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Duo Statement

Sionainn Laoi is a conversation between melody and rhythm rooted in the lilt and lift of Irish traditional music. Named for the rivers that shaped their musical coming-of-age — the Sionainn (Shannon) and the Laoi (Lee) — Hannah Harris and Alberto "Bear" Whitmer carry the energy, soul, and grace of the living tradition to every stage.

DUO Bio

Harris and Whitmer first connected at The Ark's Gavin Family Crossroads Ceili, and deepened their partnership through the regional session scene, two musicians whose separate years in Ireland had each left a lasting mark. Whitmer holds a Master of Arts in Irish Traditional Music from the University of Limerick, where the River Sionainn runs through the heart of the university; Harris earned her Master's in Ethnomusicology from University College Cork, immersed in the music of the River Laoi's city. Their playing reflects those years: Harris's fiddle voice, both lyrical and driving, carries the influence of Matt Cranitch and Liz Carroll, while Whitmer's fingerstyle work draws from Tony McManus and his backing from John Doyle.

Their repertoire moves through the full emotional range of the tradition: the pulse of dance tunes, the yearning of slow airs, the humanity of the songs. A taste of that interplay can be heard on Harris's 2025 album At the Core, on which Whitmer appears as a backing musician. In 2026 they join the staff of Celtic Week at the Swannanoa Gathering, one of North America's premier Celtic music camps. Whether on a festival stage or in a house concert, Sionainn Laoi plays Irish traditional music the way it was meant to be heard, alive, present, and between two people who love it.

Hannah Harris

Hannah Harris is an Irish fiddler and singer based in Michigan. She holds a Master's in Ethnomusicology from University College Cork, where a year immersed in the session culture of Cork City left a permanent mark on her playing and singing. An RIAM-certified instructor, she brings the same depth to her teaching as to her performing, most visibly through her Find Your Lilt® online program.

Harris has released two solo albums, Tea for Tunes (2020) and At the Core (2025), both featured in Irish Music Magazine. For her full story, visit hannahharrisceol.com.

Bear Whitmer

Bear Whitmer is a guitarist and educator based in Metro Detroit. He holds a Master of Arts in Irish Traditional Music from the University of Limerick, where the River Sionainn ran through both the university and his musical formation, and a degree in fingerstyle guitar performance from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee under John Stropes. An RIAM-certified instructor, he teaches beginning guitar, guitar backing for Irish music, and fingerstyle guitar.

Bear has opened for Tony McManus, appeared as special guest with Blackthorn, and shared the stage with The Gavin Family and Irish singer/songwriter Enda Reilly. In 2025 he served as a guest instructor at Celtic Week at the Swannanoa Gathering. For his full story, visit albertowhitmer.com.

Praise for Sionainn Laoi

“Hosting Shannon Lee at the Ausable Artisan Village St. Patrick’s Celebration was pure magic! The audience was captivated — many said it felt like being transported to an Irish pub, especially with a pint in hand. Hannah and Bear’s incredible musicianship, storytelling, and warm stage presence made the night unforgettable!”

— Radel Rosin, Executive Director

“I think you and Bear are on to something! And I’ve heard A LOT of Irish music over the years in many locations. You both play so well together and weave together your subtle timing.   It is a magical synergy between you too!  A real pleasure to listen to you.”

— Nancy C from QDF Summer Fest

“We hosted Shannon Lee at our library, and they were amazing! Everyone had only compliments for their performance and loved how engaged they were with the audience. They took the time to explain songs, instruments, and give background on their music experience. It was definitely a great way to kick off the month of March!”

— Noelle Hobbs, Clinton-Macomb Public Library

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Whether you are looking for a high-energy concert set, an intimate house concert, or an educational library program, we’d love to hear from you.

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