"Cucanandy is as accomplished and creative as just about any band coming out of Ireland or Scotland today."  

Dirty Linen

"This is American Celtic music at its best." 

Art Menius

With its own unique blend of songs, tunes, and traditional percussive dance, Cucanandy (koo-kuh-NAHN-dee), the North Carolina-based Celtic band, has been called "electric" and "a whirlwind of creative activity" by reviewers.  Touring nationally and into Canada from 1997 through 2002, they delighted audiences with their bright and percussive tapestry of sounds. Tapping into the inherent energy of Celtic traditional music, they drew on repertoire and style from Ireland, Cape Breton Island, Scotland, and their home base of North Carolina.

Cucanandy was one of only a few bands whose concerts truly evoked a time when dancing, songs and instrumentals were all part of the same experience. Step dance and flatfoot rhythms, fully integrated into the band's arrangements of tunes, songs and mouth music, provided both intriguing visual and aural components to the show.

In 1999 and 2001, the band recorded two acclaimed CDs (He Didn't Dance and Contented Minds) both produced by Vermont-based Pete Sutherland.  Listen to cuts from or purchase the CDs at www.cdbaby.com or www.efolkmusic.com.

Band members Mike Casey (flute, guitar), Malke Rosenfeld (percussive dance, flute), Stephanie Johnston (vocals, guitar, bodhran) and Jason Cade (fiddle, mandolin) all have deep respect for the traditions they have spent decades learning. Surrounded by the living traditions in their home state of North Carolina, they all have spent time in Ireland, Cape Breton, and Brittany learning from master teachers and honing their craft.