Calley McGrane

Calley McGrane (born August 20, 1989) is an American musician known for her unique style and fusion of Celtic and modern rock music, as well as her intense energy on stage.

History

McGrane was born in Connecticut to parents John and Denice McGrane. She attended Farmington High School where she began play the violin at age seven. Attending the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford in Connecticut, she perfected her classical training. She is also vocally classically-trained. She began performing fiddle music and competing in competitions across the Northeast at age 10, and released her first solo album entitled "Toss the Feathers" (2002) at age 12. In 2004, she banded with four other musicians to form the alternative Celtic rock band Calley McGrane and the Exiles. The band released three CDs: "Taking Flight" (2004), "On the Run" (2006), and "No Turning Back" (2007). She currently attends The University of Connecticut and resides in Farmington when not living on campus.

Career

Calley began performing and competing in 2000 when introduced to fiddle music and drawn to her celtic roots. She trained classically at the prestigious Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford and studied outside of the school with some of the most acclaimed fiddlers in the Northeast, including P.V. O'Donnell, Donna Hebert, Jerry Holland, and Seamus Connolly. She also received vocal instruction from celebrated folk-singer Julee Glaub and from the opera singer Joanne Scattergood. This training prepped Calley for excellence, and combined with her natural talent and relaxed on-stage attitude, seemed to place Calley in the footsteps of Natalie MacMaster and Eileen Ivers. Since joining with "The Exiles", Calley has performed in some of the most renowned Celtic music venues, including The Newport Waterfront Irish Festival, Greater Hartford Irish Music Festival, Hunter Mountain International Celtic Festival, Pipes in the Valley Celtic Festival, East Durham Irish Festival, Fairfield Irish Festival, Danbury Irish Festival, New Haven Irish Festival, First Night Celebration (Hartford, CT), Rhode Island Highland Scottish Festival, and even performed in the Connecticut Governor's mansion while the governor John G. Rowland was in office. Calley has played roughly 250 live performances in recent years and has opened for artists such as the world-acclaimed Gaelic Storm. Calley continues to perform and is now a well-known instructor herself, teaching both classical violin and celtic fiddle. It is said that "Her fiddling is agile and energetic and her ability to move about in the melody is smooth and creative. Calley is definitely a young musical star that will continue to shine in the future". ("Celtic Beat Magazine", 2005)

Calley McGrane and The Exiles

Formed in 2004, Calley McGrane and The Exiles is composed of Calley McGrane on fiddle, vocals and keyboards, Mark Stein on bodhran, vocals, and tin whistle, John McGrane on guitar, Dave Knauf on vocals and bass, and Jonathan Lichtig on percussion. The group has been praised for their eclectic mix of traditional music and modern instrumentation, as well as their wide appeal to audiences.

Discography

*Solo
**"Toss The Feathers" (2002)

*Calley McGrane and the Exiles
**"Taking Flight" (2004)
**"On the Run" (2006)
**"No Turning Back" (2007)

References

[http://www.valhallapalooza.org/features.html Valhallapalooza] Celtic Beat Magazine

External links

* [http://www.calleymcgrane.com CalleyMcGrane.com] - Calley McGrane and the Exiles' Official Website