Violinist Katie Jane Lubiens grew up in the Bay Area, California, where she studied classical violin under the acclaimed teacher Nance Mitchell, and then under the world touring gypsy violinist Greg Mazmanian. As a young musician Katie was the concert mistress of Sequoia Middle School, Ygnacio Valley High School, Young People's Youth Orchestra, Young Artists Symphony Orchestra, Cazadero Music Camp, and Stanislaus Music Camp. Katie competed in honor orchestra, small ensemble, and solo ensemble placing top performer in each division.

 

In 2008 Katie attended the University of Nevada, Reno, with a music scholarship where she led the symphony orchestra under the baton of Dr. Jason Altieri. While at university, Katie performed up and down the west coast with the classically driven Silver Strings Quartet and the traditional Irish band Whisky Before Breakfast. 

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Today the smokin' hot fiddler, Katie Jane Lubiens, brings the fiery energy to the Katie Jane Band. With her unstoppable dancing feet and blazing fingers, she turns every performance into a party. From her extensive classical training, Katie is able to meld her impeccable technique and beautiful tone with the passion and excitement she finds in the traditional Celtic fiddle tunes. 

 

In addition to performing together, Adam and Katie also started a musical outreach program called Hands On Music where they take old or damaged instruments and give them a new life with fun painted themes and inviting colorful lights. Adam and Katie take these special instruments to school assemblies, music festivals, and family friendly events all over the Northwest so kids of all ages can try playing an instrument for the first time! Their "Magical Music Petting Zoo" has been a huge part of their passion and goal to share the love of music making with future generations. To learn more visit www.handsonmusicevents.com!

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When not performing, Katie Jane has a full studio of students that she teaches a variety of musical genres from classical to Irish fiddle to Klezmer to bluegrass. She also teaches two group classes- an Irish fiddle class where students learn completely by ear and an ensemble class where students get the opportunity to play and perform in a small group setting. To learn more about lessons with Katie visit www.fiddlelessonspdx.com!

Adam Easley's musical journey began at the age of 12 in Albuquerque, NM, in school guitar class. Before long he realized that he had a great love for playing music and in high school started playing violin and joined the orchestra while also playing guitar in jazz band and several rock bands. 

 

He then went on to the Conservatory of Music at UOP to study classical music, at which point he started learning about Irish fiddle music. He was chosen to give a lecture on Irish music in the conservatory's music of the world's people class. He ended up studying jazz at SF State where he was introduced to many styles of music and performed with Hafez Modirzideh in the Creative World Ensemble. Since then he has expanded his ability as a multi-instrumentalist to include mandolin, piano, guitar, fiddle, and percussion. 

 

Adam has taught violin and guitar for over 20 years. Check out his business, Guitar Lessons PDX and learn more about his exciting lessons and classes in the Portland, OR, area.

In the winter of 1997, a friend of mine sent me a motivational card, “101 ways to reduce stress”.  Somewhere in the middle of the card, “dance a jig” jumped out at me. I took it to heart and sought out the Irish dance in Portland.

 

I first danced with the All-Ireland Cultural Society of Oregon’s weekly Tír Eoghain Céilí dance class, and since 2001 I have been teaching the class.

 

After learning my “7’s & 3’s”, I went on to competition. Successfully placing never below second in figures, and competing in the novice category in solos of both hard and soft shoes.

 

Knowing that I liked to teach and was a good dancer, I applied for, was accepted and took my teachers examination in January 2005. I had to take a “closed book” test on knowledge of all 30 Irish Céilí dances from the Rince Foirne, and teach two dances of the examiners choice. It was brutal! First written test in over 30 years! I passed with flying colors. I am now a registered teacher with An Coimisíun le Rincí Gaelacha and the US Western Region

 

Some of the formal classes I teach or have taught are including the weekly Tír Eoghain, McMinnville, Tualatin and Salem’s Céilí of the Valley Society’s classes, Stafford Primary Enrichment class, Sherwood Dance Academy, Parks and Recreation of Newberg, West Linn and Wilsonville, Portland Community College, and Harmony School in Beaverton. I am also a hired teacher and caller registered in Oregon & Washington with some of the best Irish musicians in the Pacific Northwest – including but not limited to: Johnny Connolly, Cary Novotny, Hanz Araki, Mikey Beglan, Tom Creegan, Dale Russ, Finn MacGinty, Danny O’Hanlon, Bob Soper, Eddie Parente, Séamus Egan, Joe Trump, Matty Sears, Brendan Fitzgerald, Dave Cory, Nancy Conescu- for organized céilís, private events and wedding receptions. 

 

In recent addition, I started Irish dance classes, The Winds of Donegal (2007), concerts, The 2nd Saturday Community Concerts (2009) and sessions here in Tualatin at the Winona Grange.