Alan Chelius--{Guitars/Gadgets/Vocals/Misc. Perc.}
Alan, our guitarist, has played guitar for many years. We look to him for really
cool chords, melodies and strong rhythm guitar support . He has played Rock,Jazz, Classical and Country guitar and is now, into Celtic music. We are all glad of that as, he does it well. Alan has all sorts of musical gadgets he brings with him to the performances. (flashing lights, LED readouts, many sampled sounds, etc.) Because of that,
we’ve deemed him; “Cel-tech
Ken Gehret-{Vocals/Fiddle/Guitars/Cittern/IrishFlute/Whistles/
Melodica/Plucked Psaltery/”Foot-Stomper”/”Bad Joke” Whistle}
A professional musician for more than 40 years, Ken has delved
into many divers musical situations. He has worked out of the “Nashville
music scene” in the early part of his career, touring with various recording artists. Throughout Ken’s musical life, Celtic music has always intrigued him which, is why “Irish Mist” was formed. Ken, is the creator/director of “Irish Mist.” He is also, a “multi-instrument-alist” and performs on several instruments in the band. Ken, describes himself (in “the large musical scheme of things”) as; “A kid in a candy store.”
“Ken Gehret and Irish Mist” (Band-Description/History) Celtic Music (and Beyond):
Irish Mist, a three piece group of musicians who perform Celtic music regularly,
at various venues, was officially formed in 2003. Those venues include: Irish
Pubs, Concerts, Celtic festivals, Sacred performances, Weddings, Christmas and
Holiday celebrations (including, of course: “St. Patrick’s Day”) and a large
portion
of private and corporate functions. The band, has been received extremely well
in all of the above musical situations and is continuing successful performances
while, maturing over the years as a well-rehearsed musical unit.
The concept of “Irish Mist” actually, goes back to the year 1995. Ken, who for
many years, had been playing Celtic music, (however, opportunities to perform
that music were fairly slim) received a phone call from Al Seifarth. (Al and Ken
had been playing Jazz gigs, etc. together, on a regular basis, at that time.)
Al, informed Ken that he was talking to a pub owner who expressed an interest in
having Celtic music at his establishment. Al & Ken both, decided to “give it a
go!” They played that gig as a duo every St. Patrick’s Day for several years.
In the mean time, Ken’s good friends Fran and Alan Chelius were playing Celtic
music on their own, more/less as a hobby. Ken then, decided to expand the sound and
scope of the band by asking Fran and Alan to join in and play a gig together, making it a “full Celtic band.” That idea worked very well and thus, “Irish Mist” was born.
“Irish Mist,” for the past several years, has performed as a duo, trio, quartet, quintet
however, has recently settled on configuring the group as a three piece
ensemble. The “trio” setting is a cohesive blend of musical intimacy while,
still having the ability to set up in “fairly small spaces,” (if need be)
presenting, their brand of a “large Celtic sound.”
Irish Mist, is based in the Reading, PA area and performs both locally and in
the greater Eastern/Central PA and Tri-State regions.
They play, for the most part, a full “spectrum” of Celtic music. By their own
description, the phrase; “Celtic music and beyond” best represents the style, energy,
personality and direction of the band.
The variety of music would include:
a.) “Traditional” (Rebel songs, pub songs, jigs, reels, airs etc.)
b.) “Modern” (Contemporary Celtic music. Celtic adaptations of pop/rock songs.)
c.) “Original” (Original musical compositions/arrangements.)
d.) “Favorites” (“crowd-pleasing” songs-for special occasions/holidays, such as:
St. Patrick’s Day/Christmas, etc., replete with sing-along sheets for audience.
Irish Mist,
Specializing in traditional, as well as modern Celtic music. A " labor of love" for all of us. All of the music we do, whether original or
traditional, is exclusively, our own arrangement. In the past two years, Irish Mist has been proud
to present our brand of Celtic music to audiences in the greater Philadelphia area.
Fran Chelius--{Vocals/Whistles/Bodhran/Wind Chimes}
The multi-talented Fran, has for many years, worked in the professional world, instructed dance and has been heavily involved in quilting, floral arranging, learning Gaelic and many more creative activities, too long to list.
She studied piano as a young girl and sang in various choirs during high school and college. In addition to her musical duties, Fran’s other task is to “keep both boys in the band on an even keel.” We refer to Fran as; “Alan’s better half.”
For a full and rewarding Celtic music experience, you can bet your shillelagh,“Irish Mist” will deliver the goods. And, that’s no blarney!
Click on tabs to hear Mp3's
Click on tabs to hear Mp3's
