THE WANDA DEGEN CELTIC ENSEMBLE

WANDA DEGEN - hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, autoharp & voice

DAN GIACOBASSI - flute & tin whistle

NEIL WOODWARD - concertina, fiddle, guitar, mandolin & voice

Featuring traditional and contemporary songs and tunes from Ireland, Scotland & England. Wanda, Dan & Neil present both the softer side of Celtic music through beautiful waltzes, ballads and airs, and the lively side through upbeat jigs, rebel songs and reels.

They are all full-time, professional musicians drawing from many years of experience and expertise. All three can be found in the Michigan Arts & Humanities Touring Directory under separate listings: Wanda under Dulcimer Days, Neil under Neil Woodward and Dan with Jive at Five. Check out the Touring Directory on-line at:   www.michiganhumanities.org/touring/

Wanda Degen lives in Lansing, Michigan. She teaches private lessons at Elderly Instruments and has taught group classes through the MSUCMS Folk Music School. Wanda has recorded five CDs on her own label including the all-instrumental, mostly traditional Celtic project The Valley of Abundance. She traveled to Ireland in 1994 and played in pubs and a country school near Galway. Her web site is:   www.wandadegen.com

Dan Giacobassi is based in his hometown of Muskegon, Michigan. He and Wanda began weaving the sound of the flute and dulcimer together over 25 years ago. They have performed at numerous museums, schools, libraries, weddings, retirement communities and country clubs since. Dan has played in a huge variety of musical groups and has been featured on many recordings. Since 2001 he has played saxophone with the swing band Jive at Five. A more detailed bio of Dan can be found at:   www.jiveatfive.com

Neil Woodward lives out in the country near Howell, Michigan. Known officially as Michigan’s Troubadour, Neil’s acclaimed original compositions, traditional ballads and dance tunes bring to life the Great Lakes history and culture. He is an award winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and folk historian. The Detroit Music Awards have recognized Neil nine times. His seven recordings feature many original songs as well as a wealth of traditional gems. His performances include television, radio, theater and concert stage. Neil’s web site is:   www.neilwoodward.com