Jake Stewart has been playing the violin since he was 6. He developed an interest in traditional Irish music at age 14, and soon after began taking fiddle lessons with Roger Burridge, a former member of Fairport Convention and other groups. After receiving further instruction at several traditional music summer programs, Jake was twice invited to perform at the Philadelphia Ceili Group Irish Festival. In 1998, he was asked to represent Irish music in New Hampshire at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Since then, Jake has continued to play at various venues in the area. Although he has been influenced by many players, Jake has a particular fondness for the older styles and cites players such as Paddy Canny, Sean Ryan, and Bobby Casey.
