UPDATE about the band:
The Kelly Girls, a New England Celtic band, was formed in 2014. Our 2020 tour was cancelled because of the pandemic. Though we did play a couple of gigs in 2022, we made the unanimous decision to call it a day as a group. We had a lovely run and we’re all so grateful for the loads of fans and friends we’ve made over the years. We love you all! (you can still find us on itunes, spotify, and youtube, or listen below)
About US
Aisling Keating – (Ashling)
Aisling was born in Dublin, Ireland and developed a great love for traditional Irish music and song while growing up. On frequent visits to Ireland she enjoys going to Irish music festivals, and performing and playing in pub sessions with musician friends and family. These days Aisling loves playing tin whistle, flute, bodhran and ukulele and performing with her band The Kelly Girls in the Boston area and beyond. Aisling has performed with several bands, playing celtic, folk and traditional music. In 2006, Aisling founded and hosted The Groton Session, a weekly traditional Irish music session. For the next 6 years she hosted sessions, workshops, barn dances, and produced and promoted concerts with touring Irish and Celtic musicians. In 2009, Aisling’s contra dance band The Contra Banditos released their first CD Redwing. In 2013, Traditional Brew released their first CD On Tap. In 2014, Aisling went on tour to China with The Boston Rovers where they performed in Beijing, Suzhou and Shanghai. Aisling is a Licensed Massage Therapist with a private practice in Groton, MA. She loves to spend lots of time with her family who share her love of music and adventure.
Melinda Kerwin grew up surrounded by music at home, studying classical violin as a child, and with parents who continue to perform with their Dixieland jazz band, The Ancient Mariners. Mel has taught fiddle on the north shore for many years and has taken great joy from bringing students out to play with her various bands. In 2004 she co-founded the Celtic rock band DownDog and released their CD, “Dirty Luck” in 2006. For the past ten years, Mel has performed with Mollie’s Misfits, a traditional Irish/folk band in numerous festivals, pubs and cultural events around the North Shore. She stands by her fervent belief that Saint Patrick’s Day is the greatest holiday of all time. Mel is also a Clinical Social Worker with a private practice in Georgetown, and is the very proud mother of three teenagers. Mel is beyond excited for her newest musical adventure with the Kelly Girls.
Christine Hatch – The show-biz bug bit Chris at a very young age! When she was 9 years old, the Circus came to town asking for volunteers to help set up the big top, and Chris was first in line! Years later she took center stage in the highly acclaimed “Hollywood Spectacular Stunt Show”, a wild-west comedy-action show, where Chris performed alongside professional Hollywood stunt men! The show crisscrossed the country playing the State Fair circuit. Today with guitar, pen and paper she is an award winning songwriter, performing throughout New England. Chris joins the Kelly Girls playing banjo, guitar and vocals.
Nancy Beaudette – With musical roots originating in Eastern Ontario, Canada, award-winning singer-songwriter Nancy Beaudette has been performing internationally for well over thirty years. On the border of Glengarry County, she was raised on French fiddle-music and Irish and Scottish reels, and as a youngster, she cut her teeth chording to her grandfather’s old-time fiddling in the family home. Nancy has eight full length CDs, and has acquired numerous accolades throughout the years. In 1997 Nancy won a CGMA for song of the year (Canadian Gospel Music Award – highest honor for gospel music in Canada), and has been a Winner or Finalist in some of the industries most distinguished competitions, including being a two-time finalist in Kerrville New Folk, Mountain Stage New Song Competition, Mid-Atlantic Song Contest, Great American Song Contest, the Independent Music Awards, and Global Peace Song. On-stage and off, this beloved songwriter practices hometown hospitality. Now she brings the warmth of that musical ‘kitchen party’ experience to The Kelly Girls. Nancy is a full time touring artist, private music teacher, and creativity coach. She plays guitar, mandolin, and bouzouki with the band.
