Andrew Philbrick
Vocals, Tenor Banjo, Bass Guitar.
Andrew started his musical journey playing brass instruments including the Baritone, Euphonium and Trombone through his public school program in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He quickly got involved in all forms of performance art including local community theater productions and music competitions.
While at university, Andrew obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Euphonium Performance from the University of Iowa while being a section leader in the Hawkeye Marching Band and playing bass for the Iowa Pep Band. When not playing classical music, Andrew made a habit of singing traditional Irish music while driving public transportation around campus.
After college, Andrew wanted more Irish music in his life and decided to found Blame Not the Bard to fill the void. While touring with Blame Not the Bard, Andrew appeared on stages of numerous venues and festivals, including the Iowa Irish Fest.
In May of 2020, Andrew found a new passion in the tenor banjo while studying with Martin Howley. Andrew made his television debut in March of 2022 when Blame Not the Bard was featured on the program “Greetings from Iowa” on Iowa PBS.
When Andrew isn’t busy performing with the band, he enjoys tinkering in the garage and playing rugby with the Iowa City Ducks.
Nicole Philbrick
Fiddle, Vocals, Mandolin.
Nicole Philbrick is a multi-genre fiddler who has made a name for herself in the heart of the US for her unique style which skillfully blends her classical violin roots with the energy and groove of celtic fiddle. An in-demand fiddler, Nicole regularly performs with her bands Blame Not the Bard and Sorcha and, with these groups, has been featured on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, CeolPlay with Colum King, and a full-length Iowa PBS special, Greetings from Iowa. Nicole’s dynamic and engaging performance style and infectious joy on stage has led to some of the largest stages in the midwest, including appearances at the Iowa Irish Fest, Kansas City Irish Fest, and Levitt AMP Galva Concert Series along with orchestral appearances at Hancher Auditorium, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, and the Paramount Theater.
Nicole is passionate about music education, and is a sought-after clinician and teacher in eastern Iowa. Through her studio, JA Clair School of Music, Nicole is dedicated to creating accessible musical opportunities for all who want to learn.
Dan Vaughn
Whistle, Flute, Guitar.
Dan Vaughn, an Irish whistle and flute player based out of Iowa City, Iowa, has been making a name for himself since the early 2000's. Playing with bands such as Gaelic Storm, Flook, members of Solas, and many more, Dan has established himself as one of the premiere musicians in the scene. Along with gigging, Dan has competed in multiple Mid West Fleadhs (the Olympics of Irish music) and has won multiple titles for whistle and flute. This lead him to competing in the 2005 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Letterkenny, Ireland.
Shortly after the Fleadh, Dan went on to get a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. He focused on playing guitar and developing his composition skills during this time and went on to collaborate with many musicians on campus. Dan had a strong passion for seeking out talent and putting on many shows, mostly through participating in the Campus Activities Board.
Nowadays, Dan is back in full swing with Irish music. In 2022, Dan started gigging with the energetic and crowd pleasing band Blame Not the Bard. After a summer of touring with the band, it became clear that Dan was a perfect fit and is now a permanent member. With his performances at Iowa Irish Fest 2022 under his belt, he his looking to break into the festival and gigging circuit with Blame Not the Bard and a new trio, Sorcha.
With both of these collaborations, Dan is looking to cement himself as not only one of the best whistle and flute players around, but as one of the most exciting musicians in the Irish scene to date.