 and never looked back. Early experiences include stints with progressive rock bands "Short Circuit", "Glasya", and "Mirage". In January 2007, Erik attended "The Rock Boat Cruise" with host band "Sister Hazel". “The highlights for me were hanging out with the guys from the Irish band, "Gaelic Storm" (featured on James Cameron's 1997 box office hit "Titanic") before their performance. Another highlight was giving an Inisheer Live Traditions CD to Ken Block who is the lead singer of "Sister Hazel”". Erik’s energetic percussion rhythms bring a unique sound to the traditional Irish, Cape Breton, Scottish, Maritimes and Appalachian music of Inisheer. For those tunes of Quebecois origin, he will fire up the wooden spoons to simulate the sounds of French Canadian clogging. In his spare time he teaches drumming and occasionally leads drum circles.
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Bass guitar: Phil grew up in a musical family in Lake Placid, NY. His grandmother is a traditional pianist, his uncle is a NY State Fiddle Champion, his aunt (Phyllis, also of Inisheer) is a multi-instrumentalist, his grandfather was a square dance caller. Phil is also the father of Joel. As a high school student, Phil played electric bass for several years in the Perkins Family Band. Then for 23 years, work kept him from his music. Upon his retirement his family gave him a Stingray 4 Ernie Ball Electric bass guitar and he hasn't put it down since, except for meals. Phil enjoys all types of music but we suspect that the traditional tunes of New England, Appalachia, the Maritimes and the Celtic lands are most dear to his heart.
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Flute, Whistle, Accordion, Hammered Dulcimer: Multi-instrumentalist and native Adirondacker Sue Grimm grew up in a family of classically trained musicians, where she absorbed the standard piano repertoire, symphonic literature, big band jazz, show tunes, 50's crooners, and hymns. Sue fell in love with both Renaissance polyphony and the music of India as an undergrad, then embarked on a folk-roots apprenticeship in graduate school. This included early American music, traditional fiddle tunes, and popular songs from the 20's and 30's. During this time she finally kicked the printed music habit, and began both improvising and arranging. Presently Sue is also composing, teaching privately in her home, and playing jazz and bossa nova, as well as classical music.
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Keyboard, Fiddle, Vocals: Music has always been a part of Phyllis’ life. Attending square dances “since she was knee-high to a grasshopper,” Phyllis made her first stage appearance singing in the Perkins Family Band at age five, played piano for her first square dance at age nine and made numerous TV appearances throughout her career. Following in the footsteps of her mom, Lois, piano is Phyllis’ main instrument. She also plays fiddle and has won 1st and 2nd place in several fiddle contests in New York State and Canada. When the music gets going she sometimes breaks away to dance the old-fashioned jig steps she learned from her father, Francis Perkins. In 2002, the Perkins Family Band was presented with the North Country Heritage Award given by the Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY), an honor Phyllis is extremely proud of. Phyllis has a deep appreciation for all types of music, but she immensely enjoys her Inisheer experience. She feels Irish/Celtic music and having fun goes hand in hand.
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Guitars, and vocals: Steve Borst has been playing guitar since he was 9. "Mom made me do it." He started singing with the Keesler Male Choir, a US Air Force choir in 1970. Also placed in the USAF Tops in Blue talent contest. During time in the service someone said "please come and play and sing in my restaurant. I'll pay you." Magic words! He's been playing and singing ever since. Venues include the 1980 Winter Olympics, the Ranch (a popular sleigh/dinner ride), the Wawbeek resort, The Point, Whiteface Mountain Cloudspin lounge and many other venues playing both solo and with the americana band AKA George and now with Inisheer. Steve has also enjoyed a 22 year broadcast career with WTPL, WRGR, WNBZ, WSLK, WYZY and WLPW and is currently teaching guitar in the tri-lake area. His musical interest is diverse and eclectic. From folk to celtic to rock to classical. "If it can be played on a guitar, I'm interested."
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