We started as pick-up band for Steve at the June 20th, 2002, MAMA Celtic Concert. Steve had met Kent Hiestand, a piper, and Ron at the Sunday afternoon Irish Traditional Sessions at Jack Quinn's Pub. Then Ron started asking first Steve then Kent to fill in for Finn MacCool at a regular gig until they were the only ones showing up. Finally they were asked to fill in at an Open Stage performance at BRAS when Ron suggested adding Heidi with whom he had played in Finn MacCool, and Steve and Kent knew from Sunday Sessions, and we decided to officially make ourselves into a band. 

In March 2003, Kent left the band and Kari Wilson joined. Kari previously sang and played bodhran with Finn MacCool. Kari plays bodhran and flute.  Her strong vocals opened the door for beautiful harmonies, allowing Ceol Céilí to interweave the traditional Irish instrumental dance music with Ireland’s favorite ballads