Band

celtic folk fusion

LUAS is a truely international band creating their very own Celtic folk fusion music. Firmly rooted in the Irish and Scottish traditions, they expand the folk sound with pop, world, rock, jazz and electronic influences, captivating audiences with their original music.

A unique feature of LUAS is their two instrumental lineups – one featuring Irish Uilleann Pipes and the other featuring the Scottish Highland Pipes or Border Pipes (venue dependant). It’s this pan-celtic approach paired with the diverse musical backgrounds of the other members that gives LUAS a universal and powerfully genre-defying appeal.

Deeply moving and authentic, joyfully creative, full of energy and stage presence, they deliver modern compositions, songs and vocal harmonies that naturally marry the traditional to something expansive, immersive, and unmistakably their own – music that feels ancient and satisfyingly new at once! Moving effortlessly from haunting airs and heart-wrenching songs to groove-driven dance music and full-throttle powerfolk, LUAS are a live experience that has everyone singing, dancing and smiling.

Brian Haitz

Brian Haitz

Singer / Guitar (DE/IRL)

Brian is half Irish, half German, living in France and his international outlook and musical vision founded LUAS. He grew up playing the Flute steeped in Irish traditional music, was awarded Young Musician of The Year at Sidmouth Folk Festival 2009 and went on to study music production. In concerts, projects and workshops he has gained a reputation for his exceptional guitar backing, his unique song interpretations and creative arrangements.

Malin Lewis

Malin Lewis

Highland Pipes / Border Pipes / Whistles (SCO)

Malin is one of Scotlands most exciting young music creators. They're a queer bagpiper and multi-instrumentalist, whose deep appreciation for the tradition and uninhibited exploration of its boundaries fit with LUAS' bigger picture of Celtic music. They tour extensively with their trio and are to be seen on all the big Celtic stages... from Celtic Connections, to Lorient, to Tønder.

Simon Pfisterer

Simon Pfisterer

Uilleann Pipes / Flute / Guitar (DE)

Simon hails from Bavaria, has a MA in Irish Traditional Music and Dance from the University of Limerick (Ireland) and is now a highly sought after Uilleann Piper. He also plays Flute and Guitar and is most well known for playing with 3onthebund and Cara and can be heard touring year round across Europe.

Michael Poelchau

Michael Poelchau

Fiddle / Backing Vocals (USA)

Dallas born, Michael has developed a genuine love for Irish music that shines through in his skilful fiddling. His groovy and playful style brings that bit of excitement and verve to LUAS' performances and has made him a highly appreciated Irish fiddler on the continent. He also plays with An Tor and Northern Light.

Julius Oppermann

Julius Oppermann

Drums / Backing Vocals (DE/USA)

Julius grew up in a highly musical family, steeped in world music and at a young age played and toured with top-class musicians from all over the world. He studied Latin American percussion in Rotterdam and became a sought-after studio and live musician while also hosting one of Germany’s largest world music festival - Sommermusikfest.

Lucia Wagner

Lucia Wagner

E-Piano (DE/AUS)

Lucia studied Musicology in Vienna, Jazz Violin in Linz and Traditional Irish Music Performance (Violin and Piano) in Limerick (Ireland). Coming from a Bavarian–Austrian family of musicians rooted in early music and folk traditions, it's her uniquely diverse musical outlook and her sensitivity for sounds that have made her a sought after musician in many genres.