A native St. Louisan, Nancy was born into a multi-European family. Her ancestors emigrated from County Cork, Ireland, Germany and Poland. Nancy grew up being proud to have Irish heritage, especially on St. Patrick’s day when “everyone is Irish” but knew little of its culture and history. She was first introduced to Irish music in 1985, but not until 1998 did she discover her deep love for the music of Ireland and the Celts and the history that influenced these strong, vibrant people.
Nancy enjoys sharing her Irish culture with children and adults alike through music and song. She is known for her interactive performances that encourage audience participation. She has entertained at school assemblies, Renaissance Faires and community events, performed for American Civil War reenactments, accompanied the Messiah Project orchestra, jammed on stage with the Chieftains and has provided music for numerous wedding ceremonies. Her latest visit to Ireland provided an opportunity to jam with local musicians and perform at the local pubs.
Her first album “Celebrating Christmas Yore” was released in 1997 followed by “singing, dancing everywhere” in 2002. Since the release of her second album, she has received radio play across the USA and in Ireland, along with internet radio. Nancy is currently working on her third album.
Nancy is a traditional learner of guitar, hammered dulcimer and bodhrán. She began her music career during college with the choir at Catholic Campus Ministry at SMSU, soon providing vocals and guitar accompaniment for weddings. In the late 1980′s she began performing Christmas music for local events and gradually began learning to play hammered dulcimer. Since the late 1990′s her concentration has focused on traditional Irish children’s and family songs and music on hammered dulcimer. Her interests are moving toward historical songs and composing her own tunes. She has performed with the bands, Cullen’s Hound and the Hooligans.
When Nancy is not performing, she has been busy studying to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Southwest Baptist University and will be graduating May 2012. She continues to teach as an adjunct professor at Evangel University and is an American Red Cross Instructor Trainer in Water Safety, Lifeguarding, CPR/AED & First Aid.