Abby has been a performer at heart since childhood where she would perform shows for family, some of whom would fall asleep during the performance (won't mention any names, DAD). In high school and college, Abby was no stranger to the stage performing in choirs, variety shows, musical theater, and opera. She graduated Sam Houston State University in 1997 with many musical awards in hand. It was after college that she first discovered Celtic festivals. She was in heaven. The music seemed to be familiar in a way that it could not possibly be. It was a complete career (animal nurse and pet sitter) and a divorce later before she found and began to explore the Irish language. In February 2006, Abby began learning the Irish language with the Gaelic League of Austin and has since been in contact with long distance teachers via modern technology.
Today Abby is a full time touring musician. Since the release of her first solo Irish CD, Éíníní, in 2008, she has become a growing voice on the Irish music scene. Her second CD, Fig for a Kiss, released in 2011, makes it obvious that Abby is here to stay. Whether the song calls for energetic rhythms or chordal choices that echo the intensity of a broken heart, Abby plays her Irish Cittern (five course bouzouki) and shares her rich soaring voice to tell the tale in Irish, Scots Gaelic and in English. As a native Texan, her love of Celtic songs, languages and tunes has been a true journey of discovery. She enjoys unlocking the treasures of beautiful music often hidden behind the veil of languages unusual to our English speaking eyes and ears. She performs solo frequently, but enjoys the company of pipers, flutists, fiddlers and harmonizing singers. She also continues to perform with Istanpitta Early Music Ensemble which she has been lead and harmonizing vocalist, percussionist on frame drums and tabor, and energetic, audience interacting storyteller since March 2004. Abby has also enjoyed singing with Texas Early Music Project from time to time since January 2006.
Abby has been heard on the following CDs. Click any CD for more information.
