Alec Charon
Traditional Music and Jazz
Guitar / Mandolin / Irish Tenor Banjo
Philadelphia, PA
Bio
Alec Charon is a multi-instrumentalist and teacher born in Providence, Rhode Island and based in West Philadelphia.Specializing in traditional music and jazz, he has over 12 years experience performing in various musical styles and ensembles, including solo performance. He has been a regularly featured performer at the annual Philadelphia Irish Festival on guitar, mandolin and Irish tenor banjo. Alec frequently leads Irish trad sessions at Fergie's Pub, the Plough and the Stars, the historic Bristol AOH, and more throughout the region. He has performed at the Havertown Irish Festival, New Bedford's Cisco Irish Festival, and Manheim's famous Celtic Fling & Highland Games.Alec is an adjunct faculty member at Ursinus College, where he teaches applied guitar lessons. He is also on faculty at the Community Music School of Collegeville, where he has offered guitar clinics, and performs frequently on faculty recitals.With a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition from Temple University ('21), Alec brings a well-rounded and explorative approach to traditional music.While not performing or teaching, Alec enjoys hiking, contra dancing and traveling.
Gig Schedule
| Date | Venue | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 6/26 | Fenian Rams @ Fergie's Pub | 6pm | Center City, Phila, PA |
| Sat 6/27 | Ben Traverse @ Mt. Hope Winery - Celtic Fling & Highland Games | All day | Manheim, PA |
| Fri 7/3 | Duo w/ Kevin McCloskey @ Anglesea Pub | 10pm | North Wildwood, NJ |
| Sat 7/11 | Fenian Rams @ McManimon's Pub | 5pm | Trenton, NJ |
| Wed 7/15 | "Oiche Cheoil" with Fenian Rams, Eamon Kelly & Nathan Bishop @ Black Squirrel Club | 7:30pm | Fishtown, Phila, PA |
| Sat 7/18 | High Strung @ Swingin' Terns w/ Diane Hartzell calling | 7pm | Chatham, NJ |
| Tue 7/28 | High Strung @ Park Ave Contra w/ Rick Mohr calling | 7:30pm | Swarthmore, PA |
| Wed 7/29 | High Strung @ Princeton Contra Dance w/ Liz Nelson calling | 7:30pm | Princeton, NJ |
| Fri 7/31 | Fenian Rams @ Fergie's Pub | 6pm | Center City, Phila, PA |
| Sat 8/1 | The Kelpies + Maureen Adamson & Rob Curto @ House concert, Northeast Philadelphia | TBD | Message for address |
| Sun 8/2 | Fenian Rams w/ O'Farrells & Muckers (GA) @ Bonk's Bar | 7pm | Port Richmond, Phila, PA |
| Fri 8/7 | Fenian Rams @ Anglesea Pub | 9pm | North Wildwood, NJ |
| Sat 10/3 | High Strung @ Bristol Celtic Heritage Day Festival | 11am | Bristol, PA |
| Sat 10/3 | High Strung @ Birdsboro Contra Dance w/ Sue Gola calling | 7:30pm | Birdsboro, PA |
| Sat 10/24 | Yesterday's Pierogies @ Center City Contra Dance (Ethical Society) | 7:30pm | Rittenhouse, Phila, PA |
| Sat 11/21 | High Strung @ Summit Contra Dance | 7:30pm | Mt. Airy, Phila, PA |
| Sat 11/28 | High Strung @ ContraCopia (Commodore Barry Irish Center) | TBD | Mt. Airy, Phila, PA |
Music
Bands
High Strung - Philadelphia's hottest new Contra Dance band, featuring Jared Bishop, Max Thoburn and Adam Bodine. High Strung has brought their fresh approach to the traditional string band to contra floors across the Northeast, from NEFFA to Glen Echo.The Fenian Rams - a Philadelphia based Irish traditional trio featuring Kevin McCloskey and Andrew German. Named in tribute to the Fenian Brotherhood's famed vessel, the Rams perform traditional ballads, tunes and rebel songs in the spirit of the Clancy Brothers, Christy Moore and the Dubliners.The Kelpies - a ferocious fiddle and guitar duo that channels the best of instrumental Irish traditional music. A favorite for intimate concerts, festivals, private events and more. Featuring accomplished violinist/fiddler Melissa Lisbao.Yesterday's Pierogies - a brand new Contra Dance band that fuses Irish, old-time and bluegrass tunes to light up any dance floor. Featuring Kate Saylor, Charles Stockdale and Laura Alexander.
Contact
I am available for private lessons, recording sessions, live performances and more. I teach guitar, Irish tenor banjo, mandolin, and music theory.
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