Since she was four years old, Athena has shown a love and talent for fiddling that has not gone unnoticed. Born in Manhattan and raised in San Francisco, she began learning the violin with the Suzuki method, developing her quick ear for learning music at an early age. Frustrated by the strict interpretations of classical music, Athena found her true voice in the freedom of traditional folk music. At 9 years of age, Athena surrounded herself by the finest exponents of traditional fiddling from Scotland, Cape Breton, and Ireland during her involvement with the Valley Of The Moon Scottish Fiddling School in California. After 10 years of tuition by fiddlers such as Alasdair Frasier, Aly Bain, Buddy McMaster and Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh of Altan, Athena had won the Jr. National Scottish Fiddling Championship three years in a row and began teaching at the School herself.

Upon invitation by Culburnie Records, Athena went on to record her debut album Journey Begun with fellow violin/violist Laura Risk. Mostly original music, their album and tours were enthusiastically received with many sold out performances throughout America as well as the Toronto and Winnipeg Festivals.

Inspired by musicians Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and Paddy Keenan, Athena’s love for Irish traditional music grew bringing her to Galway Ireland in 1995 where she lived and played for over three years. The flair and excitement in her music attracted the attention of renowned box accordion player Sharon Shannon, inviting Athena to join her band for their ‘97 European festival tour. Her work in the Sharon Shannon Band included the Cambridge and Glastonbury folk festivals, as well as recording of the Gail Force TV series.

Shortly after moving from Ireland to London in 1998, Athena was invited to feature in a new production of Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance in Las Vegas. After opening the show, Athena returned to London, touring throughout the British Isles with various artists including bodhran player; Gino Lupari of Four Men And A Dog, participating in the 2000 Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow.

In 1999 Athena accepted an invitation to star in the new production of Riverdance on Broadway, bringing her to the Broadway stage for the turn on the new century. Performing 8 shows a week at the Gershwin Theater in Manhattan, Riverdance on Broadway provided the perfect stage for Athena’s captivating performance style. Athena dazzled audiences with her stunning musicianship, vivid stage presence and raw energy. Upon completing the year and a half run with Riverdance on Broadway, Athena started her own production company Solarsonic Records Inc with fellow musician/producer Fionn O Lochlainn as well as designed and built a professional recording studio; Sonic Arts Studios in Brooklyn New York. While managing the record label and recording studio, Athena toured and recorded with numerous other artists ranging in styles from Mick Moloney of the Green Fields of America, to Niamh Parsons, to Clarence Clemons from the E-Street Band with whom she toured worldwide for over a year and a half. Her familiarity with such a broad range of styles and genres adds a powerful dimension to her music.

In 2004, Athena moved to Tuscany where she recently designed and built a new recording studio Terra Linda Studios www.terralinda.cd. The venue is also host to concerts where she is involved in promoting arts and music events. While living in Italy, Athena returns to the U.S. often, working closely with renowned performer Mick Moloney and The Green Fields of America. Their collaboration continues with many performances and projects including the Milwaukee and Dublin Ohio Celtic Festivals as well as the recording of McNally’s Row of Flats. (available on Compass records) They are currently working on 2 new projects due for release in 2007.

Masterfully produced and accompanied by John Doyle on Guitar, Athena is now completing her first solo album due for release in the spring of 2007. The album features many of the artist who have worked with and influenced Athena over the years including, Sharon Shannon and Liz Carrol. Armed with her powerful performance skills and huge talent on the fiddle, Athena’s long awaited new album reflects her enormous love and respect for Irish traditional music as well as her creativity and diversity as an artist.