Triske

Triske are a Celtic group from Wellington. They came together in 2021 around an eclectic range of music. Their original songs are a uniquely Kiwi take on the Celtic sound, they mix these with delicate traditional songs and foot-stomping dance tunes from Ireland, Scotland and Brittany. In 2023 they released their debut EP Flightless, a collection of original and traditional songs, which you can listen to via Spotify, iTunes or the band’s own website.

From Whangarei, Em Griffiths’ ancestors travelled to New Zealand from County Armagh in 1843. After eleven years of classical violin in Auckland, Em moved to Wellington where they began learning traditional Celtic music at Victoria University Vicfolk club and the Welsh Dragon Irish sessions. Em plays fiddle and whistle with Triske. Now teaching violin and fiddle, Em also plays with Celtic bands Ceann an Éisc, Crossroads and Otherwise Brilliant, and plays céilís with The Great Beag Céilí Band.

Ceara McAuliffe Bickerton grew up in Nelson in a musical family and was surrounded by Irish music. At a young age Ceara picked up tin whistle and then later flute, playing in bands Bana Nua, Criú and Triske. She has performed at festivals including Wellington Folk Festival and Cuba Dupa.

From Wellington, Bob McNeill is a guitar player and singer who has toured internationally with Gillian Boucher, Ben the Hoose and Fasta. He has released several albums and has won Best Folk Album three times at the RIANZ Tui Folk Music Awards (NZ’s Grammys). He plays with Criú, Crossroads and with Rennie Pearson as the duo Half Light.

Find out more on Triske’s website.