Past Performances & Experiences

Past Performances
Written By Sarah W

A Life in Music and Education: Andreas Transo's Journey Across the World

In 2023, I had the honor of contributing to Dr. Amy Ressler's book Social Emotional Learning Through Drama: A Practical Guide to Immersive Devised Story Drama, which allowed me to combine my passion for music, education, and storytelling. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to collaborate with many incredible institutions and groups, sharing my knowledge and love for music, history, and culture. I've worked with the University of Wisconsin System, UW-Platteville, UW-Milwaukee Celtic Studies Department, California State University at Bakersfield, and countless others. These experiences have shaped my approach to teaching and performing, from schools to international institutions like St. Mary’s College in England and the University of Limerick in Ireland.

I’ve also had the privilege of performing at some of the most iconic festivals and venues, including:

  • The Milwaukee Irish Festival

  • The Irish Fest in the Barn/Madison Irish Festival

  • The Dubuque Irish Festival

  • The Dubuque Irish Hooley

  • The Oshkosh Irish Festival

  • The La Crosse Irish Festival

  • The Kansas City Irish Festival

  • The Dublin (Ohio) Irish Festival

  • The Gays Mills Folk Fest

  • The GottaGetGon Folk Fest (New York)

  • The Davis, California International Festival

  • The Madison International Festival

  • The Dubuque Storytelling Festival

  • The Whitewater Storytelling Festival

  • The Rockford Irish Festival

  • Big Top Chautauqua

Each performance has been an opportunity to connect with audiences, share stories through music, and celebrate the cultural traditions that have shaped me.

One of the most humbling experiences of my career came in 2012, when I was asked to perform in a ceremony at The Wisconsin Sikh Temple in Oak Creek following a tragic mass shooting. Joining other musicians and dancers in a ceremony of peace and healing was deeply moving. Not long after, I was asked to host an Irish Wake at Paddy’s Pub in Milwaukee, where I brought together the Milwaukee Sikh community, local police, and Irish musicians to honor the lives lost. A year later, I organized a one-year anniversary Irish Wake, where victims of mass shootings from across the United States joined to heal and share in music and community.

Beyond performance, I've contributed to musical projects like The Earth and Everything in It with songwriter Frank Sommers, and The Patched Hats: Steppin' Large and Laughin' Easy with musician and producer Parker Roe. These projects allowed me to explore new sounds and grow as a musician. In addition, I spent time in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland, where I worked with renowned bodhrán champions Paul Marshall and Paul Phillips, building instruments for the Lost and Found Orchestra of BingBangBong!, from the creators of Stomp.

Whether performing at international festivals or contributing to educational projects, every step of my journey has been fueled by a deep love of music, history, and community. From my early days as a young musician to collaborating with educators, performers, and communities around the world, I’ve been lucky to share this incredible journey.

I had the incredible opportunity to perform at Big Top Chautauqua with the Blue Canvas Orchestra, where we brought the magic of live music to a vibrant, intimate audience under the iconic tent. Playing with such a talented group of musicians in this unique venue was an unforgettable experience, blending a mix of folk, rock, and classic tunes. The energy and connection with the crowd made every performance a truly special moment.

Sarah W
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