Katie McNally and Eric McDonald found each other in high school as like minded musicians in the Boston traditional music scene. Both sought to functionally push the envelope of traditional music, using original music and modern sensibilty to add new color to the familiar style of tunes that have been passed down for generations. Over the years and many impromptu musical moments, this musical relationship congealed into a cohesive unit. Now the music, while based heavily in the scottish tradition, is infused with influences from two diverse and educated musical backgrounds, where carefully arranged traditional pieces seamlessly give way to original compositions. Every set provides an enthralling dynamic intensity, jerking the listener's emotional chain back and forth with an ultimately satisfying blend of feeling. Having always been two of the busiest players around, these two have amassed a reputable list of experience, currently including the scottish powerhouse Cantrip (McDonald) and the fiddle supergroup Childsplay (McNally). This practiced musicianship shines in the melodic texture and murky tones that linger long after a McNally/McDonald performance.

KATIE MCNALLY has grown up steeped in fiddle music. She is a former New England Scottish Fiddle Champion and a two time runner up for the National title. She recently graduated Tufts University, where she studied traditional music from many cultures (including a semester abroad in Glasgow, Scotland). Katie is quickly becoming a renowned instructor. You may often find her leading workshops for the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club or teaching at Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School. She also performs with the fiddle Supergroup, Childsplay, alongside many of the nation's finest acoustic musicians.

ERIC MCDONALD is known for his tasteful playing on both the mandolin and the guitar. A former student at Berklee College of Music, he cut his teeth touring with acts such as Matching Orange and The Dave Rowe Trio. He has studied with some of the best mandolinists in the world, including John McGann, Joe Walsh and Sean Staples. As a guitarist, Eric is an in demand accompanist, performing with acts such as Brendan Carey Block and Kyle Carey. He is on staff at Passim School of Music and Maine Fiddle Camp, and tours with acts such as Rebecca Wudarski, Cantrip and Pesky J. Nixon. Visit Eric online at www.ericmcdonaldmusic.com