Charis formed originally in January 1998. Alice, a singer, and Nicky, a harmonica player, decided to form a band. In the first 2 months they had several different band members including James Kington, a trombone player, and Stella Martin, a pianist.

They then recruted Josh Ison on Saxaphone, Simon Beckett on Bass and Charlie Pettit on Drums. Charlie then left and Ben Phillips became the drummer.

They played their first ever gig at the Seven Stars pub on Newmarket Road in Cambridge, supporting a cover band- Irrelevant.

This line-up stayed until the summer of 1999 when Charis were due to play their biggest ever gig on Parkers Piece in the centre of Cambridge. Josh failed to turn up. He left the band soon after. This leaves the present line-up as:

Alice Smith- Vox + Keyboard

Ben Phillips- Drums

Nicky Gresham- Harmonica

Simon Beckett- Bass