About Kinvara

Kinvara, a musical group hailing from Portland, Oregon, draws its name from the picturesque Irish town in County Galway. For over two decades, Grant Crowley, Sue Davis, Mark Masterson, and Dennis O’Malley have collaborated, sharing their collective love and enjoyment of music. Together, they offer a blend of diverse voices and instrumentation that sets them apart.

The band's journey, begun over 22 years ago, is marked by the release of three CDs that showcase their versatility and deep connection to Celtic music. With each member proficient in various instruments such as guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, fiddle, whistles, bodhran, and banjo, Kinvara's performances are fun, entertaining, lively and reflective of the camaraderie that has grown between them over the years.

Initially inspired by influential Celtic bands like The Bothy Band and Planxty, Kinvara has found its own unique voice. Their repertoire spans a wide spectrum, encompassing airs, jigs, reels, and contemporary interpretations of Celtic music and songs from artists like Dervish, Solas, and The High Kings. They also incorporate songs from other folk traditions, rock and roll favorites, and a selection of original compositions.

Kinvara's rich musical tapestry has graced numerous local Irish Pubs, McMenamins properties across Oregon and SW Washington, weddings, wakes, schools, private events, and local farmers markets. Their performances offer a blend of heartfelt renditions and vibrant energy that captivates audiences and creates a memorable experience.

Meet the Band

  • Sue

    As a young girl, Sue was captivated by the melodies of folk music. Driven by a genuine passion, she expanded her repertoire from folk to the intricate rhythms of swing jazz, mastering guitar, vocals, banjo, and mandolin.

    For a 5 year period, Sue left the world of "all things stringed", after hearing Portland's Boka Marimba Band play. She auditioned for and was invited to join. Playing the beautiful and energetic songs from Zimbabwe that comprised the repertoire of this group, unleashed a profound interest in and love of multi-rhythmic complexities. This unique opportunity influenced her interest in adding the bodhran to Kinvara's instrumentation. This inclusion has added a modest, yet infectious energy to the band's sound.

  • Grant

    Grant embarked on his musical journey at 11, immersing himself in classical guitar with inspiration from his older brother. By 16, he dedicated hours to daily practice, performing in recitals and duos. Acknowledged for his skills, he entered the USC School of Music, and also studied under Christopher Parkening, America’s premier classical guitarist.

    At 20, he left the world of classical guitar but kept his musical flame alive. Grant has explored a number different musical genres and is drawn to listening and playing music that resonates emotionally. Playing Irish music provides him with a meaningful link to his ancestors. Kinvara thrives on his guitar mastery, offering both a rhythmic heartbeat and melodic expression. As the band's lead vocalist, Grant's soulful singing connects with audiences of all ages.

  • Mark

    Mark, born from Irish roots, found his musical calling through the melodies that shaped his heritage. He cultivated his affinity for Irish music in his youth by listening to Dylan, who had drawn inspiration from Irish melodies performed by The Clancy Brothers. A gifted penny whistle, received in the '80s, propelled Mark into numerous Irish sessions.

    A decade of honing skills led to Kinvara, where he embraced roles as a whistle player, guitarist, and singer-songwriter. Mark's songwriting, born from farewells to colleagues, has found a home within Kinvara, with compositions that bridge tradition and innovation.

  • Dennis

    Dennis's experience of playing the clarinet in a high school band led him to a vow of playing music solely for enjoyment. Introduced to Irish music through spirited Ceili dances, he embraced the genre after inheriting his mother’s fiddle, making it a natural extension of his musical joy. Dennis has been influenced by Portland's vibrant and varied fiddle culture which exposed him to fiddlers such as Kevin Burke, Eddie Parente, Anna Schott, and many others.

    In Kinvara, his fiddle expertise adds a critical dimension to the band's sound, while his recent vocal solos enhance the depth of their performances. Dennis has transformed his genuine passion for music into a spirited contribution to the band's rich and full sound