Dunquin
Dunquin Irish trio (sometimes a duo) was born about fifteen years ago to play the traditional music of West Kerry in Ireland; since then, the band has branched out to other Celtic music and even Scandinavian music. The town of Dunquin in County Kerry was a major embarkation point of Irish emigrants to America; hence our name reflects a strong Irish-to-American connection. Dunquin performs at festivals and events in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including the Minnesota Irish Fair and several historic sites. Dunquin presents several concerts every year and is available for weddings, parties and celebrations of all kinds. Dunquin has recorded two studio albums and several live concerts. Its members include Sherry Ladig (piano), Don Ladig (flute and whistles) and Kathleen Green (fiddle).
Night Scotsman
The “Night Scotsman” is the overnight fast train between London and Edinburgh and seemed a fitting name for our Scottish trio, formed in 2002 to play for Scottish Burns Nights, dances, parties and concerts. While chiefly a Scottish performance band, Night Scotsman frequently also plays for English Country dances, Jane Austen-era parties, and has an extensive knowledge of music of British naval history circa 1750-1850. Night Scotsman is Helen Grant (fiddle), Don Ladig (flute) and Sherry Ladig (piano and arrangements). Night Scotsman is available, in or out of period costume, for special events.
The New Pearl Buttons
The New Pearl Buttons perform American music of the mid to late 19th century (circa 1845-1900). The ensemble includes mandolin, singers, flute and piano and often plays historic sites in Wisconsin and Minnesota, including the Historic LeDuc Estate in Hastings, MN and several festivals. Recently the band has teamed up with author-illustrator team Dave Geister and Pat Bauer to presented educational reading and programs to audiences of all ages, based on their new book B Is For Battle Cry:A Civil War Alphabet. The “Pearl Buttons” perform with Don and Sherry Ladig (flute, vocals and piano) as a duo, or as a trio with the addition of John Wenstrom on mandolin and vocals. The group is available in 1860′s costume for all festivals and celebrations.
Thistledown
Thistledown has played for Scottish dances and Royal Country Dance Society balls since 1981 and performs annually at the Scottish Ramble each February at Landmark Center in Saint Paul. Its members include Sherry Ladig (arrangements and piano), Anne Benson (hammered dulcimer and flute), Ken Steffenson (violin) and Pat O’Loughlin (concertina and banjo).