Rick Willey is a self-taught fiddler and mandolin player who lends his own slant to the interpretation of traditional Irish music. He is currently based in Traverse City, Michigan, but has been playing Irish music throughout western Michigan and northern Indiana since 1980. Irish music arises from a rich and varied tradition that has been passed down for centuries. It has the energy to get people on their feet, but also the power to elicit strong emotion. Rick is passionate about sharing his love of Irish music with others, through playing on stage and at lively Irish sessions with friends and strangers, or through teaching beginners the joys of the tunes. Over the years Rick has blended many styles of fiddle and mandolin through performances with Banshee, The Willeys, Paddy’s Racket, Fonn Mor, and Soltré, while remaining true to the spirit of the Irish tradition. He hosted the Irish session at The Livery in Benton Harbor, Michigan along for 10 years before moving to Traverse City in 2017. He currently performs with Irish group Rigs and Jeels and regularly attends the many local Irish sessions. Rick also plays with his three siblings in the band Willey Central, which features Americana music with a family perspective.