Since 1995, Philadelphia native, Christel Rice has created a sensational and unique style to traditional Irish flute playing. Having great-grandparents who emigrated from Ireland, one of them a local mandolin maker, she stayed true to her roots and began exploring the music. She has studied with the late Michael Rafferty of Ballinakill, Ireland where she has cut her teeth in the regional style of flute playing.

Christel Rice released her first debut solo record "Tunnelvision" in 2001 with Cuezone Records.  "Her runs and articulations are speedy, but nonetheless possessed of a plaintive soulfulness and verve that reminds the listener of an ecstatic nightingale and deserves a wider listenership."
Rob Wasserman- Colorado Daily

On her record appears Ty Burhoe/tablas, Jessie Burns/fiddle of Gaelic Storm/The Wayfarers, Tony DeMarco/fiddle with Green Linnet Records, Jefferson Hamer/banjo of The Wayfarers, Sean Sutherland/guitar of The Wayfarers, and Eric Thorin/bass with Rounder Records.
She has opened and shared the stage with various acclaimed artists such as Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill, Boys of the Lough, Liz Carroll and John Doyle, and Nickel Creek to name a few.  She has taught and performed at festivals across the country, including the Dublin Irish Festival with the John Whelan Band, Celtic Classic Festival with the John Whelan Band, Colorado Irish Festival with the Wayfarers, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival with the Wayfarers.  Christel Rice is  presently in the John Whelan Band on flute/whistles and teaches tin whistle/flute at the New York Irish Center in NYC.