Rachel Bell

Rachel Bell is a performer, tunesmith, and teacher. She is in demand throughout North America and beyond for concerts, contra dances, French bal folk dances, English country dances, workshops, and festivals. She thrives on collaborative musical work, especially with her bands Eloise & Co., Peregrine Road, Alchemy, and Old World Charm School. Her playing spans an enormous range of emotion, from nuanced and sensitive to exhilarating and powerful, pushing the boundaries of what is expected from an accordion. Rachel draws her inspiration from Celtic, French, English, and Quebecois traditions, cranking out new material but also deeply respecting the melodies that have been around for hundreds of years. She is in the midst of an exciting composition project with dance choreographer Susan Kevra. The pair is creating new dance and tune combinations for the English country dance repertoire, many of which are already appearing regularly on dance programs around the country and beyond. Whenever Rachel is not blissing out on a 10-hour rehearsal marathon with her bandmate Becky Tracy or on the road playing gigs, she can be found exploring Vermont's waterfalls or seeking out excellent espresso.