Tamarack

Tamarack brings the joyous touch of traditional fiddle music to any event; from wedding receptions and reunions, to barn dances, BBQs and community events. Fiddle, flute, tenor banjo and guitar weave their way through smooth waltzes, foot-tapping reels and lively jigs. Traditional Celtic, early American, Old-Time, French-Canadian and International tunes -- melodies handed down through the years -- are mixed with original creations to round out the group's repertoire. Tamarack plays for events in the NY Capital District region (Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy), as well as the Adirondack north country, Schoharie area, the Catskills, downstate NY, and western New England.

Meet the band:

Tamarack often works with local dance caller, Paul Rosenberg for community dances and private events, and the band's members play in two other groups:  The FireFlies and Tame Rutabaga.

Patricia Kernan -- an artist and musician, Patricia adds the brightness of Irish penny whistle and the smoothness of flute to the the music of Tamarack, and plays fiddle, clarinet and light percussion, as well. She is also a member of the local English Country Dance band, HeartsEase.

Jim Mead -- backs dances and fiddle music with his strong "boom-chuck" guitar rhythm and occasional foot percussion. A computer programmer by day, and punster with an upbeat attitude, Jim is married to band mate, Sue Mead. They perform together as the duo TuneFolk.

Sue Mead -- plays fiddle, mandolin, tenor banjo, guitar and djembe. A folk singer (from back in the day), other instruments were added over the years. A part-time administrative assistant for a dance/music festival, writer and avid gardener, her passion has always been music. She and her husband Jim host a barn dance as "TuneFolk & Friends," twice a year at Harmony Hall in Charlton, NY.