The American Irish Duo

The Best in Irish and Celtic Music
The American Irish Duo plays traditional instrumental Irish music with passion for the pub music of the Irish countryside with an American Twist.
For concerts, fairs, and festivals they provide a lively mixture of jigs, reels, strathspays, and polkas. Although we prefer to perform as a duo, we can enlarge to a 4 piece by adding a bass, a fiddle, or instrument of your choice. For dances, we bring an expert, regional, dance caller skilled in intergenerational facilitation. For weddings, we are perfect for receptions (or choose the Red Desert Ramblers), ceremonies, processionals, and recessionals. See our “booking” page for planning and options. As background Celtic or Christmas music, in addition to obscure Celtic tunes, we also play standard, familiar American tunes (White Christmas, Silver Bells, etc.).
Sharon Mitchell plays hammered dulcimer. She grew up in Brooklyn where she frequented the Irish sessions at the famed Eagle Tavern. Mark Cantor, of KRCLs Fret and Fiddle show says “her dulcimer harmonies and variations weave in and around the melodic sound of Celtic music.” Sharon produces the local concert series for the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association and is also an old-time and bluegrass musician playing with both the Public Domain String Band and the Red Desert Ramblers.
Richard Schmeling plays guitar. His Irish genes drive his solid backup and unshakable rhythm. He provides tight, energetic accompaniment to Sharon’s dulcimer playing and plays Irish music with the same passion he has in his bluegrass bands, the Red Desert Ramblers and Bluegrass Rising. Dave Sharp of the Utah Musician’s Union says “he has a great alternative rhythmic style fusing Irish, Old-Time and Bluegrass phrasing for backing up Celtic music.”
They are a sought after duo throughout the west. Together they have the lift and excitement for which Irish Music is so well loved.
Past performances include:
RED DESERT RAMBLERS
CONTACT/BOOKING: SHARON MITCHELL
801-635-5484
sharoniama@aol.com
The American Irish Duo plays traditional instrumental Irish music with passion for the pub music of the Irish countryside with an American Twist.
For concerts, fairs, and festivals they provide a lively mixture of jigs, reels, strathspays, and polkas. Although we prefer to perform as a duo, we can enlarge to a 4 piece by adding a bass, a fiddle, or instrument of your choice. For dances, we bring an expert, regional, dance caller skilled in intergenerational facilitation. For weddings, we are perfect for receptions (or choose the Red Desert Ramblers), ceremonies, processionals, and recessionals. See our “booking” page for planning and options. As background Celtic or Christmas music, in addition to obscure Celtic tunes, we also play standard, familiar American tunes (White Christmas, Silver Bells, etc.).
Sharon Mitchell plays hammered dulcimer. She grew up in Brooklyn where she frequented the Irish sessions at the famed Eagle Tavern. Mark Cantor, of KRCLs Fret and Fiddle show says “her dulcimer harmonies and variations weave in and around the melodic sound of Celtic music.” Sharon produces the local concert series for the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association and is also an old-time and bluegrass musician playing with both the Public Domain String Band and the Red Desert Ramblers.
Richard Schmeling plays guitar. His Irish genes drive his solid backup and unshakable rhythm. He provides tight, energetic accompaniment to Sharon’s dulcimer playing and plays Irish music with the same passion he has in his bluegrass bands, the Red Desert Ramblers and Bluegrass Rising. Dave Sharp of the Utah Musician’s Union says “he has a great alternative rhythmic style fusing Irish, Old-Time and Bluegrass phrasing for backing up Celtic music.”
They are a sought after duo throughout the west. Together they have the lift and excitement for which Irish Music is so well loved.
Past performances include:
- Jordan Valley Conservancy Fair
- Bear Lake County Fair (Idaho)
- Mesquite Arts Fest (Nevada)
- Helper Arts Festival
- Showcase Band for the Mountain West Arts Conference with the Red Desert Ramblers
- Hibernian Siamsa in Salt Lake City St. Pat’s Community celebration
- Springville Art Museum
- American Fork Arts Council
- Night of Irish Poets
- Mountain Town Music concert series
- FM 100 Holiday Concert Series
- Over 100 wedding ceremonies
RED DESERT RAMBLERS
CONTACT/BOOKING: SHARON MITCHELL
801-635-5484
sharoniama@aol.com