Chris Buckley

Christopher Buckley grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has been playing violin since the age of 3. His introduction into the tradition of Irish fiddle came when he was 14 years old under the direction of the renowned Irish fiddler Martin Dowling. Martin instilled in him a great love and deep appreciation for the music. Christopher has also studied under the direction of world-class fiddle players: Liz Carroll, Brendan Mulvihill and James Kelly.

Christopher has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding achievements in Irish music. He was a recipient of the Ed Ward scholarship and has won first place awards in the mid-western Fleadh Cheoil, allowing him to compete in three All-Ireland world competitions. While in Ireland, Christopher appeared on Radio Kerry, RTE and was a featured performer on the “Guinness Gig Rig.”

In 2001, Christopher moved to Austin to pursue a Master’s Degree in Viola Performance at UT under the direction of Roger Myers. Since that time Christopher has performed and recorded with Celtic music groups: Cluan and the Tea Merchants. In 2007, Chrisopher and the Tea Merchants won the Austin Music Award for Best World Music. Currently, Chris is touring with Houston-based Irish rock band, Blaggards and also maintaining a private violin studio here in Austin.