Tim Staudacher studied music at the University of Michigan. He majored in String Instrument and has taught and performed throughout his career as a multi-instrumentalist. Currently he is playing mandolins and guitar in Uneven Ground. Tim’s interest in performance practices and the music of the British Isles has led to working with the band and also has led to creative compositions in this genre.
Courtney Caye Hutson is a classically trained musician from Muskegon, MI, and has been playing the violin since 2004. She is a proud 2010 graduate of Mona Shores High School and their esteemed fine arts programs, including the Mona Shores Fiddlers. Courtney studied music at Hope College in Holland, MI, where she played in the Hope College Symphonette, and received a Distinguished Artist Award for violin. Her studio credits include performing as a guest violinist on Dave Palmer’s 2015 album, Pussycat, and of course, providing violin and vocals on her own band’s first self-titled album.
Dave Closz hails from Norton Shores, Michigan. Dave's love of Irish music was awakened upon hearing traditional music in pubs while visiting Ireland. Years later, that love blossomed as he assisted students with guitar and vocals in the after school fiddle group, Mona Shores Fiddlers, of which his son was a member and which was directed by Uneven Ground co-member Tim Staudacher. As a member of Uneven Ground, Dave is supported in developing both guitar and vocal skills by the other band member.
Larry Halverson hails from Roosevelt Park, Michigan. Although Larry started playing the saxophone at an early age, he took up the whistle years later after attending a Kennedy’s Kitchen concert in 2009. The Kitchen’s performance ignited in Larry’s soul to learn Irish whistle techniques while forming his own style.
To incorporate UG’s traditional Irish sound, Larry receives whistle lessons from renowned Belfast whistle player Conor Lamb along with Ireland’s leading performers and instructors at the Online Academy of Irish Music.
Larry plays whistles produced by Michael Burke and Gene Milligan. He also plays is a custom-designed 18th Century flute made by Copley & Boegli.
Uneven Ground is proud to announce the addition of Rory Closz to the band. He is a multi-instrumentalist playing the bodhrán, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle. In addition, Rory excels in vocals enhancing the band's rich vocal harmonies. Currently, he is the Mona Shores Middle School Choir Director in Muskegon, Michigan.