The Band
Josephine County combines the talents of four exceptional traditional musicians into one powerhouse musical experience ranging from the United States to Ireland and back.
ERICA BROWN • FIDDLES, GUITAR, VOCALS
Erica’s award-winning musical career started at age 7. By age nine, she was traveling throughout New England, Canada, and even Louisiana with the Maine French Fiddlers. Erica also performed as a special guest with Mac McHale And The Old-Time Radio Gang for five years. This led to appearances with Dwight Yoakam, as well as Grammy Award-winning bluegrass performer Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. She was recognized as a Master Artist by the Maine Arts Commission in 2006 and fronts her own bluegrass band, Erica Brown & The Bluegrass Connection, which tours throughout the United States
MATT SHIPMAN • GUITAR, BANJO, BOUZOUKI, VOCALS
Having studied and played traditional music for many years, Matt is in high demand, in multiple genres, as both an accompanist and singer. A deft songwriter, Matt has released 2 of his own recordings and is featured on albums from Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection, and Erica and Matt’s duo project, Darlin’ Corey. In 2022, Matt and Erica were invited to perform 2 original songs with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra.
HANZ ARAKI • FLUTES, WHISTLES, BODHRÁN, VOCALS
Considered one of the most talented Irish musicians in America today, flautist, whistle player, singer, and Juno Award-winner Hanz Araki has been lauded by publications and audiences alike. Three decades of musical exploration into Irish, Scottish, Japanese, and American traditions has yielded his distinct style described in Folk Alley as “one of the best Irish flute players in the US…a brilliant vocalist as well with a cool, clear voice.”
Over the years, Hanz has released 11 albums, including 2019’s critically acclaimed At Our Next Meeting, recorded in Dingle Co. Kerry, with Lúnasa founder Donogh Hennessy producing. Festival appearances include the Austin Celtic Festival, the Maine Celtic Celebration, the Missoula Celtic Festival, KVMR Grass Valley Celtic Festival, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Bumbershoot, Celtic Connections, and over 20 years of performances at the Northwest Folklife Festival. Hanz has also been invited to perform with the Seattle Symphony, at the Gates Estate, and for the Japanese Consul General.
COLLEEN RANEY • GUITAR, BODHRÁN, VOCALS
Singer Colleen Raney has been referred to as “among the best in her genre,” (Irish Music Magazine) and “one of America’s best traditional singers” (Tradconnect). Born into a family where Irish music and dance were part of the fabric of everyday life, Colleen began her musical career with her oldest brother Mark, who studied with legendary singer and song collector Joe Heaney. Colleen has released 5 critically acclaimed albums and toured extensively, both at home and abroad, including two months in singing for Irish-American supergroup Solas on their 2017 tour. Other highlights include The KVMR Grass Valley Celtic Festival, Maine Celtic Celebration, Winston-Salem Celtic Festival, Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts, and Seattle’s respected Northwest Folklife Festival, where she was a regular performer from 1980 to 2013.
all photos: Jillian Lancaster, 22 Pages Photography
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