Triske are a Celtic group from Wellington. They came together in 2021 around an eclectic range of music from Ireland and New Zealand. 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. Listen on Spotify, iTunes or the band's own website.
From Whangārei, Em Griffiths is a multi-instrumentalist and singer whose ancestors traveled to New Zealand from County Armagh in 1843. After 11 years of classical violin in Auckland, Em moved to Wellington where they began learning traditional Celtic music at the university club Vicfolk and the Welsh Dragon Irish session. 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 the tin whistle and then later the flute playing in bands such as Bana Nua, Criu & Triske. She has performed at festivals such as 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" at the Tuis (NZ's Grammys) three times. He plays with Criu, Crossroads and in the duo Half Light with Rennie Pearson.
Triske is:
Ceara McAuliffe Bickerton (Vocals, Flute, Whistles)
Em Griffiths (Vocals, Fiddle, Whistle)
Bob McNeill (Vocals, Guitar)