Featuring Kevin Buckley, AJ Srubas, Patsy O’Brien, and Rina Rossi

Fiddles on full! Fiddle Function will feature two distinct fiddle/guitar duos doing what they do best. 

Twin Cities fiddle hero AJ Srubas and guitarist Rina Rossi (AKA Steam Machine) will kick things off with their unique blend of Old-Time, Bluegrass, and Cajun music. Then, St. Louis, Missouri fiddler, Kevin Buckley will perform selections from his recent release backed by Irish guitarist Patsy O’Brien. Buckley’s recent release, Big Spring, is a recording project displaying his Irish fiddle upbringing as well as influences from Old-Time, Bluegrass, and Swing.  Buckley and O’Brien are also accomplished singer/songwriters, so expect traditional and original songs in the mix as well as some finale fiddle jams! Join us at this dynamic performance.

Kevin Buckley started taking Irish fiddle lessons at the age of 9 and spent his subsequent teenage years performing and competing all over the US and Ireland. During those same years, his musical world expanded as he started playing more American styles of fiddle music, including bluegrass, old-time, and swing. Buckley performs in a number of acoustic combos including The Western Satellites, Pappy with a Hatchet, Keeping it Reel, and Count Buckley’s Royal Rascals. You can usually find him performing weekly at St. Louis’ treasured Irish pub, John D. McGurks.  Buckley’s debut solo album, Big Spring (2022) showcases his strengths as an instrumentalist, arranger, and folk interpreter.

Patsy O’Brien hails from Cork in the south of Ireland and is an award-winning songwriter and much sought-after guitarist. He is renowned for his ability to meld songwriting and guitar styles seamlessly. Patsy has toured and recorded with some of the legends of Irish music, including Paddy Keenan, Eileen Ivers, Teada, and Cathie Ryan, to name just a few. He is widely regarded within the industry as one of the top players working today.

AJ Srubas is an award-winning fiddler and multi-instrumentalist based in Minneapolis and touring regionally and nationally with various musical projects. AJ grew up in a musical Wisconsin household, grandson to a church organist. He latched on to the fiddle at age 10 after experimenting with the many instruments around his home. His love for the instrument led to an interest in various fiddle styles. Initially an Irish player, he quickly discovered old-time music when his brother took up banjo. Soon after, he met the great Wisconsin fiddler Chirps Smith who introduced him to the lesser known old-time repertoire of the Midwest.

Rina Rossi is a guitar and bass player who also plays/tours with several projects. AJ and Rina play in several bands together, including old time project Steam Machine and others.

Online tickets are available for Fiddle Function until 4 pm on March 31st. If there are still tickets available at the time, they can be purchased at the door for $30. Admission if free for youth 18 years and younger at the door.