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Updated: 02 January 2010

Round the House performs a mixture of songs and energetic Irish traditional tunes (jigs and reels, and hornpipes, etc.). They play authentic Irish music, with a unique twist throughout the southwest. Their 2004 CD, ‘Til the Wee Hours, was named best new release by Tucson readers and was featured on “NPR All Songs Considered” website. They are five-time winners of the TAMMIE for best traditional/ethnic band in Tucson. Although based in Arizona, Round the House has performed routinely in New Mexico, Colorado, Texas and California.

Round the House are Dave Firestine, Sharon Goldwasser, Mark Robertson-Tessi & Claire Zucker.

Everybody knows (or at least should know) Dave Firestine, tune-miester extraordinaire of Winfield’s Carp Camp. Dave plays with a driving rhythm that makes feet tap at concerts, dances, sessions, and other special occasions. His playing is eclectic, incorporating a blend of old time and Irish styles. He plays mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, bodhran, and guitar. Dave's charisma and energy onstage is a highlight at Round the House concerts. Audiences enjoy his songs, which range from mildly hilarious to rowdy & ribald. He is in demand at various music camps: Colorado Roots Camp 2007-2009, O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, 2007–2008.

Sharon Goldwasser’s fiddling brings lift and a genuine Irish style to the Round the House concert stage. Her main focus for the past decade has been unlocking the intricacies of Irish fiddle. She relishes finding rare and unusual tunes, but has also written several tunes, including a lovely slip jig, which is currently being played by several feis musicians around the country. Sharon appreciates the tradition of knowing about the tune as well as playing it, and she shares the background stories and anecdotes on stage.

Mark Robertson-Tessi's guitar and bouzouki style is rooted in the sound of the modern-traditional Irish band, while blending in touches from a wide span of influences. His backup playing ranges from quiet and melodic to syncopated and driving. Mark also plays melody and incorporates this into his accompaniment style. He has twice won the Arizona State Mandolin Championships, and placed in the top 5 in the National Mandolin Championships at Winfield.

Claire's songs are a concert highlight, whether she is singing powerfully with the full band or a cappella with a clear lilting touch. Her choice in songs roams between those telling lighthearted stories, to those about love, women, and the sorrow of parting. Claire sings in both Irish Gaelic and English and her ornamentation and phrasing make her songs personal and moving. Claire also plays the Bodhran, adapting her playing to sensitivity when accompanying Irish melodies, or to provide a solid and simple beat driving dance music. She is also an excellent Appalachian style flat foot clogger.

Rumor has it Round the House may break-up in 2010, so here’s your chance. They’ll have a new live CD as well. Stoker sez it’s their best, yet!

Sam Broyles