Acclaimed Celtic music trio Kalos brings together three masters of tradition for music full of, said Rachel Lynne Wilkerson, folkradio.co.uk, “Pluck, depth, and good reels.” Ryan McKasson (fiddle, viola, background vocals), Eric McDonald (guitar, mandolin, lead vocals), and Jeremiah McLane (accordion, keyboards, background vocals) perform on Wednesday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. 86 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. 

Inspired by maritime traditions of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cape Breton, and Québec, Kalos explores the dark corners on the edge of tradition, creating an alluringly complex sound full of spontaneity. With National Scottish Fiddle Champion McKasson’s virtuosity and expressiveness, McDonald’s eloquent vocals and propulsive guitar, and McLane’s agile accordion and keys, Kalos delivers rhythmic electricity, swirling intensity, and poignant balladry in their heart-stopping performances. Their 2023 release "Headland" received wide acclaim and placed as a top album on folkradio.org’s folk charts.

McKasson, McDonald, and McLane crossed paths over the years at highland games, contra dances, and fiddle camps before making their first recording in 2016. All three come from Scottish immigrant families, cementing their deep connection to the music, embracing the concept that Celtic music is a living tradition holding the richness of the past while evolving and growing into the future. That expansive vision informs the skillful architecture and ingenious inventiveness of Kalos’ original compositions and singular arrangements.

Ryan McKasson has earned a strong reputation as a performer, composer, collaborator, and teacher. In 1994, he attended Alasdair Fraser’s Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School (VOM), leading him deep into the world of traditional music. In 1996, he became the youngest person ever to win the US National Scottish Fiddle Championship. And in 1997, he was awarded a Merit Scholarship for Viola Performance from the University of Southern California, where he studied with Donald McInnes. In 2004 he spearheaded the formation of The McKassons, a group that released two critically acclaimed albums: "Tall Tales: (2004) and "Tripping Maggie" (2006). 

Guitarist/vocalist Eric McDonald was raised in a musical Boston family surrounded by the sounds of modern piano compositions, lively klezmer clarinet, and songs of the American folk revival. Early performances with The Revels and at Club Passim set Eric on his musical path, studying at Berklee College of Music under John McGann and Eugene Friesen and attending summer fiddle camps in New England. Eric is one of the US's premier accompanists in many styles, and is an active session player, recording and traveling with musicians. Eric’s debut solo recording "Rove" features his unique style and approach to tunes on the mandolin, as well as carefully crafted deliveries of traditional ballads on voice and guitar.

Jeremiah McLane was raised in a family with deep ties to both its Scottish heritage and its New Hampshire roots. After early studies in classical piano, Jeremiah spent his teenage years playing blues and jazz, studying with the legendary Gary Peacock. In his mid-twenties he began to immerse himself in the world of traditional Celtic and French music studying accordion with Jimmy Keene and Frederic Paris. He spent several decades traveling in Europe, doing field research that laid the groundwork for a Master’s degree from the New England Conservatory. He has composed music for theater and film including Sam Shepard’s “A Lie of the Mind."

For more about the band visit www.kalosband.com.

Advance discounted tickets tp the July 16 show are $20, only through the box office at 86 Townsend Ave., in person or by calling 207-633-5159. Regularly priced tickets are $25 available on the Opera House's official website: https://boothbayoperahouse.com