Violinist Katie Jane Lubiens grew up in the Bay Area, California, where she studied classical violin under the acclaimed teacher Nance Mitchell, and then under the world touring gypsy violinist Greg Mazmanian. As a young musician Katie was the concert mistress of Sequoia Middle School, Ygnacio Valley High School, Young People's Youth Orchestra, Young Artists Symphony Orchestra, Cazadero Music Camp, and Stanislaus Music Camp. Katie competed in honor orchestra, small ensemble, and solo ensemble placing top performer in each division.

In 2008 Katie attended the University of Nevada, Reno, with a music scholarship where she led the symphony orchestra under the baton of Dr. Jason Altieri. While at university, Katie performed up and down the west coast with the classically driven Silver Strings Quartet and the traditional Irish band Whisky Before Breakfast. 

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Today the smokin' hot fiddler, Katie Jane Lubiens, brings the fiery energy to the Katie Jane Band. With her unstoppable dancing feet and blazing fingers, she turns every performance into a party. From her extensive classical training, Katie is able to meld her impeccable technique and beautiful tone with the passion and excitement she finds in the traditional Celtic fiddle tunes. 

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Katie Jane is the founder and director of the Celtic Light Orchestra- the world's only light up orchestra! The dynamic group performs traditional Celtic tunes and Katie Jane's original compositions accompanied by multi-genre dancing, stunning projections, and dazzling led lights. Each Celtic Light Orchestra production is one-of-a-kind experience that delights the senses and engages an all ages audience. Learn more at www.celticlightorchestra.com

In addition to performing, Katie also started a musical outreach program called Hands On Music where she takes old or damaged instruments and give them a new life with fun painted themes and inviting colorful lights. The Katie Jane Band takes these special instruments to school assemblies, music festivals, and family friendly events all over the Northwest so kids of all ages can try playing an instrument for the first time! Their "Magical Music Petting Zoo" has been a huge part of their passion and goal to share the love of music making with future generations. Contact us to have the Magical MusicPetting Zoo a part of your next event!

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When not performing, Katie Jane teaches a bustling studio of private students in Portland, OR. Katie Jane is a sought after featured teacher at festival workshops, school events, and music camps all over the United States. To learn more about lessons with Katie Jane visit www.fiddlelessonspdx.com!

Curt Ryan’s mother (1924-2024) was a talented classical pianist, so you might say he was listening to music at her keyboard even before he was born.  He took a year of piano lessons in first grade.  By third grade, he was playing his grandfather’s flute in his school orchestra, and continued eventually with own flute.  By sixth grade he was playing in the award-winning Burbank (California) Police Boys’ Band, playing in concerts and marching in many parades including the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.  In high school, he taught himself the guitar and bass guitar.  He also grew up singing in church choirs.  As a young adult, Curt produced and directed his church’s long-running Living Christmas Tree program, whose choir comprised of high school-aged girls and boys.

After moving to the Portland area in 1978, Curt and a business partner opened and ran a recording studio, providing its services to local musicians and bands.  He currently plays flute in both the Portland Metro Concert Band (where he also serves as Assistant Musical Director) and the East County Community Orchestra.  He met Katie Jane when she joined the Orchestra in 2021, and she later asked him to join her Celtic Light Orchestra.  He began exploring his Irish and Scottish roots (clan Nicolson), and most importantly, its music.  Now playing guitar, flutes and whistles with the Katie Jane Band, Curt loves performing, and attends local Celtic and bluegrass sessions and jams.

Jodi Vaughn, our bass sensation, started with a violin in hand and quickly grooved her way to the bass and cello. From symphonies to rock gigs and traditional tunes, Jodi's bass journey is a diverse musical ride. When not jamming with the Katie Jane Band, she adds flair to the East County Community Orchestra and the Old Time Fiddlers.

Beyond the beats, Jodi crafts magic with paint and creativity. Join us for a musical escapade with Jodi – where basslines and good vibes collide!

Bodhran Irish drummer, Nailah Garner brings driving rhythms and dance grooves to Celtic traditional and contemporary music in her home city of Portland, Oregon and the West Coast. As a professional musician, Nailah brings her passion for song and dance to concerts, Contra and Ceili Dance, rock, blues and jazz stages.

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When not jamming with the Katie Jane Band, Nailah is a talented ceramic artist, and a ray of sunshine in everything she does in the community.

In the winter of 1997, a friend of mine sent me a motivational card, “101 ways to reduce stress”.  Somewhere in the middle of the card, “dance a jig” jumped out at me. I took it to heart and sought out the Irish dance in Portland.

I first danced with the All-Ireland Cultural Society of Oregon’s weekly Tír Eoghain Céilí dance class, and since 2001 I have been teaching the class.

After learning my “7’s & 3’s”, I went on to competition. Successfully placing never below second in figures, and competing in the novice category in solos of both hard and soft shoes.

Knowing that I liked to teach and was a good dancer, I applied for, was accepted and took my teachers examination in January 2005. I had to take a “closed book” test on knowledge of all 30 Irish Céilí dances from the Rince Foirne, and teach two dances of the examiners choice. It was brutal! First written test in over 30 years! I passed with flying colors. I am now a registered teacher with An Coimisíun le Rincí Gaelacha and the US Western Region

Some of the formal classes I teach or have taught are including the weekly Tír Eoghain, McMinnville, Tualatin and Salem’s Céilí of the Valley Society’s classes, Stafford Primary Enrichment class, Sherwood Dance Academy, Parks and Recreation of Newberg, West Linn and Wilsonville, Portland Community College, and Harmony School in Beaverton. I am also a hired teacher and caller registered in Oregon & Washington with some of the best Irish musicians in the Pacific Northwest – including but not limited to: Johnny Connolly, Cary Novotny, Hanz Araki, Mikey Beglan, Tom Creegan, Dale Russ, Finn MacGinty, Danny O’Hanlon, Bob Soper, Eddie Parente, Séamus Egan, Joe Trump, Matty Sears, Brendan Fitzgerald, Dave Cory, Nancy Conescu- for organized céilís, private events and wedding receptions. 

In recent addition, I started Irish dance classes, The Winds of Donegal (2007), concerts, The 2nd Saturday Community Concerts (2009) and sessions here in Tualatin at the Winona Grange.