Ceili Rain is a Christian band based in Syracuse, New York that is influenced by Celtic music. It is led by Bob Halligan, Jr. and was founded in May 1995.
As the group's founder, Bob Halligan, Jr. explains, in Gaelic, the word "Céili" (pronounced kay-lee) means "party", specifically one with live musicians, dancing, and general merriment for an all-ages crowd. "Coeli" is a form of the Latin word for "heaven". Rain is English, meaning downpour. Thus, according to Halligan, Ceili Rain is a "downpour of heavenly partiness."
Personnel Current members Bob Halligan, Jr. (May 1995–present) — lead vocals, guitar Joe Davoli (2007–present) — violin, vocals Raymond Arias (1997–present) — guitar, vocals Bill Bleistine (2003–present) — drums, percussion, vocals Kevin de Souza (2008–present) — bass, vocals Buddy Connolly (May 1996–present) — accordion, keyboards, vocals Burt Mitchell (2000–present) — pipes, whistles
Former and occasional members Matt Mason (full-time 2005–2012) — bass, vocals Skip Cleavinger (Dec 1997-occasional) — pipes, whistles John Dreibelbis (2005-occasional) — pipes, whistles Tyler Duncan (2005-occasional)- pipes, whistles Dan Meyer (entertainer) (2005-occasional) - whistles, swords Phil Madeira (Jan 1996-May 1996) — accordion, keyboards, vocals Tim Lauer (May 1995 - Jan 1996) — accordion, keyboards, vocals John McGillian (occasional) — accordion, keyboards, vocals Susie Monick (occasional) — accordion, keyboards, vocals Gretchen Priest (?) — violin, vocals Patrick Ross (2003 ?) - violin Chris Carmichael (May 1995 - May 1996) — violin, cello Rick Cua (1995-1997) — bass Bob Harmon (1998-200?) — bass, vocals Andrew Lamb (1998-2000) — bass, vocals Lance Hoppen (1997-?) — bass, vocals Daniel Grimsland (Sep 2002–2005) — Bass, Vocals Paul Grimsland (?) — Guitar, Vocals Naoise Sheridan (?) — Guitar, Vocals Bruce Wallace (?) — Guitar, Vocals Tony Hooper (May 1995 – 1997) — guitar, vocals Rocky Marvel (?) — drums, percussion Mark Hagan (?) — drums, percussion Nick Buda (?) — drums, percussion Lang Bliss (?) — drums, percussion Nick Distefano (1995) — drums, percussion John Daneluk (2003) — drums, percussion Chris Eddy (2000) — drums, percussion Robbie Spangnolitti (2004) — drums, percussion Jim Hoke (May 1995) — pipes, whistles Diane Davitch (1995) — pipes, whistles John Brown (1995) — pipes, whistles Diane Davitch (1995) — pipes, whistles Hunter Lee (?-1997) — pipes, whistles Matt Fisher (1997) — pipes, whistles Sarah Hart (?) — pipes, whistles
Discography
Albums "Say Kay-lee" (Punch Records) — (1997) We're Makin' A Party LIVE! — (1999) Recorded July 30, 1999 at Schouler Park, North Conway, NH directly to D.A.T. from house mixing console. Erasers On Pencils— (2000) No You, No Me (Cross Driven Records) — (2002) Change In Your Pocket — (2004) Anthology: 1995-2005 (Tag Artist Group) — (2005) Whatever Makes You Dance — (2006) I Made Lemonade - (2009) Manuka Honey - (2011) Hymns & Hers - (2014) Crash This Gate - (2023)
Video Anthology: 1995-2005 (DVD) (Balance Studios) — (2005) Like A Train: 2005 (Music Video) (Music Video of the Year UCMVA Awards)— (Balance Studios)(2005) Hallways of Always: 2006 (Music Video) (Music Video of the Year UCMVA Awards)— (Balance Studios)(2005-2006) STOMP: 2005 (Music Video) — (Balance Studios)(2005)
References
Further reading https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1998/07/31/ceili-rain-ceili-rain-punch/3a72a48e-25ac-4b10-9e0a-bb677a771612/ Ceili Rain: Crash This Gate [Album Review ] Ceili Rain Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More ... Ceili Rain - Ceili Rain | Album | AllMusic Halligan Jr. knows Ceili Rain's in a tough spot Still Raining: American Celtic band Ceili Rain release 'Whatever Makes You Dance' CD Ceili Rain: Our Best Gig... So Far, described by the Celtic rockers' frontman - Ceili Rain
External links The official Ceili Rain Website Ceili Rain MYSPACE