Christopher Buckley

Fiddler and former full-time member of Blaggards. Christopher left the band in 2010 but has continued playing with us occassionally ever since.

Chris grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been a student of the violin since the age of 3 and began studying Irish fiddle at 14. His classical training culminated with a degree in viola performance at the University of Minnesota and graduate work at UT Austin. His Irish music roots developed under the tutelage of Martin Dowling, Liz Carroll, Brendan Mulvhill, and James Kelly. Christopher has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding achievements in Irish music and has performed at festivals and in venues across Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Christopher moved to Austin, TX in 2001 and immediately joined forces with other traditional Irish musicians based there. He was a founding member of the highly energetic Texas Irish trad band, Cluan. Christopher also has been a member of, and recorded with, several other Texas based ensembles including Blaggards, Aidan, and the Tea Merchants, winners of the Austin Music Award for Best World Music. Currently, Christopher is combining efforts with three highly acclaimed, Texas-based, traditional Irish musicians as founding members of The Here & Now.

Over the years, teaching has become a passion. In Austin and beyond Christopher is a widely respected fiddle teacher. In 2014 Christopher cofounded the Austin Irish Music Academy, which is still thriving under the direction and leadership of himself and Niamh Fahy. Christopher continues to balance an extensive roster of students to go along with a very busy performance schedule.