“In fifth grade, Christopher got his first guitar and it’s been a huge part of his life since.”

Christopher Chan is a Milwaukee-area musician with a lifelong passion for making music. He has been playing since elementary school and, over the years, has explored a wide range of musical styles including rock, blues, funk, industrial, electronic, Celtic, and traditional Irish music. Along the way he has performed on guitar, bass, keyboards, Irish bouzouki, and vocals, with each experience helping shape the musician he is today.

For the past fifteen years, the Irish bouzouki has been Christopher’s primary instrument and greatest musical passion. As a founding member of the Celtic folk band Blackthorn Folly, a regular participant in Irish sessions, and a performer for local Irish and contra dances, he is dedicated to sharing the tradition with audiences, fellow musicians, and students throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

While Christopher enjoys performing, his greatest passion is accompaniment—finding the right rhythm, harmony, and feel to support the melody and help the entire ensemble sound its best. Having learned the Irish tradition primarily by ear, he places a strong emphasis on listening, playing, and growing alongside other musicians. Whether performing on stage, playing in a session, accompanying dancers, or teaching, he believes the best music is created when people come together to share it.

This website highlights Christopher’s musical journey, current projects, performances, and teaching. Whether you’re here to learn about his bands, explore traditional Irish music, inquire about lessons, or simply connect with a fellow musician, he hopes you’ll enjoy your visit and perhaps cross paths at a performance or traditional Irish music session in the future.