“... this thoughtful reworking of beloved songs is an inspired approach to the tradition.”
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With a combination of emotional vocal delivery, fresh melodic arrangements, and airtight accompaniment, Gallowglass has developed a style of contemporary Celtic folk that Irish Music Magazine calls "an inspired approach to the tradition." The group, featuring Jan Peters (vocals, harmonica), Mishon Kirkland (vocals, Irish flute), Zach Bauman (Irish Bouzouki) and David Pender Lofgren (Bodhrán), has become one of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated Celtic music ensembles. Gallowglass has shared the stage with Dervish, Peter Rowan, Jolie Holland, and other luminaries of the folk scene, establishing themselves as innovators among their peers and captivating audiences with their signature sound. The release of their album, 'Dear Ruin' in 2024, has garnered critical acclaim and is enjoying international radio play. While Gallowglass is steeped in tradition, they are keeping their eyes on the horizon and have built a fire for all to gather around.
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mishon kirkland
Mishon Kirkland joined Gallowglass summer 2018 having moved to Bellingham in Summer of ‘17. She came down to sing for the weekly Irish & Folk Mondays session that Jan hosts and within moments a hush befell the area surrounding her.
Having sung and played music her whole life including in Ireland, she brings a singular light and sound to Gallowglass. Her musicianship and devotion to learning traditional Irish songs and tunes on the flute is a mighty contribution to the Gallowglass ever growing body of material.
jan peters
Jan Peters has had several bands in the Bellingham area since 2010: The Monday Night Project, The Naked Hearts, and now Gallowglass, and Rosin & Reed.
Before moving to the great northwest he played and toured with various bands out of the Davis, California area for 17 years.
There has always been a traditional folk music influence in music he plays and songs he writes and sings.
A distinctive vocalist and harmonica player, Jan’s devotion to Irish and fine acoustic and traditional music is a constant in his life and work and finds an endless wealth of inspiration within Gallowglass.
zach bauman
Zach Bauman studied music at Western Washington University. He grew up in New England, nurtured by the region's rich culture of folk music. He has been making music in the Bellingham area for almost ten years.
Zach plays Irish mandolin like no one else in the area - driving, elegant, innovative, and has a groove on the bouzouki that is truly hard to beat, and a joy to feel. He is greatly inspired by contemporary traditional Celtic music groups, and also plays with Giants’ Causeway out of Bellingham.
david pender lofgren
David Pender Lofgren is a percussionist involved in many bands in the Pacific Northwest. As a bodhrán player, he’s been honing his craft and developing a unique musical voice since 2011. His accomplishments as a percussionist and his passion for a contemporary approach to bodhrán playing come together and shine in his contributions Gallowglass.
David’s rhythmic creativity and drive are a defining feature of Gallowglass, illuminating the place where tradition meets the new. In addition to Gallowglass, David plays bodhrán with Robert Sarazin Blake, Cayley Schmid, Jocelyn Petit, Elias Alexander, and more.
