Mike Marshall is one of the world's most accomplished and versatile acoustic musicians, a master of mandolin, guitar and violin whose playing is as imaginative and adventurous as it is technically thrilling. Able to swing gracefully from jazz to classical to bluegrass to Latin styles, he puts his stamp on everything he plays with an unusually potent blend intellect and emotion a combination of musical skill and instinct rare in the world of American vernacular instrumentalists.

In the legacy of such great mandolinists as Jacob do Bandolim, Joel Nascimento and Armandinho, the young Hamilton de Holanda stands out like a beacon for the future of Brazilian music today. Considered one of the greatest virtuosos to ever play the instrument, Hamilton was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1976. He very quickly revolutionized the state of the art form and created a new standard of musicianship and creativity that is unparalleled today.

Seamus Egans shows his skills on a variety of instruments. He plays flute, tin whistle, mandolin, and tenor banjo (He is an All-Ireland champion on each.) Seamus has been at the front of the acoustic string music world for years. His pioneering band Solas is a leader in the celtic music scene and his soundtracks for Dead Men Walking and the Brothers McMullen showcase his talents to a large audience. As a composer/arranger, multi-instrumentalist and performer Seamus does it all.

Väsen as pioneers and early ground breakers still lead the way with their joyful and inventive music. Väsen’s music will make you feel strong and happy. This Swedish trio of amazing musicains will get you rocking. With annual tours in US and Japan and with a strong position back in Europe, Väsen is the cross-road where joy meets music. 1989 was the year when the record company Drone was founded to release music that was to become Väsen on the first album 1990. An almost accidental starting-point of a fifteen year long still ongoing journey. Ten albums later and with an international reputation, they push new boundaries in string music.

When it comes to pioneers of acoustic string music Tim stands at the front of the class. With his unmatchable command of fiddle, guitar, mandolin and other instruments with his cannon of original and traditional material, Tim O'Brien's influence is felt throughout the folk and bluegrass worlds. He’s a tour de force in the acoustic string music world and we are thrilled to have him kick off our festival and set the stage.