About the Band
Rob Sharer vocals, guitar, Irish flute, fiddle
Rob’s unique musical voice draws from his grounding in folk, rock, classical, and jazz. A guitar player and singer, he also plays Irish flute, double bass, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin.He has performed solo and with numerous bands throughout his career. In 1998 Sharer traveled to Ireland to absorb the music there. Settling in Clare, he became a fixture for several years on the session scene, playing with many of Clare’s finest musicians.
Sharer first toured nationally in 1997 with Rounder Records recording artists the Burns Sisters. During 2001-2002, following a brief stint with the San Francisco band Luce, Sharer spent time in Germany, where he worked with Dublin singer Shane Brady. In 2003 he appeared with Denis Liddy and Michael Hynes on the acclaimed CD Waifs and Strays, a collection of Clare dance music. The tour to support this release took the trio from Clare to America, Europe, and China.
In 2006, he returned to his native North Carolina, where he teaches Irish music and repairs string instruments. Sharer’s solo recording Vines features his own compositions for fingerstyle guitar.
David DiGiuseppe accordion, Irish cittern
He performs both as a soloist and with numerous bands. In the 1990’s David studied with renowned Irish accordionist Jimmy Keane of Chicago. Playing Celtic music, he went on to perform with Kiltartan Cross, in a duo Mike Casey, and with Craicdown.
DiGiuseppe has toured nationally with his contra dance bands FootLoose and Contrazz, with acclaimed Cajun singer and songwriter J.J. Reneaux, the Big Zucchini Washboard Bandits and many others.
DiGiuseppe has released three recordings showcasing his playing of music from the Celtic, Parisian, and American traditions. Reviewer John O’Regan of Ireland wrote “a player of immense talent and vision, David is a musician worth encountering”.
DiGiuseppe is featured on four releases with his band FootLoose, CDs by Contrazz, Craicdown, The Nee Ningy Band, and appears on numerous recordings backing other musicians.
David has published eight books for accordion through Mel Bay Publications—including an extensive collection of traditional Irish tunes arranged for accordion.
Jim Roberts percussion
Jim has recorded and performed with Flecktone members Futureman and Victor Wooten. He has performed with The Horse Flies, Shane Theriot (Neville Brothers), and Billy Dean (1995 Reba McEntire tour) and recorded with Jan Pulsford (Cindi Lauper, Thompson Twins).
Jim has released three recordings–CapeTown with South African singer Paul Petersen; Two Traditions, featuring the Horse Flies; and Tranze is the Danze (Ancient Hand Project) featuring Beth Nielson Chapman and Victor Wooten.
As a producer and studio engineer, Roberts has worked with diverse musical styles such as African, Afro-pop, Cuban, folk, bluegrass, rock, alternative, and experiment