Concert Series 2012 — 2013
The Bee Eaters &
Bruce Molsky Grand National Fiddle Champions, Tashina Clarridge and her multiinstrumentalist brother, Tristan, trace their musical roots back to Celtic, bluegrass, old-time and jazz; but together with dulcimer wizard Simon Chrisman, they have opened up new territory with their expressive and sensitive playing. Garnering great praise in a wide variety of places for their latest CD, Oddfellows Road, with special guest, Appalachian fiddle master, Bruce Molsky, (among others), they bring this bold new sound to our stage. Admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 SMD members, $8 students, Free to Shepherd Students with Rambler ID. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.
Notorious Lauded as "sparkling" and "exhilarating” Notorious musicians Eden MacAdam‑Somer and Larry Unger present a thrilling musical experience in genres that span many continents; from fiery Romanian gypsy melodies to barn-burning Appalachian dance tunes. With Eden on fiddle and vocals and Larry on guitar and banjo, their music lights up the hall with rhythm and sonority. Look at these energizing videos of their last performance in Shepherdstown for a taste of what to expect. Admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 SMD members, $8 students, Free to Shepherd Students with Rambler ID. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.
Irish Session Lads Traditional jigs and reels meander to delicate oldworld waltzes, and spiral around to contemporary improvisations and layers of harmonic invention in the music of these three fine young Irish musicians who grew up in the heart of the Irish session scene in Baltimore and at camps and festivals throughout the Northeast. Cleek Schrey anchors the band with dynamic fiddle and piano accompaniment, Sean McComiskey drives the the rhythm with lively button accordion, and Stuart Jackson adds a touch of spark with his “smooth as silk” playing on the Irish uilleann pipes. Admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 SMD members, $8 students, Free to Shepherd Students with Rambler ID. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.
Trio Galilei Rekindling a passion for Early music, this trio melds the elegance of chamber music with the excitement of traditional music in a repertoire that move flawlessly from lush Baroque interpretations of 18th century Irish airs to infectious reels and jigs, from haunting Welsh melodies to Galician Waltzes and Breton dance tunes, stitching a tapestry of texture, harmony, and rhythm. With founding members of the 5 piece national touring ensemble Carolyn Surrick on viola da gamba, and harpist Sue Richards joined by 1997 Scottish fiddle champion Hanneke Cassel on violin; this holiday concert is sure to please all of your family members and be a highlight of this year’s celebration. Admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 SMD members, $8 students, Free to Shepherd Students with Rambler ID. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.
Fiddle Summit This popular annual event, draws some of the finest fiddlers from a variety of traditions into a showcase concert. This year we present Kimberley Fraser, 1995 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion, combines lyrical melodies with driving dance rhythms in her energetic fiddling. David Kaynor is one of the finest proponents of New England dance fiddle, and also shines on Scandinavian styles. West Virginia based, old-time fiddler and founding member of the Critton Hollow String Band, Joe Herrman is well known for his instrumental prowess and singing. And the band Cabaret Sauvignon finishes off the show with Andrea Hoag's fine fiddling, Karen Ashbrook on hammered dulcimer and flute, Belgian-born multi-instrumentalist, Paul Oorts on mandolin, guitar, accordion and more, and piano wizard Dave Wiesler playing music drawing from diverse European roots. Admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 SMD members, $8 students, Free to Shepherd Students with Rambler ID. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.
Squeeze the Bag Bring a new warmth to a cold winter’s night as you experience the magic of the bellows-blown bagpipes played by some of the finest masters on these unique instruments. Kinder and gentler cousins of the great highland pipes, they are designed for playing indoors with other instruments and are mellow and expressive. EJ Jones is a performer and pipe maker who's travels take him across the continent performing with the Celtic band, Clandestine, with the Medieval and Renaissance band Istanpitta, and the pipe and drum band Teribus. EJ plays a wide range of bagpipes, wooden flute, and bombarde and is certain to entertain anyone who likes music from the Celtic Realms. All-Ireland champion, Ivan Goff is an uilleann piper who has been highly praised his technical and melodic mastery of this subtle and expressive instrument. Multi-instrumentalist Ian Lawther is the undisputed master of the Northumbrian smallpipes on this side of the Atlantic and the lively dance repertoire associated with these tiny pipes. Matt & Shannon Heaton show a fine flair for Irish music performing songs and instrumental Admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 SMD members, $8 students, Free to Shepherd Students with Rambler ID. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.
FullSet Hot, fresh and bursting with a dynamism that makes music come to life, the on-the-rise FullSet has been likened to Irish super groups such as Danú and Altan. Irish Music Magazine exclaims, “the blazing energy they possess is matched with confident instrumental skill and imaginative outcome. Musically they kick powerfully.” This six-member ensemble ranging from fiddles to uilleann pipes to vocals was recently dubbed “New Group of the Year” at the 2012 Live Ireland Music Awards and “Best New Band” at the Irish American News Music Awards. Together, these incredibly talented artists create an intoxicating sound while simultaneously honoring their rich, Irish roots. Admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 SMD members, $8 students, Free to Shepherd Students with Rambler ID. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.
Paired Traditions Combining fiddle and hammered dulcimer traditions from New England and the southern Appalachians, we bring Bill Spence and George Wilson of the celebrated New England trio Fennig’s All Star String Band, who have been a mainstay of the dance and music scene for over 40 years, and our own local favorites Joe Herrmann (of Critton Hollow String Band) and Ken Kolodner to share the stage at the Upper Potomac Spring Dulcimer Festival. Lively traditional dance melodies as well as songs to warm your heart, promise to make this an unforgettable evening for all. Admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 SMD members, $8 students, Free to Shepherd Students with Rambler ID. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net. |
