Ceili Rain

"Ceili" (say: KAY-lee) is a Gaelic (Irish) word that means "party," specifically one with live musicians, dancing and general merriment. "Coeli" is a form of the Latin word for "heaven." Rain is that stuff that falls from the sky. Thus, Ceili Rain is a "downpour of heavenly partiness."

Ceili Rain makes an innovative blend of pop-rock music with a flamboyant Celtic/Irish flavor and a subtle but sincere Christian message. Led by Bob Halligan Jr, who writes all the music and lyrics, this talented and experienced group includes Buddy Connoly on button accordion, Raymond Arias on lead guitar and vocals, Tyler Duncan on tin whistles and uilleann pipes, Matt Mason on bass and vocals and Bill Bleistine on drums.

With Whatever Makes You Dance and Change in Your Pocket, their first spiritandsong releases, they now have five albums. When they're not writing and recording new music or traveling around the country giving concerts at churches, conferences and other events, Ceili Rain does fundraising for Mercy Corps.

As a songwriter, Bob Halligan Jr, has had over 140 songs recorded by well-known rock artists, including Cher, Michael Bolton, KISS, Kathy Mattea, Bob Carlisle, Rebecca St. James, Jump 5, Maire Brennan and countless others. His songs have sold more than 30 million units.

After growing up and attending Catholic schools in Syracuse, New York, Bob went on to earn a B.A. from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. After 14 years in New York City and eight in Nashville, Bob returned to central New York State, where he lives with his wife of 30 years, Linda, and his teenage son Liam. He enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to National Public Radio (NPR) and watching the Yankees.