The Fighting 86's Bio Page

The Fighting 86's are a Celtic Rock band hailing from Albany, New York. They have become a mainstay on the club and festival circuit and perform at many esteemed venues. They continue to share the stage with numerous great names in Celtic music. The members are comprised of Brian Gibney on guitar and vocals, Mark Frederick on fiddle, and Steve Butler on bodhran. The Fighting 86's draw from their diverse experiences in a multitude of genres. The trio delivers a tremendous amount of energy and create a sound that is all their own.

Brian Gibney is prominent songwriter, session artist, and music instructor. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. He has been a finalist in both Ticketmaster/Yamaha and Mars Music national talent searches. His music has had continued exposure on radio, television , and the internet. Brian has shared the stage with the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Deep Purple, Stevie Ray Vaughan's Double Trouble, Ted Nugent, Joan Osborne, The Samples, and many of todays National Irish Bands.

This led to an opportunity to play with Kevin McKrell and a host of amazing musicians for close to 2 years. This led to the pairing up with Brian Gibney and the forming of The Fighting 86’s.

Butler’s playing has been described as “booming”, “passionate”, and “powerful”.

Mark Frederick- Fiddle/Mandolin

Mark Frederick has been performing music since the ripe age of eight. Among his arsenal are violin, mandolin, cello, bass, guitar, banjo, and various odd concoctions formed by his own two hands. Mark studied at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY and holds a Masters degree in music education. Mark is both a public and private orchestral instructor and one of the most sought session artists in upstate New York.

Mikki Bakken has an extensive singing background, classically trained by Metropolitan Opera singer Theresa Treadway Lloyd, then starting her professional tenure with Smith & Bakken and The David Bromberg Touring Band.

Mikki is a popular regional solo artist with national experience, who has shared the stage with Joan Osborne, Taj Mahal, Ani DiFranco, Kristen Hall, Asleep at The Wheel, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Cheryl Wheeler, Merle Haggard, 10,000 Maniacs, and many others.

Her distinctive percussive flat picking guitar style is the perfect compliment to her passionate voice. Mikki was raised in an Irish American family and immersed with stories about her family's rich, quirky Irish American Heritage & the rich history of New York City and Boston.