Wakers Biographies

		Mary Brunner - fiddle, backing vocals I was born with a visual disability in Vancouver in the early 1950s. I began studying the violin as a child, and obtained a performance degree through the Royal Conservatory of Music. I eventually turned to folk music and have been playing Irish Celtic music professionally around town with numerous bands for fifteen years. ~
		Brian Robertson - guitar, lead vocals BC born and bred, I grew up in Powell River in a time when there were no roads into the town, more people had boats than cars, and the newspapers were always a day late. A world traveler with a diverse work history, I now share my time between my music and historical research, primarily in BC aboriginal issues. ~
		Blake Williams - bodhran, lead vocals One night in the Temple Bar area of Dublin, I broke out a set of spoons and played with a Celtic group performing at the pub. 24 hours later, I met a bodhran player in Galway who ‘showed me the light’ about the bodhran and taught me its role as the heartbeat of Celtic music. It’s been years since and I’ve had the fortune to play with amazing musicians around the world, compete internationally on the bodhran, and enjoy the art of goatwhackery! The Irish Wakers are the essence of fun and music! ~
		Pam Jeffrey - flute, mandolin, bouzouki, backing vocals I love playing at traditional sessions and before audiences who appreciate the lively spirit of our music. Years ago, friends gave me a $10 whistle for Christmas, not realized that they were instrumental (no pun intended) in creating a monster. I have subsequently been diagnosed with IAD...an incurable affliction known as "instrument acquisition disorder." I love playing them all! ~
		Hugh Brock - flute, whistles, backing vocals My father took up the drums when he was 51, and played in a dance band until his late 70s. When I was 51, I realized that Dad had the right idea, so I took up the Irish flute, and later, the whistle. The combination of great music, great musicians, and the joy of giving pleasure to people has been a great change from academic life. I hope I am able to enjoy myself as long as Dad did, or longer! ~