John McCusker & John Doyle in Cambridge

John McCusker is a Scottish folk musician, composer and producer, born in Bellshill in 1973. A fiddler and multi-instrumentalist, he became known through his long tenure in Battlefield Band and solo albums including Yella Hoose and Goodnight Ginger. At 17, he joined Battlefield Band and spent the next 11 years touring internationally with the group. His ensemble project Under One Sky premiered at Celtic Connections and subsequently toured the UK, bringing together musicians from several folk traditions. He later toured as a member of Mark Knopfler’s band.

John Doyle is an Irish guitarist, singer and songwriter, born in Dublin in 1971. He was a founding member of the Irish-American traditional group Solas, and his rhythmic guitar playing became a central part of its sound. His solo catalogue includes the albums Wayward Son, Shadow and Light and The Path of Stones. During his years in the group, he toured internationally before working as guitarist and musical director for Joan Baez. He has also performed in a duo with former bandmate Karan Casey and toured as part of a trio with Michael McGoldrick and John McCusker.