Poor Man's Gambit was formed in 2015 and hails from Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. Fronted by Corey Purcell & Deirdre Lockman, the trio has released 3 albums, completed two international tours, and has been noted as an increasingly popular Irish-American group.
Steeped in the arts of Irish cultural music and dance, PMG has been presenting a unique cross section of traditional and contemporary repertoire to audiences both stateside and abroad for over a decade. The band draws from Irish folk music's oral tradition by enhancing the listening experience with backstories and historical anecdotes that bind the music to the culture and people of Ireland. With two multi-instrumentalists in the line-up, and featuring fiddle, button accordion, guitar, bodhran, cittern, both male and female vocals, and dance, the band has been noted for their ability to offer several layers of musical depth in addition to refined musicality.
Deirdre Lockman
Fiddle and Vocals
Deirdre (fiddle, vocals) has been pursuing her passion for Irish music and dance since the age of four when she was first introduced to the fiddle. Born into a musical family, she was soon performing with her family band, in addition to numerous orchestras and ensembles including the Junior String Philharmonic, and the Lehigh University Philharmonic Orchestra. A quick study, Deirdre began competing in fiddle competitions at an early age, and holds several regional fiddle titles.
Deirdre began Irish step-dancing at the age of 5, and competed at the regional and national level with the DeNogla School of Irish Dance out of New Jersey for eleven years, before focusing her full attention on traditional music.
In addition to her work with PMG, Deirdre offers private fiddle lessons to students in the greater Philadelphia area. You can learn more through her personal site here: www.deirdreviolin.weebly.com
Corey Purcell
Button Accordion, Cittern, Bodhran, Vocals, and Dance
Having been introduced to Irish culture at a very young age, Corey quickly grew to love the Irish music and dance which surrounded him. Advancing rapidly through the ranks of the competitive Irish dancing scene, Corey soon found himself on the National, then World stage of competition. After competing for 14 years, and discovering that he preferred his own artistic and rhythmic approach to the strict form required by the judges, Corey transitioned from competitions to stage productions and performance. He has danced with several notable bands including the esteemed Irish group Danú.
Corey’s journey to traditional music began when he was 16, and started teaching himself tunes on the Irish style button accordion which he bought himself for his birthday. Progressing quickly, he was soon studying under 7-time All Ireland Champion John Whelan, and began honing his technique under John's tutelage. Corey found his true calling in traditional Irish music, and rapidly branched into other instruments including cittern, bodhran, and voice.
Corey's 2023 solo release ‘Undaunted’ had the distinction of debuting at #11 on the acclaimed International Folk Charts, earning him recognition in the wider world of folk than his traditional roots would have led many to anticipate.
You can learn more about Corey at his personal site - coreypurcellmusic.com