St. Mark’s was the place to be Sunday afternoon, 12/15.

A largely self-taught musician, Tom is responsible for writing many of the songs they perform. With influences that encompass the breadth of the musical spectrum, their richly layered blend of the traditional with Celtic, mountain, bluegrass, and folk sounds, they engage an audience with humor, faith, and the sheer love of making music. 

“I really don’t have a favorite instrument to play,” Tom said. “I think guitar was the first, and I was a big fan of the Beatles and Cat Stevens back in the day. I learned to play by sitting in front of people when they played, learning a few tricks here and there. I never was patient enough to sit through music lessons.” 

Amelia’s background is visual art. She has learned to play banjo and guitar in the nine years ahe and Tom have been together, but her true specialty is the bohdran, a frame drum of Irish origin, that provides the grounding for many of their tunes. 

 “It’s a very ancient instrument, deceptively complex, and it  creates so many different sounds, depending on how and where you beat it. It works well for the kind of music we play, and it’s really fun to play.” 

Their performances are more than just seen. They are experienced, as Tom and Amelia encourage  participation. “Get up and dance a jig if you feel like it, clap, sing with us if you know the words. Music is an experience that’s better when it’s shared with people who love it,” says Amelia.