Jesse Winch, like his younger brother Terence, was born and raised in the Bronx of Irish
immigrant parents. He is the former cathaoirleach (chairman; pronounced "cahir-lock")
of the Washington Branch of
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the international organization
of traditional Irish musicians. Jesse, a founding member of Celtic Thunder, the Bog
Wanderers Ceili Band, and the Irish Inn Mates, plays bodhrán (Irish drum; pronounced
"bow-ron"), guitar, bouzouki, and harmonica, and has recorded widely with many
notable musicians. In May of 2012, Jesse was inducted into the CCE Hall of Fame.
Michael Winch - Terry’s son and Jesse's nephew - is a recent graduate of UMBC,
where he majored in music and audio engineering. He has studied fiddle with some of
the best players in Irish music, including Brendan Mulvihill, Liz and Yvonne Kane,
Tony DeMarco, Brian Conway, Patrick Ourceau, and Mitch Fanning. Michael also plays
bodhran and bouzouki. He is a former member of Bog Band and has performed as a
guest of Narrowbacks and other bands.
Patrick Armstrong - novelist Alice McDermott’s son - is a notable young player of the
uillean (pronounced "ill-in") pipes and the flute. Currently an undergraduate at Fordham
University’s Manhattan campus, Patrick has become a respected player in Irish music
circles in New York and the Washington/Baltimore area. For the past several years,
Michael and Patrick have played together as the “house band” at the Sewanee Writers
Conference in Tennessee.
Kieran Whelan