Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Fiddler Natalie MacMaster brings sounds of Nova Scotia close to home
Fiddler Natalie MacMaster brings sounds of Nova Scotia close to home | fiddle, violin, nova - Life - Gaston Gazette: "In the grand scheme of things, whether you want to call it the fiddle or the violin, it’s all the same, said Natalie MacMaster. But if you’re at “Christmas in Cape Breton,” the upcoming holiday concert at Knight Theater in Charlotte featuring MacMaster, expect to hear plenty of traditional Celtic fiddle music.
“Some people consider a fiddle folk music and the violin classical,” said MacMaster, who grew up in the Cape Breton region of Nova Scotia and picked up the fiddle at 9 years old. “I’m sure I call it a fiddle more often, but I think they’re interchangeable in my mind.”
Hailed as “a ball of fire, performing jigs and reels with unstoppable, foot-tapping energy and ballads with irresistible, keening passion” by the “Los Angles Times,” MacMaster has appeared onstage with rock guitarist Carlos Santana and fellow fiddler Alison Krauss. She’s also recorded with the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and is a distant relative of singer/guitarist Jack White of the White Stripes."
“Some people consider a fiddle folk music and the violin classical,” said MacMaster, who grew up in the Cape Breton region of Nova Scotia and picked up the fiddle at 9 years old. “I’m sure I call it a fiddle more often, but I think they’re interchangeable in my mind.”
Hailed as “a ball of fire, performing jigs and reels with unstoppable, foot-tapping energy and ballads with irresistible, keening passion” by the “Los Angles Times,” MacMaster has appeared onstage with rock guitarist Carlos Santana and fellow fiddler Alison Krauss. She’s also recorded with the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and is a distant relative of singer/guitarist Jack White of the White Stripes."
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Rossland News - Antique fiddle reveals 100-year-old hidden message from its creator
"Michael Gifford and a merry band of musicians recently celebrated the 100th birthday of Gifford’s American fiddle.
The fiddle was built in Grand Junction Colorado, 1910, by luthier George Hardwick. From there, the fiddle’s journey is not well known until Gifford picked it up in 1981.
“Some friends of mine in Boise, Idaho, bought a whole bunch of [these old fiddles], and they picked one out for me,” Gifford said.
And that is how Gifford, who already played the mandolin at that time, started to learn the fiddle.
“I quit and started so many times because it was always loud and strident and I didn’t like the tone quality,” he explained. “Finally, after quitting and starting so many times, I started to get a little bit better and realized that not all of it was my fault.”"
The fiddle was built in Grand Junction Colorado, 1910, by luthier George Hardwick. From there, the fiddle’s journey is not well known until Gifford picked it up in 1981.
“Some friends of mine in Boise, Idaho, bought a whole bunch of [these old fiddles], and they picked one out for me,” Gifford said.
And that is how Gifford, who already played the mandolin at that time, started to learn the fiddle.
“I quit and started so many times because it was always loud and strident and I didn’t like the tone quality,” he explained. “Finally, after quitting and starting so many times, I started to get a little bit better and realized that not all of it was my fault.”"
Mountain View students learn how to turn iPad into 'Magic Fiddle'
"Seventh-grader Heejung Chung walked into the Apple Store in Palo Alto on Wednesday evening with a violin in a hard case strapped on her back, but spent the next hour playing the iPad on her shoulder.
Heejung was invited to attend a workshop with nine other students hosted by Apple and presented by Ge Wang, whose company Smule created the iPad app 'Magic Fiddle.' As the students from Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View sat on stools around a circular island at the back of the store, each with an iPad in hand, Wang began the lesson.
'Have good posture,' said Wang, a Stanford assistant professor in music and computer science who founded Smule in 2008 less than two miles from the Apple Store on University Avenue. 'Don't slouch.' When their chins touched the iPad screen, graphic bubbles streamed across it and the iPad was turned into a violin."
Heejung was invited to attend a workshop with nine other students hosted by Apple and presented by Ge Wang, whose company Smule created the iPad app 'Magic Fiddle.' As the students from Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View sat on stools around a circular island at the back of the store, each with an iPad in hand, Wang began the lesson.
'Have good posture,' said Wang, a Stanford assistant professor in music and computer science who founded Smule in 2008 less than two miles from the Apple Store on University Avenue. 'Don't slouch.' When their chins touched the iPad screen, graphic bubbles streamed across it and the iPad was turned into a violin."
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Mark O'Connor fiddles with musical boundaries
Mark O'Connor fiddles with musical boundaries: "The violin world has classical virtuosos galore, a good helping of traditional fiddlers and a small but noteworthy cohort of jazz improvisers. It also boasts Mark O'Connor, who doesn't seem to recognize any of those distinctions.
At 49, the Seattle-born musician has distinguished himself not so much for his virtuosity in all those fields - though he's done that too - but for the insouciant ease with which he's moved across the usual stylistic boundaries as a composer and performer."
At 49, the Seattle-born musician has distinguished himself not so much for his virtuosity in all those fields - though he's done that too - but for the insouciant ease with which he's moved across the usual stylistic boundaries as a composer and performer."
Martin Hayes (fiddle), Dennis Cahill (guitar), Brona Cahill (violin)
NCH, Dublin Wed 8pm 11-38 01-4170000 Stewart French (guitar), NCC/Paul Hillier
St Ann’s Church, Dublin Thurs 8pm 14 01-7005665 Cara O’Sullivan (soprano), Ciara Moroney (piano)
CIT Cork School of Music, Cork Thurs 8pm 8-20
It’s a week of contrasts. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra under David Brophy is partnering ace traditional fiddler Martin Hayes in Aontacht , a new concerto by Dave Flynn (above). Flynn straddles the worlds of classical and traditional music, and is also a guitarist and songwriter. The programme includes a set by Hayes with his regular partner, guitarist Dennis Cahill, as well as more pieces by Flynn and Arvo Pärt.
On Thursday, the National Chamber Choir under Paul Hillier premieres English composer Tarik O’Regan’s Acallam na Senórach , a concert-length setting of the middle Irish narrative, Tales of the Elders , for choir and guitar. The NCC takes the work to Belfast on November 26th, for an early evening (6.30pm) concert at the Crescent Arts Centre.
Thursday also sees the start of a Music Network tour by soprano Cara O’Sullivan and pianist Ciara Moroney. The repertoire ranges from Purcell to Aloys Fleischmann, taking in Schubert, Bellini, Donizetti, Rossini, Gounod, Verdi, Debussy, Hahn and Rodrigo along the way. See musicnetwork.ie for a full tour schedule.
St Ann’s Church, Dublin Thurs 8pm 14 01-7005665 Cara O’Sullivan (soprano), Ciara Moroney (piano)
CIT Cork School of Music, Cork Thurs 8pm 8-20
It’s a week of contrasts. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra under David Brophy is partnering ace traditional fiddler Martin Hayes in Aontacht , a new concerto by Dave Flynn (above). Flynn straddles the worlds of classical and traditional music, and is also a guitarist and songwriter. The programme includes a set by Hayes with his regular partner, guitarist Dennis Cahill, as well as more pieces by Flynn and Arvo Pärt.
On Thursday, the National Chamber Choir under Paul Hillier premieres English composer Tarik O’Regan’s Acallam na Senórach , a concert-length setting of the middle Irish narrative, Tales of the Elders , for choir and guitar. The NCC takes the work to Belfast on November 26th, for an early evening (6.30pm) concert at the Crescent Arts Centre.
Thursday also sees the start of a Music Network tour by soprano Cara O’Sullivan and pianist Ciara Moroney. The repertoire ranges from Purcell to Aloys Fleischmann, taking in Schubert, Bellini, Donizetti, Rossini, Gounod, Verdi, Debussy, Hahn and Rodrigo along the way. See musicnetwork.ie for a full tour schedule.
Friday, November 5, 2010
4 N.C. fiddlers unite for free Mars Hill concert | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-Times
4 N.C. fiddlers unite for free Mars Hill concert | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-Times: "Fiddle tunes and musical stories will rule the stage at Owen Theatre at Mars Hill College today as four accomplished North Carolina musicians hold forth.
The intimate evening concert is hosted by Madison County Arts Council director Laura Boosinger and features fiddlers Arvil Freeman, Bobby Hicks, Paul Crouch and Roger Howell with accompaniment by Candler guitarist Jerry Sutton. The concert is free and open to the public.
“We are excited to have these four legendary fiddlers presenting and comparing their styles,” said Boosinger. All four live in Western North Carolina and have unique playing styles and a wealth of accomplishments."
The intimate evening concert is hosted by Madison County Arts Council director Laura Boosinger and features fiddlers Arvil Freeman, Bobby Hicks, Paul Crouch and Roger Howell with accompaniment by Candler guitarist Jerry Sutton. The concert is free and open to the public.
“We are excited to have these four legendary fiddlers presenting and comparing their styles,” said Boosinger. All four live in Western North Carolina and have unique playing styles and a wealth of accomplishments."
MASTERS OF THE FIDDLE: NOV. 6 IN POWAY
MASTERS OF THE FIDDLE: NOV. 6 IN POWAY | East County Magazine: "November 4, 2010 (Poway) - Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, two of the world's most celebrated Celtic fiddlers and the power couple of the Canadian fiddling world, return to Poway for a concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 6th.
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Known for her flamboyant style and trademark step-dancing, MacMaster is the sweetheart superstar of the Cape Breton fiddle who packed the house in Poway in 2008. Leahy is part of the family group Leahy, which dazzled audiences in 2006 and 2008. Now these world-class talents (who are married) join forces in a whirlwind of fiddle-driven music, dance and song.
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The foot-tapping rave-ups, step dancing, heart-wrenching ballads and masterful fiddling leave audiences breathless from the moment they hit the stage, winning critical acclaim from major newspapers across America.
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Tickets cost $45 for adults and just $5 for children under 18, with purchase of an adult ticket. Senior tickets (62 and over) are $38."
�
Known for her flamboyant style and trademark step-dancing, MacMaster is the sweetheart superstar of the Cape Breton fiddle who packed the house in Poway in 2008. Leahy is part of the family group Leahy, which dazzled audiences in 2006 and 2008. Now these world-class talents (who are married) join forces in a whirlwind of fiddle-driven music, dance and song.
�
The foot-tapping rave-ups, step dancing, heart-wrenching ballads and masterful fiddling leave audiences breathless from the moment they hit the stage, winning critical acclaim from major newspapers across America.
�
Tickets cost $45 for adults and just $5 for children under 18, with purchase of an adult ticket. Senior tickets (62 and over) are $38."
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Fiddlers Crossing presents Willson and McKee
Fiddlers Crossing presents Willson and McKee | Tehachapi News: "On Saturday, Oct. 16, Celtic duo Willson and McKee will come to Tehachapi to perform a concert at Fiddlers Crossing.
The nationally-known touring duo of Willson & McKee blend their voices with a multitude of instruments, including hammered and mountain dulcimer, guitar, Irish bouzouki, bodhran, Celtic harp and accordion to interpret Irish and Scottish music and stories in a highly original way. They call it “Rocky Mountain Celtic, what Celtic becomes when it settles comfortably for three generations in the West.”"
The nationally-known touring duo of Willson & McKee blend their voices with a multitude of instruments, including hammered and mountain dulcimer, guitar, Irish bouzouki, bodhran, Celtic harp and accordion to interpret Irish and Scottish music and stories in a highly original way. They call it “Rocky Mountain Celtic, what Celtic becomes when it settles comfortably for three generations in the West.”"
Monday, October 11, 2010
Free Celtic fiddle concert in Brasstown Oct. 15lle Citizen-Times
Free Celtic fiddle concert in Brasstown Oct. 15 | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-Times: "Appalachian and Celtic fiddle music will be featured in concert by Cathy Grant at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Community Room of The John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. The concert is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.
Cathy will be joined for this concert by guitarist and Brasstown resident, Peggy Patrick."
Cathy will be joined for this concert by guitarist and Brasstown resident, Peggy Patrick."
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Fiddle phenom, jazz master, dance band visit Portland | The Forecaster
"Portland music aficionados can look forward to a diverse group of visiting artists.
Topping the list is Eileen Ivers, an Irish-American fiddling phenom who plays this Saturday and Sunday as the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s featured guest artist. These two concerts open the PSO’s 2010-2011 Pops Series.
Portland Ovations hosts a visit by the Occidental Brothers Dance Band International on Friday; the venue will be the University of Southern Maine’s Portland campus.
The National Endowment of the Arts recently honored saxophonist David Liebman with its Masters of Jazz Award. Liebman will be visiting Portland’s One Longfellow Square on Sunday."
Topping the list is Eileen Ivers, an Irish-American fiddling phenom who plays this Saturday and Sunday as the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s featured guest artist. These two concerts open the PSO’s 2010-2011 Pops Series.
Portland Ovations hosts a visit by the Occidental Brothers Dance Band International on Friday; the venue will be the University of Southern Maine’s Portland campus.
The National Endowment of the Arts recently honored saxophonist David Liebman with its Masters of Jazz Award. Liebman will be visiting Portland’s One Longfellow Square on Sunday."
Thursday, September 30, 2010
FRIDAY: IRISH FIDDLE MUSIC. FREE ADMISSION! - Billy's Tavern - Rockland - Camden - Knox - The Herald Gazette
Image via Wikipedia"Don't miss it! Every Friday night we have excellent Irish music by some of the best players on the coast.Taste an Irish Tradition--Oysters and Guinness!� 6 local oysters and a pint for only $14. Show starts at 8:00 p.m. Free admission.
Fresh, handpicked local lobster rolls and lobster stew all weekend.
Billy's Tavern is located in downtown Thomaston, just off Beechwood Street, behind the main business block."
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Linkhorne Student Places Top in State Fair Fiddle Competition
"Lynchburg, VA - Dudley Raine, 13,�an 8th grader at Linkhorne Middle School, placed second in the Virginia State Fair Youth Fiddle Competition this past weekend.
He then went on to place third in the overall fiddle competition, where he competed against adults.
Raine has only been playing the Irish fiddle for two years. He began playing the viola four years ago.
'I didn't know I was going to get that far with winning this. And so I was just so happy and when I went up it just felt really good to get the ribbon,' Raine said.
Raine received a cash prize of $150."
He then went on to place third in the overall fiddle competition, where he competed against adults.
Raine has only been playing the Irish fiddle for two years. He began playing the viola four years ago.
'I didn't know I was going to get that far with winning this. And so I was just so happy and when I went up it just felt really good to get the ribbon,' Raine said.
Raine received a cash prize of $150."
Friday, September 24, 2010
Fiddle fest a bridge to past
"The 40th anniversary of the Payson fiddle festival is not just a celebration of 40 years of fiddle music under the Rim. The event is a way to honor our history.
The pioneers who came West with a fiddle were prized in their communities. Their music afforded a bright spot in the backbreaking work of eking out an existence in a wild country. When one or two came together, folks would travel from miles around — sometimes for a full day — to dance the night away in a schoolhouse, see family, visit with neighbors, and maybe embark on a courtship.
Much of the music itself is also a connection to our history. Some selections reach all the way back to the Irish, Scots, Welsh and other immigrants who made their way across the Atlantic to settle in America. Other pieces represent the evolution of songs from the 19th and 18th centuries."
The pioneers who came West with a fiddle were prized in their communities. Their music afforded a bright spot in the backbreaking work of eking out an existence in a wild country. When one or two came together, folks would travel from miles around — sometimes for a full day — to dance the night away in a schoolhouse, see family, visit with neighbors, and maybe embark on a courtship.
Much of the music itself is also a connection to our history. Some selections reach all the way back to the Irish, Scots, Welsh and other immigrants who made their way across the Atlantic to settle in America. Other pieces represent the evolution of songs from the 19th and 18th centuries."
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Celtic fiddler will be 'playing that funky music' at the Hett
"LEBANON -- If you've never seen Celtic fiddler Natalie MacMaster moonwalk to 'Play That Funky Music,' you really need to circle Nov. 20 on your calendar.
That's when the internationally renowned musician will team up with her equally well-known husband, Donnell Leahy, to light up the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts stage as part of McKendree University's 2010-2011 Performance Series, which opens Wednesday with Hot Club of San Francisco.
You might want to get those tickets now. Five shows in the series are sold out already -- the Golden Dragon Acrobats, Christmas shows by The Lettermen and the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America, the Vienna Boys Choir and a Beatles tribute -- and several others are going fast. However, a few tickets for the sellouts may be available on the day of the show; call the Hett box office at 537-6863 to find out."
That's when the internationally renowned musician will team up with her equally well-known husband, Donnell Leahy, to light up the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts stage as part of McKendree University's 2010-2011 Performance Series, which opens Wednesday with Hot Club of San Francisco.
You might want to get those tickets now. Five shows in the series are sold out already -- the Golden Dragon Acrobats, Christmas shows by The Lettermen and the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America, the Vienna Boys Choir and a Beatles tribute -- and several others are going fast. However, a few tickets for the sellouts may be available on the day of the show; call the Hett box office at 537-6863 to find out."
Special concert opens Fiddle Festival
The Payson Roundup / Special concert opens Fiddle Festival: "The 2010 version of the Payson Fiddle Contest and Arizona State Fiddle Championship has a new element — a special concert to open the festivities.
A weekend of fiddle music at the Payson Event Center Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26 will be preceded by a bluegrass and western music concert at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 24 at the Payson High School Auditorium.
The concert will feature the band Providence with Michael Rolland, Thomas Porter, John Burton and Billy Parker."
A weekend of fiddle music at the Payson Event Center Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26 will be preceded by a bluegrass and western music concert at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 24 at the Payson High School Auditorium.
The concert will feature the band Providence with Michael Rolland, Thomas Porter, John Burton and Billy Parker."
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tosa East student takes fiddle skills to Ireland
"Tosa East orchestra director Jeff Sturgeon didn't know he had a world-class Irish fiddler in his class.
And, modest as she is, junior Caitlin Helmers didn't tell him - he found out during a conversation with Caitlin's mother.
But as surprised as he was to hear Caitlin had spent a week in August at the All-Ireland Music Festival, it wasn't a total shock, either.
'She's a talented musician,' Sturgeon said. 'She always practices hard.'
Caitlin, who plays violin in the East orchestra, took up the Irish fiddle about five years ago. She was an Irish dancer, and her interest was piqued by the musicians playing during the dance competitions.
So Caitlin, who has been playing violin since the first grade, decided to start taking fiddle lessons at the Irish Fest Center, just around the corner from Tosa East."
And, modest as she is, junior Caitlin Helmers didn't tell him - he found out during a conversation with Caitlin's mother.
But as surprised as he was to hear Caitlin had spent a week in August at the All-Ireland Music Festival, it wasn't a total shock, either.
'She's a talented musician,' Sturgeon said. 'She always practices hard.'
Caitlin, who plays violin in the East orchestra, took up the Irish fiddle about five years ago. She was an Irish dancer, and her interest was piqued by the musicians playing during the dance competitions.
So Caitlin, who has been playing violin since the first grade, decided to start taking fiddle lessons at the Irish Fest Center, just around the corner from Tosa East."
More than 5,000 attend Lyons Fiddle Festival
"By Roxanne Richardson
Patriot Correspondent
The aroma of funnel cakes and bar-b-q was tempting, but it was the sound of music that drew nearly 5,000 people to the Lyons Fiddle Festival on Sunday.
Festival committee member Chantille Reppert said the Fiddle Festival is getting back to roots American style.
“I love my community and I want to put Lyons on the map. The Fiddle Festival is our biggest fundraiser. We’re almost out of tickets. We went through two huge pigs—it gets bigger every year.”"
Patriot Correspondent
The aroma of funnel cakes and bar-b-q was tempting, but it was the sound of music that drew nearly 5,000 people to the Lyons Fiddle Festival on Sunday.
Festival committee member Chantille Reppert said the Fiddle Festival is getting back to roots American style.
“I love my community and I want to put Lyons on the map. The Fiddle Festival is our biggest fundraiser. We’re almost out of tickets. We went through two huge pigs—it gets bigger every year.”"
Forty-strong fiddle band storms the west!
"The Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club are touring NSW and running daytime workshops in Penrith on Wednesday September 29 2010, the first Wednesday of the school holidays, to be followed by an evening concert featuring The Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers, with Chris Duncan and Catherine Strutt and guests.
This is the only Sydney venue in the famous fiddlers’ tour which takes in country NSW too. This is a unique opportunity for fiddlers/violinists of all levels of experience, from relative beginners to advanced players, to learn new tunes and styles in a relaxed and fun setting from skilled workshop leaders, members of the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club.
Workshop sessions. Participants can choose workshop sessions in Scottish, Cape Breton, Quebecois, and Irish fiddle styles; as well as step dancing, cello, and guitar techniques."
This is the only Sydney venue in the famous fiddlers’ tour which takes in country NSW too. This is a unique opportunity for fiddlers/violinists of all levels of experience, from relative beginners to advanced players, to learn new tunes and styles in a relaxed and fun setting from skilled workshop leaders, members of the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club.
Workshop sessions. Participants can choose workshop sessions in Scottish, Cape Breton, Quebecois, and Irish fiddle styles; as well as step dancing, cello, and guitar techniques."
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Pickin' Chicks: Young band will fiddle their way into your heart - Entertainment - bnd.com
The Pickin' Chicks: Young band will fiddle their way into your heart - Entertainment - bnd.com: "Bluegrass beats baby-sitting as a way to earn extra money.
At least that's what four girls in The Pickin' Chicks band think.
'All my friends have to baby-sit on weekends,' said guitarist Mallory Warnecke, 14, of New Athens. 'All we have to do is play for an hour and we make three times as much. And it's fun!'
Mallory is lead singer for the band, braces and all. She also serves as emcee, introducing songs and telling jokes.
The banjo player is Mallory's sister, Nikki, a 12-year-old partial to pigtails. She also wields an upright bass that's double her size.
Millie Eisenhauer, 10, of DuQuoin, on fiddle, and Paige Johnson, 13, of Evansville, on fiddle and upright bass, round out the band."
At least that's what four girls in The Pickin' Chicks band think.
'All my friends have to baby-sit on weekends,' said guitarist Mallory Warnecke, 14, of New Athens. 'All we have to do is play for an hour and we make three times as much. And it's fun!'
Mallory is lead singer for the band, braces and all. She also serves as emcee, introducing songs and telling jokes.
The banjo player is Mallory's sister, Nikki, a 12-year-old partial to pigtails. She also wields an upright bass that's double her size.
Millie Eisenhauer, 10, of DuQuoin, on fiddle, and Paige Johnson, 13, of Evansville, on fiddle and upright bass, round out the band."
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Must Be The Music final: Daith�O Drona�performs ‘Ci’ for his girlfriend @ Unreality TV
"Irish teenager Daithi took the Wembley stage in the Must Be The Music final tonight.
The violinist combines his fiddle and a recording loop station to create distinctive sounds for his music. His last track, played on the show’s semi final, reached number three in the alternative UK music charts earlier this month."
The violinist combines his fiddle and a recording loop station to create distinctive sounds for his music. His last track, played on the show’s semi final, reached number three in the alternative UK music charts earlier this month."
Thursday, September 16, 2010
2010 Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship finalists named
Image via WikipediaBBC News - 2010 Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship finalists named: "The finalists for the prestigious 2010 Glenfiddich Fiddle Championships have been unveiled.Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Inverness, Shetland and West Kilbride are all represented.
The championships will take place on the weekend of 30 and 31 October as competitors and visitors travel to Blair Atholl.
The competition was established in 1989 and is now in its 21st year."
Fiddler's Bid to make themselves known - Borders Today
Image by ewanr via FlickrFiddler's Bid to make themselves known - Borders Today: "Fiddler's Bid to make themselves knownPublished Date: 16 September 2010
By Unknown
Fiddler's Bid to make themselves known
THE Riddell Fiddles play host to Shetland band Fiddler's Bid in Melrose's Corn Exchange on Monday, September 27.
It is the septet's only Borders gig, and only last year they picked up a Scots Trad Music Award.
Not only do they play fiddle, but the group also use guitar, electric bass and harp.
They have been described as a 'musical tornado' and playing like 'angels and devils'."
Monday, September 6, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Branson Prepares for Fiddle Festival
Branson Prepares for Fiddle Festival: "BRANSON -- The 22nd Annual Fiddle Festival and Mid-American Championship will once again attract thousands of fiddle enthusiasts from across the country to Branson, the Live Music Show Capital of America, all weekend August 27th through 29th. Come and have an authentic Ozark Mountain heritage experience. Enjoy a FREE Big Smith concert on Friday night to “kick off” the Fiddle contest, which begins on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The concert and the fiddle contest both take place at Branson Landing."
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Episode 4 of the Irish history podcast released - Indymedia Ireland
Episode 4 of the Irish history podcast released - Indymedia Ireland: "Episode 4 of the independent podcast tracing Irish History has been released. This show looks at Ireland in the 9th century and
challenges the myth about Viking interaction with 9th century Ireland which saw Gaelic kingdoms ally themselves with Viking armies. This episode also looks at what life was like in the small muddy settlement on the river Liffey which would grow into modern Dublin.
Subscribe in itunes
http://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/irish-history-podcas...68392"
challenges the myth about Viking interaction with 9th century Ireland which saw Gaelic kingdoms ally themselves with Viking armies. This episode also looks at what life was like in the small muddy settlement on the river Liffey which would grow into modern Dublin.
Subscribe in itunes
http://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/irish-history-podcas...68392"
Friday, June 25, 2010
SCOTTISH FIDDLE SENSATION ALASDAIR FRASER in Concert
The Republican Journal: SCOTTISH FIDDLE SENSATION ALASDAIR FRASER in Concert: "ROCKLAND- Master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser, long regarded as one of Scotland’s premier musical ambassadors, presents the music of his homeland with unsurpassed eloquence, passion and energy. His dynamic fiddling, engaging stage presence, and deep understanding of Scotland's music have created a constant and international demand for his solo appearances and concerts with a variety of ensembles. He links bows with vibrant young cellist Natalie Haas in an exciting weave of rocking, reeling rhythms, poignant melodies, and exquisite musicianship. The duo has created a buzz among Celtic music lovers at festivals & concerts across the US and Europe, and their performances have been featured on nationally broadcast radio programs, including Thistle & Shamrock, Mountain Stage, and a Prairie Home Companion."
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Trad music in Strokestown Park House
Roscommon Arts Centre's traditional music programme, taking place in Strokestown Park House is already a great success and this month will not be an exception. Renowned uilleann piper Tiarnan O'Duinnchinn & harpist Laoise Kelly will play in the galley kitchen of this historic house on Thursday 24th June to the delight of both traditional music enthusiasts and novices.
Tiarnán O'Duinnchinn is an award-winning uilleann piper from Monaghan who started playing the pipes when he was around nine years of age in The Armagh Pipers Club. He has won 4 Fleadh Ceoil (Ist place) All-Ireland titles -and two Oireachtas titles. Tiarnán has been touring and performing professionally on a regular basis since 1995 both as a member of various bands and as a solo performer. His music has taken him to Europe, United States, Asia, Africa, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Tiarnán toured extensively with Máire Ní Bhraonáin (Clannad) from 1997-2001 and recorded two albums with Máire during that time. He has recorded with many different artists, between CDs, TV advertisements and his music has featured on two films.
In 2010, Tiarnán recorded on ‘Music of Ireland' in the USA with artists, Seamus Begley, Dónal Lunny, Paul Brady, Shane McGowan (Pogues), Sinéad O Connor, Damien Dempsey, Liam O Maonlaí, Glen Hansard and many more Irish musicians.
Laoise Kelly will play alongside Tiarnan for this session in Strokestown Park House. Laoise is widely acknowledged as one of Ireland's most acclaimed traditional harpers. She has pioneered a new style of traditional harping which has seen her represent Ireland at the World Harp Festival in Paraguay as well as touring in Africa, Japan, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, America and Canada.
She was a founding member of traditional group ‘The Bumblebees' with whom she recorded two albums and toured extensively. Throughout her solo career she has recorded with many of Ireland's foremost artists including The Chieftains, Sinéad O'Connor, Matt Molloy and Mary Black. Her ground-breaking solo album ‘Just Harp' established her as "the most important harper currently playing" (Acousticmusic.com).
This will undoubtedly be a concert not to be missed. More information and booking at Roscommon arts Centre on 090 6625824
Tiarnán O'Duinnchinn is an award-winning uilleann piper from Monaghan who started playing the pipes when he was around nine years of age in The Armagh Pipers Club. He has won 4 Fleadh Ceoil (Ist place) All-Ireland titles -and two Oireachtas titles. Tiarnán has been touring and performing professionally on a regular basis since 1995 both as a member of various bands and as a solo performer. His music has taken him to Europe, United States, Asia, Africa, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Tiarnán toured extensively with Máire Ní Bhraonáin (Clannad) from 1997-2001 and recorded two albums with Máire during that time. He has recorded with many different artists, between CDs, TV advertisements and his music has featured on two films.
In 2010, Tiarnán recorded on ‘Music of Ireland' in the USA with artists, Seamus Begley, Dónal Lunny, Paul Brady, Shane McGowan (Pogues), Sinéad O Connor, Damien Dempsey, Liam O Maonlaí, Glen Hansard and many more Irish musicians.
Laoise Kelly will play alongside Tiarnan for this session in Strokestown Park House. Laoise is widely acknowledged as one of Ireland's most acclaimed traditional harpers. She has pioneered a new style of traditional harping which has seen her represent Ireland at the World Harp Festival in Paraguay as well as touring in Africa, Japan, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, America and Canada.
She was a founding member of traditional group ‘The Bumblebees' with whom she recorded two albums and toured extensively. Throughout her solo career she has recorded with many of Ireland's foremost artists including The Chieftains, Sinéad O'Connor, Matt Molloy and Mary Black. Her ground-breaking solo album ‘Just Harp' established her as "the most important harper currently playing" (Acousticmusic.com).
This will undoubtedly be a concert not to be missed. More information and booking at Roscommon arts Centre on 090 6625824
Bluegrass camp and workshop teaches girls traditional music
Bluegrass camp and workshop teaches girls traditional music - WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville |: "Fostering a love of music that can help keep the bluegrass tradition alive. That's the goal of an upcoming camp and workshop for girls.
The Girls Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council has teamed up with the Roanoke Valley Fiddle and Banjo Club to introduce area girls to Bluegrass and traditional music.
The camp is June 25-27 at the Girl Scout camp on Yellow Mountain Road. The cost is $49 and that includes meals. It's for all girls ages 8 to 17, and you do not have to be a girl scout."
The Girls Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council has teamed up with the Roanoke Valley Fiddle and Banjo Club to introduce area girls to Bluegrass and traditional music.
The camp is June 25-27 at the Girl Scout camp on Yellow Mountain Road. The cost is $49 and that includes meals. It's for all girls ages 8 to 17, and you do not have to be a girl scout."
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Three fiddlers celebrate old tunes
"Sisters Gretchen and Rebecca Koehler, and Don Woodcock are out with a new album of old time fiddle tunes. They all grew up in musical families surrounded by the rich traditions of North American fiddle music. Their new cd is called, The Fiddlers Three, and we'll listen again to their conversation with Barb Heller, host of String Fever."
Friday, June 4, 2010
Musicians gather from all over U.S., Canada for Montana Fiddle Camp
"Each June for the past 10 years, an entire world of music has descended upon Monarch, the quaint town of 280 people about 45 miles southeast of Great Falls.
The Montana Fiddle Camp is a two-week music workshop offering camping, meals, concerts and instruction for less than $400. Each night the instructors give a concert to those in attendance, as well.
Fred Buckley, the fiddle camp director since it began, said the camaraderie that forms at each camp is one of its biggest selling points."
The Montana Fiddle Camp is a two-week music workshop offering camping, meals, concerts and instruction for less than $400. Each night the instructors give a concert to those in attendance, as well.
Fred Buckley, the fiddle camp director since it began, said the camaraderie that forms at each camp is one of its biggest selling points."
Irish Arts Weekend Brings Concerts, Workshops
Image by tom frog via Flickr“It just hit me,” Bays says. “I was so excited by it that I was awake all night talking to someone about it. It didn’t make a lot of sense because I’m not Irish, but I’ve been lucky to have come in to contact with the greatest musicians.”
It was the 1970s in Portland, Ore., and a few friends had asked Bays to attend a concert with them. The Indiana-born guitarist was instantly hooked by the beauty and excitement of Irish folk music. Not long afterwards, he found a fiddle and began teaching himself how to play traditional Irish music —�a challenge that is not as simple as learning proper technique and buying sheet music. Irish folk music is an oral tradition —�the tunes are passed from musician to musician during playing sessions."
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
Welcome to the East Clare Fiddle Festival
Welcome to the East Clare Fiddle Festival: "The East Clare Fiddle Festival will run from 30th June - 3rd July in Feakle, County Clare, an area steeped in traditional music.
The festival offers a host off sessions, classes, a concert and ceili.
Some details of this year's festival are yet to be confirmed, but as places are limited for the classes, we recommend early booking to ensure you're not disappointed.site design by Patricia ClarkThis year the festival's teachers include
James Kelly (pictured), Tony Linnane,
Eileen O'Brien, Patricia Clark and Tony Trundle
For more information please visit the teachers or the classes pages."
The festival offers a host off sessions, classes, a concert and ceili.
Some details of this year's festival are yet to be confirmed, but as places are limited for the classes, we recommend early booking to ensure you're not disappointed.site design by Patricia ClarkThis year the festival's teachers include
James Kelly (pictured), Tony Linnane,
Eileen O'Brien, Patricia Clark and Tony Trundle
For more information please visit the teachers or the classes pages."
Friday, May 7, 2010
The South Donegal Fiddle Part 3 of 4
This programme explores a unique strand of traditional music in Ireland: the fiddle tradition of Donegal. It includes interviews with Caomhin Mac Aoidh and Rab Cherry, co-founders of Cairdeas na bhFidléirí (Friends of the Fiddle) and organisers of a meeting of fiddlers in the village of Glenties, County Donegal, and an annual summer school of Donegal fiddling in Glencolmcille, County Donegal. The programme also features interviews with and performances by James Byrne of Glencolmcille, the brothers Vincent and Jimmy Campbell of Glenties, Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh of the group Altan, and Dermot McLaughlin from Derry. There is also rare footage of the master fiddler John Doherty playing a version of the reel Miss Pattersons Slipper.
The South Donegal Fiddle Part 2 of 4
This programme explores a unique strand of traditional music in Ireland: the fiddle tradition of Donegal. It includes interviews with Caomhin Mac Aoidh and Rab Cherry, co-founders of Cairdeas na bhFidléirí (Friends of the Fiddle) and organisers of a meeting of fiddlers in the village of Glenties, County Donegal, and an annual summer school of Donegal fiddling in Glencolmcille, County Donegal. The programme also features interviews with and performances by James Byrne of Glencolmcille, the brothers Vincent and Jimmy Campbell of Glenties, Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh of the group Altan, and Dermot McLaughlin from Derry. There is also rare footage of the master fiddler John Doherty playing a version of the reel Miss Pattersons Slipper.
The South Donegal Fiddle Part 1 of 4
This programme explores a unique strand of traditional music in Ireland: the fiddle tradition of Donegal. It includes interviews with Caomhin Mac Aoidh and Rab Cherry, co-founders of Cairdeas na bhFidléirí (Friends of the Fiddle) and organisers of a meeting of fiddlers in the village of Glenties, County Donegal, and an annual summer school of Donegal fiddling in Glencolmcille, County Donegal. The programme also features interviews with and performances by James Byrne of Glencolmcille, the brothers Vincent and Jimmy Campbell of Glenties, Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh of the group Altan, and Dermot McLaughlin from Derry. There is also rare footage of the master fiddler John Doherty playing a version of the reel Miss Pattersons Slipper.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
1996 Gerry O'Connor, Eithne ni Uallachain, Phil Cunningham, Manus Lunny +
Gerry and Eithne formed the group La Lugh, Gerry on fiddle and Eithne an excellent flute player and beautiful singer. Here is Gerry opening this set with Phil Cunningham and Manus Lunny for a Gaelic music programme Tacsi (which I thought was GREAT but disappeared in to the mists of time many years back). Lovely tho' to see this clip again and especially the shots of Eithne, gone but not fogotten...
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Irish Harp and Fiddle Duet
Co. Tipperary fiddle player Claire Quinn is joined on harp by Mary Kelly from Co. Kilkenny. They play a Charlie Lennon composition: "Planxty Joe Burke" followed by two reels.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Séamus Creagh and Rob Murphy Play a Set of Sliabh Luachra Po
From the Nyah 2007 festival, a selection of Sliabh Luachra polkas played by fiddle player Séamus Creagh (who hails originally from Co. Westmeath) and Rob Murphy of Cavan on flute. Séamus names the second and third polkas as "The Lonesome Polka" and "Dan Mack's" respectively.
Nyah Festival: http://www.cavanmusic.com
More info and videos at http://comhaltaslive.ie
Set of reels with Peter Horan and Gerry Harrington
Under its development strategy, Comhaltas has over several years been establishing Meitheal Regional Resource Centers around Ireland, each including performance theatres, tuition facilities, archives, etc. Recently in the Sligo Centre - the Ceoláras Coleman in Gurteen - we recorded the legendary Sligo fiddle and flute player Peter Horan and fiddle player Gerry Harrington playing these three reels: "The Trip to Portobello", "The Old Blackthorn Stick" and "The Green Groves of Erin".
More info and videos at http://comhaltaslive.ie
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