By DAVID ROSEN
Waltham Times Contributing Writer
Continuing a long-standing tradition, the Moody Street String Band will help ring in the holidays with its annual winter concert of Celtic, traditional and seasonal songs on Wednesday at Gore Place.
Gore Place spokesman Thom Roach said it will be at least their 10th holiday concert.
The Dec. 18 show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the 1793 Carriage House. Click here to purchase tickets.
The Moody Street String Band is a Celtic music ensemble with seven members who play fiddle, accordion, banjo, mandolin and guitars. They perform traditional tunes of Scotland, Ireland and North America
The band has been a favorite of Waltham music lovers since the late Jerry Weene formed and led it in 1994.
“Back then Jerry operated Artisan Violins at 99 Moody St., so we decided to call ourselves the Moody Street String Band,” said Dave McIlvenna, who has been with the band since it was formed.
In addition to doing annual holiday concerts at Gore Place, the band has given at least six summer concerts there and has performed at least 10 times at the Waltham Farmers’ Market, McIlvenna said. The band also plays at private parties.
Band members are Nancy Koch on accordion, Linda Abrams on banjo, Pam Taylor on fiddle, Dave Doucet on bass, Paul Harty on guitar, Bill Perry on mandolin and McIlvenna on guitar and bodhran.
Although most bands have a leader, the Moody Street String Band does not.
“We’re best described as a democracy as we do not have a named leader or conductor,” McIlvenna said. “Each member contributes in different ways.”
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