At the age of 14, Amanda was introduced to Eileen Ivers after a concert in Melbourne, Florida. Inspired by Eileen’s energy, she began attending Irish music workshops and was soon joining in local pub sessions, chaperoned by her dad.

In the years since her introduction to Irish Traditional Music, Amanda has earned an English degree from UT-Chattanooga, and is in the process of writing a master’s thesis after finishing Appalachian Studies coursework at East Tennessee State University.  She is a professional educator, with experience as a Montessori Assistant Teacher, and currently serves as the Museum Program Assistant for the Miller Farmstead at Roan Mountain State Park.

Amanda joined Sigean in 2016 or 2017 (we’re not sure, it feels like she has always been one of us), and we’re thrilled to have her on fiddle, a bit of vocals, and as an important part of our arrangement team.

Alabama-born & bred, John Rushing contributes upright bass to Sigean’s signature sound.  Before being introduced to Irish Traditional Music and Sigean by his hunting buddy Frank Wing, John had already made a name for himself as a regular columnist for various online Bluegrass publications.  In addition to bass, John plays old-time clawhammer banjo, guitar, and sings from time to time.

John lives with his lovely wife Sherrye at the foot of Clinch Mountain in Southwestern Virginia, where they are raising three of their beautiful grandchildren– all budding musicians as well.