Bios

Gary lives in Lancaster County, with his wife Patti, studied music at Millersville University and has played stringed instruments for longer than he will admit. Visits to historical sites, including Colonial Williamsburg and Valley Forge, led to an interest in the musical heritage of colonial America. Learning to play the Irish bouzouki led to performances using the Cittern and German Waldzither, both similar to stringed instruments of the pre-Revolutionary War period and a love of history paved the way for research into the music played and sung in taverns during the 18th century.

Gary has performed traditional Irish music for many years with the central Pennsylvania band ‘Magill’, worked in touring performances of “I’LL FLY AWAY” and “OLD TIME GOSPEL RADIO HOUR” with Servant Stage Company, and for several years has participated in seasonal performances of colonial music at Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation in Newtown Square, PA where the music of the 18th century underscores the presentation of historic tasks of the common people who lived in Chester County during the 1760’s. It’s a pleasure to be able to recreate the music of colonial American taverns and stages with this group! 

Burr lives in Mount Holly Springs, PA with his wife Julie.  He studied history at the University of Pittsburgh and earned an MFA in Communication Media Arts from Ohio University.  He has been a singer and Hammer Dulcimer player in Pittsburgh, since the mid 1970's where he became in demand for square dances, clogger performances, and concerts.  He played in 'Buckdancer's Choice' in 1977 and with Sue Powers, formed 'Devilish Merry' which is currently active as Old-Time and Irish music ensemble.  With band member LE McCullough, Burr wrote a Mid-Atlantic Arts grant to compose new music for the Lewis and Clark Bi-Centennial in 2003.  'Devilish Merry' still performs material from that work, including Market Square, Savage Forest and Water and Vines.

Burr is retired form a career in public radio, and now fills his days making historical documentaries and playing music.  He and Chuck play 19th Century Irish and British Isles music in the Bucks.

Chuck lives in Arendtsville PA with wife Denise, where he has played music in bands, Irish music sessions, and for reenactment events for many years. He started his performing career playing the banjo in bluegrass bands in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He later learned to play Scottish-style fiddle to entertain friends in his old French & Indian War reenactment unit – the 77th Regt. Of Foot (Montgomery’s Highlanders). This led to many other historical fiddling endeavors, including creating a music program and an 1820’s-era chamber orchestra at PA state historical site Old Economy Village, playing in Civil War-era bands Home Front, Gilmore’s Light Ensemble, and Dearest Home (and subbing with the well-known 2nd South Carolina String Band), as well as many solo performances at historical sites and presentations for historical societies across Pennsylvania. Chuck was also the Musical Director for the French and Indian War documentary video "George Washington's First War: The Battles for Fort Duquesne" by Paladin Productions. He also contributed musical performances for the special edition video of "When the Forest Ran Red."  After moving to central Pennsylvania, Chuck played with Celtic band Cormorant’s Fancy and was a founding member of the popular Irish band Across the Pond. He plays Celtic, Appalachian, and 19th-Century music with Burr in the Bucks.  Chuck holds a degree in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh.