Corey Baker
Guitar, Vocals, Percussion.
Corey got his first guitar when he was 10. A few years later, nothing seemed to matter as much as music.
In high school, Corey took every music appreciation and theory class offered, after which an instructor tutored him in theory and composition. After high school, he bought an 8 track recorder and began recording bands.
Corey moved to Hollywood to attend The Institute of Audio and Video Engineering. Graduating at the top of his class brought several opportunities in the audio industry, resulting in his hiring at Rumbo Recorders, a world class recording studio. "I like to say it was the funnest 10 years of my life, but I was in LA less than 5 years. I didn't sleep much". After moving to Kansas City, Corey expanded his home studio to include music instruction. He remains a sought-after instructor of guitar, bass, mandolin, and drums, as well as song writing and music production. His studio is located in Cedar Rapids, IA.
An insatiable appetite for music theory and history, and a love for world music continue to fuel him.
In 2017, Corey hooked up with Andrew and Nikki Philbrick who were replacing a departing guitarist. With experience in several genres of music, Corey is especially thrilled to be in a fun, energetic Irish band. As the backbone of the rhythm section in Blame not the Bard, it is impossible to ignore his presence in the music, yet, he can blend into the background nicely. "Im right where I want to be."
Besides playing guitar and percussion, and sharing song writing credits, Corey's studio, The Bakery, provides a relaxed atmosphere for recording the band. Researching folklore and history is also a hobby. Corey readily admits that when researching and writing a song, he is playing as well as working.
Corey loves everything involving his wife, his kids, and his dog. He also likes deep philosophical discussions and nice people.
Andrew Philbrick
Vocals, Tenor Banjo, Bass Guitar.
Andrew started his musical journey playing brass instruments including the Baritone, Euphonium and Trombone through his public school program in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He quickly got involved in all forms of performance art including local community theater productions and music competitions.
While at university, Andrew obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Euphonium Performance from the University of Iowa while being a section leader in the Hawkeye Marching Band and playing bass for the Iowa Pep Band. When not playing classical music, Andrew made a habit of singing traditional Irish music while driving public transportation around campus.
After college, Andrew wanted more Irish music in his life and decided to found Blame Not the Bard to fill the void. While touring with Blame Not the Bard, Andrew appeared on stages of numerous venues and festivals, including the Iowa Irish Fest.
In May of 2020, Andrew found a new passion in the tenor banjo while studying with Martin Howley. Andrew made his television debut in March of 2022 when Blame Not the Bard was featured on the program “Greetings from Iowa” on Iowa PBS.
When Andrew isn’t busy performing with the band, he enjoys tinkering in the garage and playing rugby with the Iowa City Ducks.
Nicole Philbrick
Fiddle, Vocals, Mandolin.
Nikki started playing the violin over 25 years ago under the instruction of Janet Ault through her public school program in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. She quickly realized it would be a life-long pursuit (as much as any 8-year-old can realize such things) and took to playing as often as she could. In addition to continuing with her studies through the school orchestra program and the Preucil School of Music, Nikki attended numerous musical programs, including the Idaho Viola Camp (McCall, ID), the Red Cedar Chamber Music Summer Festival (Cedar Rapids, IA), Credo (Oberlin, OH), and numerous honor orchestras in her community. Nikki ultimately went on to earn Mount Vernon Community Schools “Outsanding Orchestral Musician” in 2006, and then to obtain a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of Iowa, studying with Dr. Katherine Wolfe.
After college, Nikki realized that what she really wanted to do was play fiddle in an Irish band. So, that she did! Nikki currently performs with Blame Not the Bard, an Irish band that tours the midwest, gracing the stages of numerous venues and festivals, including the Iowa Irish Fest.
In March of 2022, Nikki made her television debut when Blame Not the Bard was featured on the program “Greetings from Iowa” on Iowa PBS. A lifelong learner, Nikki has continued her fiddle studies with Kiana June Weber.
When Nikki isn’t busy performing with the band, teaching fiddle to one of her more than 35 students, serving as a fiddle clinician, or acting as a performance consultant for Yume Dance Studio, she enjoys writing, drinking coffee, eating ice cream, and hanging out with her dogs, cat, and husband.
Dan Vaughn
Whistle, Flute, Guitar.
Dan Vaughn, an Irish whistle and flute player based out of Iowa City, Iowa, has been making a name for himself since the early 2000's. Playing with bands such as Gaelic Storm, Flook, members of Solas, and many more, Dan has established himself as one of the premiere musicians in the scene. Along with gigging, Dan has competed in multiple Mid West Fleadhs (the Olympics of Irish music) and has won multiple titles for whistle and flute. This lead him to competing in the 2005 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Letterkenny, Ireland.
Shortly after the Fleadh, Dan went on to get a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. He focused on playing guitar and developing his composition skills during this time and went on to collaborate with many musicians on campus. Dan had a strong passion for seeking out talent and putting on many shows, mostly through participating in the Campus Activities Board.
Nowadays, Dan is back in full swing with Irish music. In 2022, Dan started gigging with the energetic and crowd pleasing band Blame Not the Bard. After a summer of touring with the band, it became clear that Dan was a perfect fit and is now a permanent member. With his performances at Iowa Irish Fest 2022 under his belt, he his looking to break into the festival and gigging circuit with Blame Not the Bard and a new trio, Sorcha.
With both of these collaborations, Dan is looking to cement himself as not only one of the best whistle and flute players around, but as one of the most exciting musicians in the Irish scene to date.