Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

After an extremely successful concert in Victoria this time last year Katie McNally is returning for an evening of bold and exquisite tunes bursting from the Scottish and Cape Breton traditions.

Katie McNally is described as “the new face of Scottish fiddling.” Katie, together with two of the most innovative voices in acoustic music in North America, genre-bending pianist Neil Pearlman and violist Shauncey Ali; are performing an evening of tunes bursting from the Scottish and Cape Breton traditions at Knox Presbyterian Church (2964 Richmond Road, Victoria) on Saturday, March 7th. Doors open at 7:00 pm.; with guest artist, Black Angus beginning at 7:30 pm.

Katie McNally grew up steeped in Boston’s vibrant Scottish and Cape Breton music community and has performed at venues across North America including the Newport Folk Festival, The Freight and Salvage, The Barns at Wolf Trap, and Symphony Space. Katie is a long-time member of the New England fiddle supergroup Childsplay, performs regularly with the all-female Celtic band Long Time Courting, and joined world-renowned Galician bagpiper Carlos Nunez on his tour of North American in 2012.

On the current tour, Katie’s evocative and melodic playing combined with violist Shauncey’s powerful harmonies and counterpoint—all anchored by Neil’s rhythmically driving piano accompaniment—will create a uniquely arresting take on traditional music.

Shauncey Ali is a classically-trained violist and self-taught fiddler. Shauncey is being recognized as an educator, camp clinician and premiere fiddler. He has shared the stage with the Infamous Stringdusters, Blue Highway and Bruce Molsky and has played as a member of Peter Gabriel’s New Blood Orchestra.

Pianist and mandolinist Neil Pearlman is rapidly distinguishing himself as a uniquely innovative artist in the contemporary traditional music scene. Called “a tremendous pianist” on BBC Radio Scotland and “a force to be reckoned with” by WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan, Neil is recognized in many Celtic music circles for his unique approach to the piano. Rooted in traditional Cape Breton piano styles, Neil brings in ideas from many other genres and the result is an exciting new sound that remains true to its traditional roots. It was this fresh approach that led legendary Cape Breton fiddler Jerry Holland to say “watching Neil’s hands on the piano was like watching two spiders on crack!”

Guest Opening Performance Black Angus: Frontman Gareth Hurwood’s musical talent, charisma, humour and unique stylings, provide a fresh approach to the folk genre. Specializing in music from Ireland, the UK, Canada and the United States, along with original compositions in the traditional style, Gareth is musically supported by Alexander MacCuaig on acoustic bass. Black Angus' show has a high level of energy and great stage presence that instantly communicates to their audiences. Black Angus is devoted to great songs which, combined with each band member’s sheer enjoyment of music, fuels their powerful performance.

Coastline: The Katie McNally evening will close out with a special appearance by Victoria’s youth string ensemble, Coastline. Coached by internationally acclaimed fiddler, Ivonne Hernandez, Coastline is comprised of 16 of BC's top young musicians. With 12 fiddles, 2 cellos and 2 guitars, the group of talented teens play a diverse and exciting repertoire of fiddle tunes from across Canada and around the world.

This award-winning band has already been making a name for themselves since their inception in January 2013. They have had the extreme pleasure and honour of opening for such award winning bands as The Fretless, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, Qristina & Quinn Bachand and De Temps Antan.

For more info and to take a listen please visit:
www.katiemcnally.com,
www.neilpearlman.com,
www.graminy.net/,
www.coastlinefiddle.com

Saturday, March 7th
Knox Presbyterian Church
2964 Richmond Road
Doors at 7:00 pm … Concert at 7:30 pm

Tickets Available at:

Ivy’s Bookshop (2188 Oak Bay Avenue)
Long & McQuade (756 Hillside Avenue)
Larsen School of Music (1808 Cook Street)

Adults $15; Students / Seniors $12

For more info: Ceri Osborne at (250) 415-3898 "or" ceriosb@gmail.com