Brian Holleran

Brian Holleran grew up in Jersey City, where his mother was born and raised of Irish parents. His father comes from Co. Mayo, where Brian's interest in traditional Irish music first began. While in Ireland for his grandfather's funeral, his father bought a cassette, Music at Matt Molloy's, which inspired him to pick up the tin whistle at age twelve. Two years later, he started on the Concert Flute, taking lessons from Mike Rafferty of Ballinakill, East Co. Galway, where he learned the majority of his music.

Brian also plays the Uilleann Pipes, learning from Willie Kelly, an accomplished fiddle player, and Cillian Vallely of the band, Lunasa. Although Brian's love for the music of East Galway began with Mike and Willie, it was further fueled by New York-based fiddle player Patrick Ourceau, while attending sessions in New York City. Brian cites these three men as his biggest musical influences and sources of encouragement. In the spring of 2003, Brian graduated from St. Peter's College with a degree in English. He tours regularly with the Trinity Irish Dance Company and is featured on the recording, Live at Mona's.

Chicago is his current residence, where he teaches English at St. Patrick High School.