The Ensemble
In the Irish tradition, a céilí is a gathering shaped by music, dance, and good company. Hudson River Ceili brings together traditional tunes, songs, and Irish dance in that same spirit.
The members first met some twenty years ago at the Parting Glass pan-Celtic sessions. After playing together in various settings over the years, they formed Hudson River Ceili in 2020.
The ensemble performs at concert halls, festivals, community gatherings, and contra dances throughout the Hudson Valley and neighboring region.
Hudson River Ceili is André Ernst on vocals, guitar, bouzouki, banjo, and mandolin; Leanne on Irish dance, bodhrán, and tin whistle; David Jones on fiddle and concertina; and Diane Jones on fiddle and mandolin.
André Ernst is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from New York’s Capital District. Leanne has studied and performed Irish dance for more than twelve years, including work with the Boland School of Irish Dance. David and Diane Jones have played traditional music in several regional ensembles, including the Grafton Street Trio. David also plays with the Galloway Gaelic Pipes and Drums.