Tom Rota - Pipes
Tom started playing the Irish pipes over 25 years ago and is still trying to figure it out. His first pipes teacher was Bill Ochs from New York City and he has since had the opportunity to study with some of the finest pipers around. After receiving a Masters in Music from the University of Limerick in 2002, Tom moved back to Maine and formed the long -running and mildly popular Irish traditional group Boghat. A staple of the Portland session scene, Tom can regularly be heard playing around town. In 2006, he started the Irish Night at Blue concert series and session (at Blue on Congress St.) which remains a focal point for Irish music in Maine. Tom currently plays with the Vacationland Ceili Band and continues his work on Irish Night. Tom plays pipes by Koehler & Quinn and enjoys a fresh pint of Guinness.
Will Woodson - Flute
An East Coast native, Will Woodson lived in Glasgow, Scotland and New York City before moving to Portland, Maine. He holds a master’s degree in traditional music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. On the flute, he’s heavily influenced by the music of the older generations of North Connacht flute players, particularly those who recorded in America in the 1920s and 30s. In addition to the Vacation Land Céilí Band, Will plays extensively with his duet partner, fiddler Caitlin Finley. The two released an album, "The Glory Reel", accompanied by Chris "Junior" Stevens in 2019. Will has taught and performed at a number of music festivals and summer schools in North America, including the Boxwood Festival and The Pipers’ Gathering. When he’s not performing and teaching, Will keeps busy as a maker of uilleann pipes and reeds.
Miles Isacke - Banjo & Guitar
Miles is a product of the Portland, Maine Irish music scene through and through. He came to the music through local Irish sessions. Miles plays with a rhythmic and driving guitar style drawing influence from a range of Traditional Irish players. He is also an accomplished and powerful Tenor Banjo player.
He has performed with many excellent traditional music groups, including the Hanz Araki Band and Skipper's Alley.
Alden Robinson - Fiddle
Alden learned to play the fiddle as a child in coastal Maine. He studied for a while at University College Cork in Ireland. He has toured with Irish trad band The Press Gang and also plays for dances with "Riptide". In 2017 he served as an Arts Envoy to Lithuania with the State Department. He plays locally for dances, concerts, and sessions and teaches at Maine Fiddle Camp.