Bailephitt <bayl’ ya fit> – The “Pitt town”- an historical name for Pittsburgh among 19th century Irish immigrants
Bailephitt is a Pittsburgh-based traditional Irish music trio of veteran musicians Richard Withers (Irish flute, whistles, accordion, vocals), Vince Burns (fiddle, octave mandolin) and Michael Hurley (fiddle, tenor banjo). Their driving renditions of traditional reels, jigs, hornpipes, airs and Irish polkas, topped off with the occasional song, can be heard at sessions and dances throughout Pittsburgh, performed with skill and taste refined over years of playing with top musicians in the authentic Irish style.
Michael Hurley is a respected Irish fiddle and banjo player from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who performs regularly at ceilis, contra-dances, and Irish music sessions throughout the northeastern United States.
Vince Burns is a sought-after Pittsburgh based Irish fiddler, respected in the Washington DC area where he studied with renowned fiddler Brendan Mulvihill. Vince appeared with traditional band Hooley and others at the Pittsburgh Irish Festival, performed at the International Children’s Festival and the Ligonier Highland Games. He taught at the Calliope House School and the CCÉ Musical Arts and Dance Week in Washington, DC. He can be heard regularly playing at ceilis and sessions in and around Pittsburgh.
Richard Withers is a founding member of Pittsburgh-based Irish ensemble, Hooley, opening for internationally known groups Altan and Steeleye Span. His recording The Snowy Hill features Irish-rooted flute and fife tunes from Western Pennsylvania. Richard also plays five-string banjo in Snappin’ Bug, an old time string band featuring traditional music of Pennsylvania.
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