Guest Musicians & Singers

Helen Buyniski

Helen is from Massachusetts and has been studying violin for almost two thirds of her life. She has performed in many classical orchestras, including the New England Conservatory, and was introduced to Irish music by her current violin teacher. She is very interested in experimental music, from Shostakovich to Diamanda Galas, and plans to make a career of analyzing other people's brains inside and out.

 

 

Scott West

A renowned Capital Region fiddle player, Scott has performed with Eugene Ormondy and the Philadelphia Symphony, Victor Borge and the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra. Scott has also performed with Bob Dylan's band, has appeared in several TV programs, and performed in Saratoga Spring's Caffe Lena.

 Craig Thaler

Craig majored in Music and attended Central State University (Edmond Oklahoma), Berkley School of Music (Boston, Mass.), and graduated from SUNY New Paltz, NY. Craig studied under Robert Rozak (former student of Jasha Heifetz), and composing and arranging under Michael Gibbs. Craig presently teaches at the Burnt Hills Academy of Music. Over the years Craig has performed in many local and national bands.

                            

Bob Assini

Bob was born and raised in Albany, New York area.  At a very young age Bob showed an affinity for percussion instruments.  Bob studied under Enzo Cimino who performed with Nick Brignola.  Although being of Italian descent Bob has a true passion for Irish music and has mastered the Celtic Bodhran drum.  You can hear Bob's Bodhran work on Sheila Na Gig.

                          

Kelly Diamond

Kelly, was born in 1987 in Amsterdam, NY.   Kelly attended  Amsterdam High School where she was the official voice for the National Anthem at all AHS sports events and other Capital region high schools.   She was  selected to sing with the American Music Abroad Honors Chorus in Germany, Austria and France during  the Summer of 2005.  Kelly currently attends Schenectady Community College  majoring in Music.

Dick Sagendorf

Dick was born and raised in Grafton, New York.  At a very young age Dick showed an affinity for electric guitar.  It was once rumored that Dick loved playing guitar so much he even slept with his Fender.  As  teenagers Dick and Bill Connelly practiced their guitar skills during the Summer months in the Grafton mountains.   Later Dick went on to perform with Dick Spass and the Coachman and many other local groups.  

 Brian Harris

Brian was one of the founding members of St. James Gate.   His rhythm guitar can be heard on the STG's 1st CD.

 

  Nelson Rock

Born in Rotterdam , New York, Nelson studied fiddle under the tutelage of his Father Irving Rock at the very mature age of 9. While in Scotia Glenville high School  Nelson played in the School Orchestra. Nelson has played bands in the Capital District Area to include Rock Brigade, Cold River, The Sharks, The Ramblers, and the Circle of Willis.  Additional accomplishments; Nelson recorded with Cold River in Nashville, and has performed at Mardi Gras in New Orleans with the Neville Brothers.