Uneven Ground
From Left to Right: Larry, Tim, Courtney, Rory, & Dave
Uneven Ground from Muskegon, Michigan combines their traditional Celtic and Irish music with vocals and instrumentals to escort you on a unique musical journey. Grounded in the roots of traditional Irish music, Uneven Ground presents a unique blend of songs molded from hundreds of pub and folk tunes from around the Celtic region. By teaching the history of Celtic music, mixed with their nonsensical humor, each performance offers you an escape from your busy life.
Figuratively named after the Irish slip jig 'On the Rocky Road to Dublin,' the group has become one of the most exciting traditional/folk Celtic bands to emerge on the scene today - a perfect fit for your folk festival, house party, fundraising event, community concert, public library concert, corporate event, pub or bar.
Meet the Band:
Tim Staudacher:
Mandolin, Guitar
Studied music at the University of Michigan. He majored in String Instrument and has taught and performed throughout his career as a multi-instrumentalist. Currently he is playing mandolins and guitar in Uneven Ground. Tim’s interest in performance practices and the music of the British Isles has led to working with the band and also has led to creative compositions in this genre.
Dave Closz:
Guitar, Vocals
Hails from Norton Shores, Michigan. Dave's love of Irish music was awakened upon hearing traditional music in pubs while visiting Ireland. Years later, that love blossomed as he assisted students with guitar and vocals in the after school fiddle group, Mona Shores Fiddlers, of which his son was a member and which was directed by Uneven Ground co-member Tim Staudacher. As a member of Uneven Ground, Dave is supported in developing both guitar and vocal skills by the other band member.
Larry Halverson:
Whistle, Flute
Hails from Roosevelt Park, Michigan. Although Larry started playing the saxophone at an early age, he took up the whistle years later after attending a Kennedy’s Kitchen concert in 2009. The Kitchen’s performance ignited in Larry’s soul to learn Irish whistle techniques while forming his own style. To incorporate UG’s traditional Irish sound, Larry receives whistle lessons from renowned Belfast whistle player Conor Lamb along with Ireland’s leading performers and instructors at the Online Academy of Irish Music.
Courtney Hutson:
Fiddle, Vocals
Classically trained musician from Muskegon, MI, and has been playing the violin since 2004. She is a proud 2010 graduate of Mona Shores High School and their esteemed fine arts programs, including the Mona Shores Fiddlers. Courtney studied music at Hope College in Holland, MI, where she played in the Hope College Symphonette, and received a Distinguished Artist Award for violin. Her studio credits include performing as a guest violinist on Dave Palmer’s 2015 album, Pussycat, and of course, providing violin and vocals on her own band’s first self-titled album.
Rory Closz:
Bodhrán, Mandolin, Guitar, & Vocals
Is a multi-instrumentalist playing the bodhrán, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle. In addition, Rory excels in vocals enhancing the band's rich vocal harmonies. Currently, he is the Mona Shores Middle School Choir Director in Muskegon, Michigan.
Reviews
“The Mona Shores Fiddlers were lucky to have Uneven Ground as our guest artists for our 17th Annual Fiddle Festival performance. UG put on a great show and did a fantastic job working with my students from the workshop before the show through the closing tune which we played together with them. An amazing experience for all!” - Kelly De Rose, Orchestra Director, Mona Shores Public Schools
Contact
Uneven Ground Traditional Celtic Band
3345 Germanine Road, Muskegon, MI 49441
Phone: (231) 557-1453
Email: Admin@UnevenGroundCeltic.com
