The Sweet Set
Irish music
The Sweet Set is a collaboration of traditional Irish musicians, fiddler Melanie Nolley and concertina/whistle player LeeAnn Gorne, that came together in Santa Monica, California, to create a performance ensemble to share Irish music. Playing for all kinds of events, large and small, the ensemble’s emphasis is on giving back to the commuinity.
Melanie Nolley was introduced to Irish music by good friends a decade ago and has been a mainstay in the Los Angeles Irish session scene ever since. Melanie has taken her music from New York to Japan. Her fiddle style is unique and influenced by great masters like Liz Carroll and Tommy Peoples. Melanie has been a member of several bands including LA-based Dublin4.
During a trip to Dublin in 1998, LeeAnn Gorne had her first experience with Irish music. After returning home to Los Angeles, she began whistle lessons with noted local musician Frank Simpson. In 2006, she was awarded apprenticeship with the Durfee Foundations Master Musician’s Fellowship. LeeAnn is a regular in the local session scene and has taught whistle at the Celtic Arts Center and the CTMS Solstice Music Festival. She began studying concertina in 2007.
In 2009, the Sweet Set participated in ACTA’s Traditional Arts Development Program, enabling them to an intense week of study of traditional Irish music and culture with master musician Mick Moloney. Mick also conducted one community lecture/demonstration and the week culminated in a concert given by Mick to the Irish music and larger community of Los Angeles.