John McCusker, is one of the most revered and decorated traditional musicians of his generation. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer and composer, John has been at the heart of the UK folk scene for over three decades. His distinctive, emotionally charged playing and masterful compositions have made him a linchpin of contemporary Celtic music.

John is renowned for his skill at transcending musical boundaries.

Since 2008 John has been a member of Mark Knopfler‘s studio and touring band, in John’s words: “turning my world upside down in the best possible way. I have learned so much from Mark and the rest of his band, not least how to perform on big stages in arenas around the world including Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and the Royal Albert Hall.”

As a live and studio guest he has also performed with David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, The Proclaimers and Texas, among others.

John is joined by two of the most sought-after talents on the UK Folk circuit:
Sam Kelly, winner of the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and finalist of Britain's Got Talent. He is front man of his own band, Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys and is a member of Kate Rusby's touring band.

Completing the trio is Toby Shaer, a virtuoso multi instrumentalist whose stunning command of flutes, whistles and guitars has made him a go-to touring musician for Cara Dillon and Heidi Talbot. He has earned a reputation for his dynamic and expressive playing.