Beltaine

The Band

“The Festival of Beltane joyfully heralds the arrival of summer in its full glory. It was believed that if you bathed in the dew of Beltane morn, your beauty would flourish throughout the year.”

Brian Baker – Six and Twelve Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals
Brian is a long time musician who has performed with many groups in the Northwest. Originally from Eugene, Brian is a counselor at a local elementary school in the Portland Metro Area. Brian brings a rich background of music to Beltaine. He offers a solid rhythm base for the group. He also offers strong leads and harmonies to the music. Brian also leads many of the pub sing alongs with his strong voice.

Brian’s background in rock and blues introduces a unique sound to Beltaine. This allows us to feel comfortable with traditional as well as contemporary tunes. His guitar playing is effortless and a pleasure to watch and listen to.

Kris Chase – Hammer Dulcimer, Mountain Dulcimer, Marimbula, Spoons, & Vocals
Kris Chase has been playing hammered dulcimer for about 9 years and mountain dulcimer for 5 years. Kris started out musically in Junior High learning Beatle songs on guitar. When her daughter was little, she saw Mick and Lawrence playing hammered dulcimers at the Saturday Market. She bought a tape from them and tucked the idea of learning to play in the back of her brain for a later date. As her daughter approached college age, Kris realized that she would need something to fill up her time. She went back to school for a couple of years took some music theory and music history and started teaching herself to play hammered dulcimer. Since then, she has played with many other people, and hosted local jam sessions.

Kris provides beautiful ornamentation with her dulcimer playing. Her interpretation of the music touches your soul. Kris is equally adept with the mountain dulcimer and marimbula. She is even known to sing a song or two!

John Keys – Hammer Dulcimer, Flute, Penny Whistle, & Vocals
John Keys first heard the sound of hammer dulcimer at the Portland Saturday Market. John fell in love with the sound of the dulcimer, which means “sweet sound.” John has been playing the Hammer Dulcimer for a little over 7 years; music has been a major part of his life from a very early age. John also plays flute, mandolin, saxophone, and percussion in the group.

John plays regularly at Bethel Lutheran Church, and also plays with many other groups in the Portland Area. John loves all styles of music. He believes that music is the same whether it is acoustic or electric!

There is a strong synergy among the members of Beltaine, as all members play both melody and harmonies on multiple instruments. The music is eclectic but not electric, with emphasis on traditional dance music and powerful songs.

Beltaine is John’s brainchild to share his love for music with others. He hopes you will enjoy the music and share it with others.