Two-time All-Ireland fiddle champion Jake James starting playing at age seven in his native Queens, NY under the tutelage of Antrim-born Niall Mulligan. When he turned 13, he took up the bodhrán (Irish frame drum), polished his technique with Eamon Murray of the band  Beoga and went on to finish first on the bodhrán in the Mid-Atlantic fleadh seven years running. Jake's rhythmic prowess should be no surprise considering that he began step dancing with the Niall O’Leary school at age three and has strutted his stuff at Carnegie Hall and other major stages. With this concert, Jake celebrates the summer release of his debut CD, Firewood. He will be accompanied by Dublin-born guitar standout Fionán de Barra, who tours with the group Runa