FEAST celebrates an amazing season

Colorado based Celtic band FEAST brings a unique approach to Irish music – it was born out of a classical chamber music series in 2005, when a one-time special event performance turned into a lasting commitment to create a unique Celtic band. US born arranger and composer Kathryn Mientka, also pianist in the band, has Irish roots and dual citizenship with Ireland, although born & raised in Minnesota. Drummer David Alderdice adds his unique blend of world rhythms and funky grooves, reflecting his New Orleans roots. All FEAST members have performed nationally and internationally as trained classical musicians, and are passionate about crossing over into the timeless music of Ireland. FEAST’s powerful, emotionally driven, virtuoso performances have been greeted with wild enthusiasm and standing ovations from audiences of all ages. FEAST's programs offer a delightful variety: brilliant and fiery group numbers are interspersed with soulful duos, solos, and trios. The emotional palette ranges from haunting versions of “Star of the County Down”, to humorous versions of timeless songs, to all-out rockin’ interpretations of hot Irish fiddle tunes.

The result: a stunning an unforgettable musical banquet.

FEAST has performed extensively in the last five years. Their most recent performance in Grand Junction packed the house. At their Harvest Festival performance in Paonia this last fall the house was so over-packed, the organizers are considering using crowd control the next time FEAST performs. FEAST’s spectacular Irish music and dance show, “Celtica Sinfonia”, sold out all venues in March 2009 and was filmed by Rocky Mountain PBS during their performance at the prestigious Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek (FEAST was immediately re-engaged by the Vilar for the following season!) The film aired March 2010, just as FEAST was performing “Celtica Sinfonia II”, an all-new program, to over 2500 wildly enthusiastic people in three cities. The show was again filmed by Rocky Mountain PBS, this time in high-def, with plans to shoot for a national airing. PBS execs are planning on putting the film up for an Emmy. In addition to numerous concerts in Colorado and Montana, FEAST has twice toured Germany with great success. Fiddle player Marcin Arendt brings a rich, fat sound and virtuoso flash to the group. Tyme Mientka’s cello chops include his signature gorgeous tone and amazing finger dexterity. Concert harpist Elise Helmke spreads enchantment with her charismatic and emotional interpretations. On keyboard, Kathryn Mientka makes use of everything from Steinway grand piano to cosmic synthesizer sounds to create awesome musical landscapes – and her command of the keys is staggering. David Alderdice has been called a wizard of percussion, and magically evokes a full emotional palette from an amazing array of instruments. Kathryn and David together create most of the music for the band.