Wheatscouts!

Nic Gareiss Bio

Michigan-born dancer Nic Gareiss has been described by the Irish Times as “the human epitome of the unbearable lightness of being,” and “the most inventive and expressive step dancer on the scene” by the Boston Herald. His choreographic work re-imagines movement as a musical activity, recasting dance as medium that appeals to both eyes and ears. Gareiss draws from many percussive dance traditions, weaving together a dance technique facilitating his love of improvisation, traditional dance footwork vocabulary, and musical collaboration. He has concertized internationally for over ten years with many of the luminaries of traditional music, including Frankie Gavin, Dervish, Bill Frisell, Darol Anger, Bruce Molsky, Phil Wiggins, Buille, Solas, Martin Hayes, Liz Carroll, The Gloaming and The Chieftains. Nic holds a degree in Anthropology from Central Michigan University and a MA in Ethnochoreology from the University of Limerick.

www.nicgareiss.com

Grace MacMaster Bio:

Grace MacMaster is a vibrant fiddle player presently based in West Michigan. A native of Chesley, Ontario, Grace began studying piano and violin at an early age with the intent to focus on the Cape Breton fiddling style. Her grandfather, the late Alexander H. MacMaster, hailed from Judique, Cape Breton and visits to the island along with several recordings of great Cape Breton fiddlers motivated her to embrace her Celtic roots. Grace enjoys collaborating with musicians and has appeared as a guest with various bands. In addition to performing, Grace enjoys teaching private piano and violin lessons and recently directed fiddle workshops in West Michigan and New Orleans, Louisiana.  She is a graduate of Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi with a BFA in graphic design.
www.gracemacmaster.com