Lalla Rookh

Charley

By the age of 16, New Jersey-born guitarist Charley Gannon was sneaking into Greenwich Village clubs to see musicians like Richie Havens and Dave Van Ronk. An original member of Lalla Rookh, Charley credits his Irish ancestry as the main force behind his interest in Celtic music. "This music, still has the ability to get people dancing in their chairs," says Charley. "It's just fun music."

Mary

Ireland native Mary Whalen has been involved with the music business since 1989. She has performed as part of a duo with Charley Gannon. Besides their musical partnership, Mary and Charley are co-owners of Osprey Guitars, a music store in Fort Collins. Her interest in Celtic music grew to the point of co- founding Lalla Rookh to explore that side of her musical curiosity. Mary is the designated "Chick Singer" and plays random percussion and bodhran.

Paul Honeycutt began his interest in Celtic music while working in a nursing home where he heard a woman entertaining the patients playing music of Ireland and England on the fiddle. He has played many different styles such as psychedelic, R & B, reggae, country, folk and rock. Most recently he has taken up the mandolin, which has become his main instrument with Lalla Rookh. Paul also plays 6- and 12-string guitars.

Kay

Affectionately known as the "Fiddle Chick," Kay Williams is originally from the Phoenix area. She attended Arizona State University as a voice major, and graduated from Colorado State University with a Music Education degree. After putting the violin aside for several years, she played in the CSU Orchestra and the Cheyenne Symphony. Her introduction to Celtic music occurred when she was asked to join Lalla Rookh.

Jim

Bassist Jim Abraham spent four years with the West Virginia Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble, which included a tour of Russia, Romania, and the Ukraine. After finishing up his education with a B.S. in Engineering Physics, he came west to Colorado State University to pursue an M.S in Radiation Health Science. During that time, he spent 2 years with the CSU Jazz Ensemble. Jim's introduction into Celtic Music came from his Grandmother, who is a native of Ireland.