Ensembles

As of 2025, Elizabeth's primary ensemble project is her folk trio “The Heartbleeders.”  The band consists of Elizabeth on harp, guitar and vocals; her long-time (25 years!) duo partner Bob Soper on fiddle, guitar and vocals; and the recent addition of Rylan Suehisa on bodhran, guitar and vocals.  The band plays Celtic and American folk music, original work, and the odd cover song, heavily centering 3 part vocal harmonies and dynamic instrumentals.   The Heartbleeder's repertoire often highlights themes of class struggle, environmental justice, peace, and anti-colonialism.  They play frequently around Portland (please see the “Calendar” page for their schedule), both for public and private events.  Band members also try to make themselves available on a pro-bono basis for fundraisers for activist and volunteer organizations whose mission they support.  Please feel free to inquire if you're interested in having them perform at your event.

Elizabeth has also collaborated extensively with numerous other members of Portland's folk, rock, and classical music communities, and she is always happy to put a customized ensemble together to suit a specific occasion.  Custom ensemble options (in addition to Elizabeth on harp, vocals, and guitar) include fiddle, Irish and Scottish pipes, guitar, Irish bouzouki, mandolin, flute, whistles, percussion, double bass, tenor and 5 string banjo, button and piano accordion, dobro, cello, keyboards, hammer dulcimer, additional harps, and additional vocals. A customized ensemble may feature exclusively Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Americana, Renaissance and medieval, classic folk and rock, classical, general world music, or any combination thereof.