Drank the Gold

“At times, they dived into the track of the moon in the dark sea water and opened their mouths to swallow the silver.  At times, they plunged into the path of the sun in the green-blue ocean and opened their mouths and drank the gold.” 

— Pat O’Shea, The Hounds of the Morrigan

Rooted in Irish, old-time, and North Atlantic folk traditions, Drank The Gold brings a vibrant, heartfelt approach to traditional tunes and songs. Featuring Oona Grady (fiddle, viola, vocals) and James Gascoyne (guitar, banjo, vocals), this Upstate New York duo blends rich harmonies, driving rhythms, and fresh interpretations of centuries-old dance tunes.

Oona honed her fiddle skills in Cork, Ireland, steeped in Irish traditions before returning to Ithaca, NY, where she expanded her repertoire to include old-time and Cajun music. James, originally from Kentucky, brings a love of genre-blending and a deep appreciation for both American folk and Irish dance music. Together, their music is as authentic as it is dynamic.

Beyond the stage, Oona and James are essential members of the Caffè Lena family. They teach and mentor at the Caffè Lena School of Music, inspire young musicians through Folk Club Kids, and regularly sit in with artists on our stage, always ready to lend their talent and energy to the community. Their dedication to keeping folk traditions alive—both in performance and through education—makes them true ambassadors of the music we love.

Join us for a rare and special evening as Oona and James take center stage as Drank The Gold—sharing the music, heart, and joy that they so generously give to our community. 

SAMPLE SONG

Can't make the show in person? Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.