Since 1995, 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 great Michael Rafferty of East Galway, Ireland where she has cut her teeth in the regional style of flute playing. Her influences include Matt Molloy, Tony Demarco, John Whelan, and Michael Rafferty to name a few.
Christel Rice releaseed her first debut solo record "Tunnelvision" in 2001 with Cuezone Records. Along with the traditional tunes, her compositions are articulate in thought and soulful in nature. On her record appears Ty Burhoe/tablas, Jessie Burns/fiddle of Gaelic Storm, Tony DeMarco/fiddle with Green Linnet Records, Jefferson Hamer/banjo, Sean Sutherland/guitar, and Eric Thorin/bass with Rounder Records.
She has opened 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 toured and performed with the group, The Wayfarers and is presently living in NYC playing with the John Whelan Band and the Darrah Carr Dance Company as one of the principal instrumentalists.