ABOUT
"Kelly Halloran is an exquisite, inspired musician. Her technique is only overshadowed by her passion, fire, presence, and the love she brings to the stage."
- G Love
"Kelly is righteous in both her playing and her politics. It's always an honor to share the stage with her"
- Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave)
"Kelly plays with the fire of Venuti and the joy of Grapelli. It is always a treat to hear Kelly play."
- Pete Huttlinger (John Denver's Band)
Kelly Halloran began studying violin at age four through the Suzuki Method. At age 18, she moved from Western Massachusetts to New York City and made a living primarily as a street performer, playing jazz standards in the Subway and Central Park.
She now resides between Nashville and NYC and tours with Nashville based Nikki Lane. The band opened for Chris Stapleton on his “All American Road Show” tour and Orville Peck on his “Stampede” tour in 2024. Recent venues played include Bridgestone Arena, opening for Chris Stapleton, and The Ryman Auditorium opening for Sierra Ferrell.
She also tours with Nashville native Gabe Lee as part of his band along with Rachel Coats and Lucciana Costa of King Margo. The outfit closed out 2023 debuting at The Grand Ole Opry and inaugurated the new year playing esteemed Sixth Man cruise, “Cayamo: A Journey Through Song.”
Additionally, Kelly has collaborated with NYC based singer/songwriter Rachael Sage for several years with whom she has toured the United States and Europe as part of Rachael Sage & The Sequins. In 2009 Kelly connected with artist and entrepreneur Rocco Gardner. Kelly currently manages the booking schedule for Gardner's Pioneertown, California residential recording studios “ESCAPE.”
Early in Kelly’s career, while busking in Central Park, she was discovered by actor/director Clark Johnson, who commissioned her on the spot to score his silent film “La Viajer” (co-produced by Richard Belzer). She began studying jazz violin at The New School for Contemporary Music, and performing weekly in a string trio in Atlantic City’s casinos. Shortly thereafter Kelly met singer/songwriter/activist Liah Alonso, and they formed the rock duo Left on Red. Left on Red went on to tour nationally, and opened for legendary guitarist/activist Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave).
Kelly Halloran's live performance credits include Michael Franti and Spearhead, Tom Morello, G Love & Special Sauce, Paolo Nutini, SOJA, Nikki Lane, Pete Huttlinger (John Denver's Band), Chad Stokes (Dispatch), Kristy Lee and Dirt Road Revival, Ethan Tucker, Beverly McClellan (The Voice), CJ Chenier (Zydeco King), Dina Fanai & Bob Kinkel (Trans Siberian Orchestra), Seth Glier, and Mary Fahl of October Project. She has also opened for/toured in support of esteemed artists such as Chris Stapleton, Judy Collins, Howard Jones, Blues Traveler, Indigo Girls, John Barrowman, Elizabeth McGovern, Ben Harper, Shawn Colvin, Kip Moore, Orville Peck, Sierra Ferrell.