Tim Staudacher studied music at the University of Michigan, majoring in String Instruments. A lifelong multi-instrumentalist, he has taught and performed extensively throughout his career. Tim currently plays mandolin and guitar with the Celtic band Uneven Ground. His deep interest in performance practices and the traditional music of the British Isles has not only influenced his work with the band but also inspired a number of original compositions in the genre.
Courtney Caye Hutson is a classically trained violinist from Muskegon, Michigan, who has been playing since 2004. A proud 2010 graduate of Mona Shores High School, she was an active member of its acclaimed fine arts programs, including the Mona Shores Fiddlers. Courtney went on to study music at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where she performed with the Hope College Symphonette and was awarded a Distinguished Artist Award for violin.
Her studio work includes a guest appearance as a violinist on Dave Palmer’s 2015 album Pussycat and contributions both violin and vocals to her own band’s debut self-titled album.
Dave Closz is a musician from Norton Shores, Michigan. His love for Irish music was sparked during a visit to Ireland, where he first heard traditional tunes played in local pubs. That initial inspiration grew years later when he began assisting students with guitar and vocals in the Mona Shores Fiddlers, an after-school fiddle group directed by Uneven Ground co-member Tim Staudacher, and of which Dave’s son was a member.
Now a member of Uneven Ground, Dave continues to deepen his passion for Irish music, honing his guitar and vocal skills with the support and collaboration of his fellow bandmates.
Larry Halverson, a native of Roosevelt Park, Michigan, began his musical journey with the saxophone. However, a transformative experience at a Kennedy’s Kitchen concert 2009 led him to the tin whistle. The performance sparked a deep passion in Larry, inspiring him to master the intricate techniques of the Irish whistle.
This dedication is evident in his unique style, which he has honed in his two bands, Uneven Ground and The Langford Lads. Larry’s dedication to mastering the tin whistle and flute has led him to receive lessons from some of Ireland’s leading performers and instructors.
His commitment to the craft has enriched his musical style and contributed to preserving and promoting traditional Irish music. Larry’s expertise is now shared through his whistle training programs, offered at prestigious institutions such as Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and the Michigan Irish Music Festival, as well as through private lessons and school workshops.
Larry plays whistles produced by Michael Burke, Killarney, and Gene Milligan. He also plays a custom-designed 18th-century flute by Copley & Boegli.
Rory Closz is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the bodhrán, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle. A graduate of Western Michigan University’s music program, he excels in vocals and enhances the band's rich vocal harmonies. He is also the Mona Shores Middle School Choir Director in Muskegon, Michigan.