SCOTT GATES: mandolin, guitar, vocals
Born and raised in Southern California, Scott began learning piano at the age of three, and mandolin at the age of seven, studying under master mandolinist Evan J. Marshall of Los Angeles for six years. By 13 Scott established his own bluegrass bands (Pacific Ocean Bluegrass; The Scott Gates Band), winning several mandolin and band competitions. At age 16 and 17, Scott was pleased to gain such opportunities as playing with comedian/actor/banjo player Steve Martin on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, guesting with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, performing often with John McEuen, and recording with musical legend Kenny Loggins. Scott placed his own bands on hiatus, finished high school a year early, and joined the traveling Nathan McEuen Band. Scott, now 18, with band mate Chuck Hailes have begun a new collaborative effort, THE SALTY SUITES.
CHELSEA WILLIMS: guitar, vocals
Chelsea Williams has been writing and performing her own music from the age of thirteen. By the age of 17, she took the stage, on her own, performing first at clubs and coffee houses. While some of her early songs are still hits with her fans, she has continued to develop as a writer penning nearly 100 original songs to date.
Chelsea first met Scott Gates when they were introduced by music legend John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band some years ago. They have performed together countless times and have since joined forces when Salty Suites was formed.
Chelsea is also known for making her living by busking -- selling thousands of home made demos, one by one, simply on her own, on the street. Her magnetic personality drawn in the fans; her songs set the hook.
Most recently, Chelsea can be seen featured on a Chevy commercial, which made it's debut on Simon Cowell's hit television show, the X FACTOR. See the video here:
CHUCK HAILES: bass, vocals
Chuck brings a background in bluegrass, original musical gems, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Music on the Upright Bass. Chuck sings and plays in a way that is uniquely his own, is in great demand as a session player, teaches the bass, and takes his expertise directly to young children in the schools, teaching FUNdamentals of Music and Movement.
ELAINE GREGSTON: accordion
Elaine was born and raised in rural West Texas, and began her education in classical piano at an early age. She participated in many local competitions for classical music and was privileged to attend the Bosendorfer International Academy of Music in Vienna, Austria under the direction of Krassimira Jordan, (Artist in Residence, Baylor University). Elaine believes strongly that music education plays a vital role in the development of young minds. She taught privately for many years, and continues to spread her love of music to children through her work in FUNdamentals of Music and Movement.