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The Band
David Walsh David Migoya Kevin Rumery
The musically dynamic trio that is Empty Pockets blends traditional Celtic music
from Ireland, Scotland and Galicia, Spain, with contemporary rhythms
that complement the nuances and sophistication of their music.
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DAVID MIGOYA
(Flute, Whistle)
David's a multi-time national solo fife champion who grew up in The Bronx, New York City,
and came into traditional flute playing as a way of seeking greater musical challenges.
He’s twice been a finalist for the All-Ireland championship on flute and fife having won
regional titles in America in consecutive years, but was unable to make it to Eire to vie
for the championship. Dave finally visited Ireland in 2007 and met his family in County Mayo,
where his paternal grandmother was raised and his father spent his first three years.
His mother is a native of Galicia, Spain, one of the world’s oldest Celtic regions
and where some of the traditional music he plays originates.
He's performed in a variety of the best known venues for Celtic music
in Denver, Detroit, New York, St. Louis, Ireland and Spain.
David plays instruments from Rudall & Rose, Michael Grinter,
Patrick Olwell, Michael Copeland, Carlos Fernandez and Chris Abell.
He was named overall Best Folk Musician at the 2009 Longs Peak Scottish/Irish Heritage Festival
after winning the tin whistle competition.
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KEVIN RUMERY
(Bouzouki, Guitar, Vocals)
Kevin is an accomplished singer-songwriter whose talent for accompanying
traditional musicians stretches back to the early days of Boulder’s pub seisiún scene.
He’s a Nebraska native who has studied under some of the finest performers on his
chosen instruments, developing a unique style that firmly blends with his distinct, tenor voice.
Kevin’s unique introspective lyrics push the listener to self-examination, opening hearts and eyes
to long-hidden feelings. Kevin recorded his debut solo CD – Stormbird – in 2005.
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DAVID WALSH
(Bodhran, Tippers)
David is a graduate of the University of Colorado who fell into drumming while slipping
into the pub seisiúns of Boulder and tripping to Ireland for a taste of the real thing.
The journey so moved David that he packed up and headed over, where he refined
his budding style in Galway. Not long after, David slid over to the United Kingdom, where
he reconnected with musical friends and met his fiddling, Scottish wife, Jane. He became
a fixture at venues around Oxford, Manchester, London and Birmingham,
then after 15 years over there, he returned here.
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