It all started in Pescadero, CA.
Raymond
An unlikely candidate to play Celtic music, Raymond Tsang was born "east" of Dublin - very, very far east of Dublin. Raymond enjoys folk music from around the world and plays the fiddle, mandolin, penny whistle, Hsiao, and the er-hu. Raymond also had put away his instruments when he came to America, but the love of folk music never left his soul. Here he was drawn to Old Timey and Celtic fiddling, and began playing again. Meeting Helen was a godsend, as they play with each other’s support and encouragement.
Raymond is an avid fiddle, penny whistle, and mandolin player who started this Celtic group. His love for the music has drawn together these people with similar interests.
Mary
Mary Maguire was born and raised in Co. Wicklow, Ireland. She played classical piano from an early age, and although she has always had a fond appreciation for Irish music, did not take it up herself until 2000 when she acquired her first Bodhran. After moving to the US, she developed an interest in playing the Irish Bouzouki and was lucky enough to find the other members of the group playing in an open session at a local café. Mary thoroughly enjoys playing with such an international group and is delighted to see that Celtic Music is enjoyed by so many musicians across the globe.
Dave
Dave Sahn became inspired to teach himself to play melodies on guitar when he saw a performer at a San Rafael restaurant in 1997. He acquired his interest in Irish and old time music by listening to recordings and attending seisiúin and workshops. Dave regularly attends the Starry Plough Sunday night seisiún and the Wednesday Marin ceoltóirí workshop. He plays both rhythm and melodies. He met Raymond at the San Francisco Folk Music Club and has played with him there and at the annual Angel Island Civil War re-enactment. More recently he has enjoyed playing music at the San Francisco Folk Music Club with Robin, Raymond, Jim, and Bill.
Robin
Robin Fish has been playing hammered dulcimer and fiddle for quite a number of years. Born in the mountains of Idaho, music has always been a big part of her life. She loves playing in the Lighthouse String Band because she can now share those wonderful Celtic tunes with other people. Robin is also a member of Clan Gunn through the Wilson sept.
Helen
Helen Jansson-Tsang was born and raised in Sweden and is well versed in Swedish fiddling. She put away her fiddle when she moved to America until she discovered Celtic music and has been playing it ever since. Her new-found interest blossomed after she met her husband, Raymond. In addition to playing with the Cooks in the Kitchen, Helen and Raymond host a music session in Half Moon Bay every Sunday afternoon.