The members of this eclectic group share a love of all things Celtic, combining songs with tunes and traditional step dancing. The group was formed in March 1995, although the members have a history performing in other groups. Each member is an accomplished musician, and the synergy that makes Highland Sun clearly transcends what has gone before.

Howard Chu leads the band on fiddle and vocals. Howard has won various international awards for violin and voice, including a silver medal at the International Eistedfodd in Llangollen, Wales. Howard has recently started winning awards in step dancing as well, as he continues to deepen his understanding of the music he loves.

Ian Abramovitch is the "plumber by day, drummer by night," master of the understated percussion. Ian has performed on bones and bodhran with a number of other groups.

Linda Kodaira adds a lilting quality with her graceful fiddle playing. She switches easily between classical and folk music and continues to pursue both. Linda is also a Morris Dancer, and is currently studying step dancing.

Bill Marks fills out the sound on guitar, as well as leading on flute and pennywhistle. Together Bill and Ian provide the driving rhythms that move the tunes forward.

Heather Greene sings as passionately as the others play. She was formerly a vocal performance student, and currently directs an English Renaissance group (Country Matters). Among her countless musical talents, Heather also plays hammer dulcimer, and is a prizewinning step dancer.

Gretches Witte takes the high end on vocals, soaring above the soulful lines Heather lays out below. Heather and Gretchen's songs can wrench tears from the hardest hearts, and inspire the lowest spirit to the greatest heights. Gretchen is also a Morris dancer, in addition to being a fine singer.

Ken Shaw is one of those guys who just pays more instruments than anyone has a right to. His cello adds a depth of tone just as his experience adds a depth of character to the music. On cittern, guitar, and hammer dulcimer, each tune takes on a new life, complementing all the other instruments. And when Ken joins Linda and Howard on fiddle, they form the "Wall of Fiddles," an awesome sound indeed.

While trying to maintain music in the context of song and dance, the band is first and foremost about having fun, and no one enjoys playing more than we do.

The Highland Sun lineup now includes 7 members:

• Ian Abramovitch - bodhran, bones
• Howard Chu - fiddle, mandolin, vocals
• Heather Greene - vocals, hammer dulcimer
• Linda Kodaira - fiddle
• Bill Marks - guitar, mandolin, pennywhistle, flute
• Ken Shaw - cello, cittern, guitar, hammer dulcimer, et al.
• Gretchen Witte - vocals, mandolin

We've been playing mainly in the Pasadena, California area up till now, with regular performances at Lucky Baldwin's pub every other Friday night. We had six gigs over St. Patrick's Day weekend, including a couple of private parties.

Fine products by Highland Sun

Celtic Crossover