Sept 23rd, 2014

DAN POSSUMATO was born a long time ago on St. Patrick’s Day in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He can clearly recollect his earliest birthday parties that featured harps and shamrocks on the cakes, going with his parents to watch the big parades downtown, and of course the Irish music that always filled the air. In 1977, Dan bought the classic vinyl LP of Jackie Daly and Seamus Creagh, which prompted him to go out and buy his first melodeon off the shelf, which he learned to play in the old push and draw manner. For twenty-five years he worked as a civilian employee of the United States Army in Germany, Virginia, and Alaska, retiring from the position of Deputy Garrison Commander. Now he’s moved back to Pittsburgh after 43 years away.
After many years in England and then Germany, JAMIE O’BRIEN moved to the US in 1989. His first American musical endeavors were with the Pennsylvania-based old timey band, Medicinal Purpose. By the mid-90s, he had returned to his London-Irish roots, forming the Laune Rangers (the Launies), which gained success throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He moved to Arizona in 2006 and tours the US, including Hawaii, and Europe regularly. Performing solo and with accompaniment, he has won the hearts of many with his eclectic approach to music (celtic, rock, Americana, Hawaiian, reggae). He has released three solo albums, each featuring some of his many musical friends and colleagues.