"My music is inspired by a deep and abiding love for Ireland. If you share my love of this anient, sacred place, please view this beautiful
short film ."
The Philadelphia Ceili Band is the living continuation of the music of Sligo fiddler John Kelly, who emigrated to Philadelphia in the thirties, played music, worked, raised a family with his wife Margaret, and came back to traditional irish music full time when he retired. Kitty Kelly became his first student in 1976 and played with him in the Philadelphia Ceili band until his passing in 1990. Since then Kitty Kelly has been the bandleader of the Philadelphia Ceili Band, playing for ceilis, parties, concerts, weddings, and festivals in the Philadelphia region. In 1998 she recorded "Live at Mermaid Inn" with senior traditionalists Charley Gaffney on flute and Bill Jordan on button accordion, both of whom have since passed away. Tom and Marian Gittelmann, who had played with Kitty and John from time to time at the Friday night Ceilis at the Irish Center, were reaquainted with Kitty shortly thereafter and with Kitty, Mike, Charlie, and Bill formed the core of The Philadelphia Ceili Band, sometimes joined by Eric Roberts on mandolin, and Wes Steenson on guitar, Tommy Cahill on flute, Liz Anderson on flute. The Philadelphia Ceili Band has a distinctive swing which comes directly from John's energetic playing. In Philadelphia, the sound of the Philadelphia Ceii Band brings back fond memories and dancers to the floor.
