Did you ever wonder who the bands are that play at your local Farmers’ Markets, Community Centers, Assisted Living communities or other events?Who are these people and why do they lug their equipment, sometimes in the rain to perform for small fees, tips and often for free?
Most of these bands work a particular genre such as classic rock, alt country, rockabilly, and new wave.However, not all bands fit neatly into a musical classification.One atypical local band based out of Glenwood in Western Howard County is The Mighty Kelltones.The original core of the band is Ralph and Kathie Lillie, residents of Glenwood since 1997.They formed the group in the late 1990s to focus on their interest in Celtic music – the music of Scotland, Ireland, Galicia and other areas of influence by the Celtic people.
The band includes vocalists Chapin Vasilake and Jennifer Boice.The band has expanded its musical toolbox to include: Gypsy Jazz, Scottish/English/Welsh folk, Light Jazz, Movie/Opera/Theater Music, Modern Contemporary, Traditional American Folk, Winter Holiday, originals & music of other cultures. They have performed at county community centers, museums, Farmers’ and Artists’ Markets, house concerts, American Legion events, fundraisers and many other local events including Columbia’s Bane Center “Moment to Remember” series.
