Rocking Celtic inspired folk music along BC’s westcoast since 2009

We’re all a bit Irish…

About the Band:

Hailing from the west-coast of BC, the Seabillys are an eclectic blend of Celtic traditional music, Canadian & American folk rock, and a little something in between. Rooted in the Irish tradition of collaboration, the band’s foot-stomping, crowd pleasing music comes from a vast repertoire of songs including originals written and performed by all members. With giving back as a core tenet of the band’s identity, they regularly support community events, celebrations, special parties and organizations to make their communities stronger through the healing and collective power of music.

Band Members:

Kat Goheen

Katherine “Kat” Goheen is a classically trained violinist, vocalist, and composer whose dynamic fiddle playing is central to the Seabillys’ West Coast Celtic sound. Drawing on orchestral, theatrical, and choral experience — including performances with the Vancouver Chamber Choir and Musica Intima — she writes original tunes and brings depth, energy, and authenticity to the band’s music.

Dan Beer

Dan Beer is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter from Langley whose lifelong passion for music began singing in a church choir at the age of eight. Music has always been central to both his life and family, shaping the close-knit spirit that defines The Seabillys. As a key member of the band, Dan brings heartfelt songwriting, rich vocals, and seasoned guitar playing inspired by

East Coast storytelling traditions and bands like Great Big Sea.

Brian Best

Brian Best’s musical background blends progressive rock, orchestral composition, and Celtic folk traditions. A guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, Brian developed an appreciation for richly layered and complex music while also embracing the beauty and accessibility of traditional Celtic sounds. With Irish roots through his grandmother from County Cork, he has always felt a deep connection to Irish musical traditions, especially their spirit of storytelling, collaboration, and shared community.

Raised in Toronto in a family where music was central to everyday life, Brian grew up surrounded by creativity and performance. Music continues to run through the family today, with his daughter, Emily Best, and his brother, Robert Best, both sharing the same lifelong passion for music.

Mark Messcu

Mark Messcu is the bassist for The Seabillys, bringing steady, melodic playing to the band’s lively roots sound across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. Raised on violin in church orchestras and community bands, he developed an early ear for harmony, ensemble performance, and learning music by instinct. Curious about the lower register, he persuaded his father to rent him a stand-up bass from Long & McQuade, beginning a lifelong connection to the instrument.

Years later, during a local bluegrass jam, a shortage of bass players led him to step in unexpectedly. His old bass had recently found its way back to him, and he has played regularly ever since. He later met bandmates Brian and Dan at a local céilidh jam, forming the foundation of The Seabillys. Alongside performing, Mark produces electronic music at home, drawing inspiration from Lee “Scratch” Perry and Carl Orff.