July 15: Kalos at Club Passim

Acclaimed Celtic music trio Kalos brings together three masters of tradition for music full of “pluck, depth, and good reels.” Ryan McKasson (fiddle, viola, background vocals), Eric McDonald (guitar, mandolin, lead vocals), and Jeremiah McLane (accordion, keyboards, background vocals) perform on Tuesday, July 15 at the legendary Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Cambridge. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $25, $20 members. For information call 617-492-7679 or visit https://www.passim.org/live-music/events/kalos/.

Inspired by maritime traditions of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cape Breton, and Québec, Kalos explores the dark corners on the edge of tradition, creating an alluringly complex sound full of spontaneity. With National Scottish Fiddle Champion McKasson’s virtuosity and expressiveness, McDonald’s eloquent vocals and propulsive guitar, and McLane’s agile accordion and keys, Kalos delivers rhythmic electricity, swirling intensity, and poignant balladry in their heart-stopping performances. Their 2023 release Headland received wide acclaim and placed as a top album on folkradio.org’s folk charts.

McKasson, McDonald, and McLane crossed paths over the years at highland games, contra dances, and fiddle camps before making their first recording in 2016. All three come from Scottish immigrant families, cementing their deep connection to the music while embracing the concept that Celtic music is a living tradition holding the richness of the past while evolving and growing into the future. That expansive vision informs the skillful architecture and ingenious inventiveness of Kalos’ original compositions and singular arrangements.