By Jenna Greaves
Herald Correspondent
One call from an old high school friend transformed Chris Kelley’s life by reigniting the musical flame inside him that had long been pushed aside.
“Playing my guitar that evening, after many years of looking at it on the wall, was like reuniting with an old friend,” Kelley said.
After studying music throughout his time at Seminole High School and Seminole State College, Kelley was swept away by the demands of life and work. In the process, his passion for music was slowly abandoned.
“My career moved more and more towards sales and further away from playing music, but the music was always there,” Kelley said.
Then, about ten years ago, he received a call from an old friend from his high school chorus inviting him to a jam session with a few fellow guitarists.
Intrigued by the opportunity to reconnect with his old hobby, Kelley “dusted off an old acoustic and met up with the group.”
One night is all it took to remind Kelley of how much he craved the feeling of being back on stage.
“That night ended up kick starting a renewed enthusiasm for making music and a joy that I had missed,” Kelley said.
Originally, Kelley’s music career began decades ago when his parents pushed him and his siblings to carry on the family’s musical legacy.
“We sort of emulated The Partridge Family back when they were popular,” Kelley said.
He started out following in his mother’s footsteps by practicing classical piano, but after finding out how much he didn’t like reading music, he quickly learned that piano was not the instrument for him.
He traded his keys for strings when he picked up the ukulele around seven years old. Eventually, he upgraded to the more expressionistic string instrument, the classical guitar, “because it was so much more cool.”
From performing in his parents’ living room for guests, Kelley now devotes his musical talents to headlining shows with the local band KLoKis as their guitarist and singer.
Through performing at open mics in the area, Kelley met the duo, Crystal Vision, led by Bryant and Caroline Dunn. After finding out that they were all former “’Noles” from Seminole High School, the bond was instant. In early 2021, the group banded together to form KLoKis, named after Caroline’s maiden name.
With Caroline on the keys, mandolin and guitar and Bryant singing lead on the upright fretless and electric basses, Kelley brings the backup vocals, guitar and harmonica.
Over the past few years, you may have spotted the band rocking out at Porchfest or Sanford Brewing Company. KLoKis’ electric performances come with a wide variety of music from country and rock to disco and pop.
“Playing music for our listeners is deeply gratifying,” Kelley said. “And our ability to play different instruments, sing in various combinations helps us to change the color of our music.”
You can see the band perform live all over Central Florida or call Bryant Dunn at 352-455-2962 to book a show. KLoKis also has three upcoming shows for fans to look forward to on August 24, August 30 and Sept. 7 at their favorite location, the Sanford Brewing Company.
