FiddleFest

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Friday, April 7th, 2017
7:30

Fiddle Fest Concert & Dance with The Andrew Collins Trio Once again, Fiddle Fest is going to shake up the Comox Valley with another great weekend of concerts, Contra dance and workshops.

This musical festival has been exciting music lovers for 17 years, giving local fiddlers, young and sensibly mature, a chance to play hard and fast at the Big Yellow Merville Hall.

This year, we’ll be blown away by the main act, the award winning Andrew Collins Trio, from Toronto, who will rock the hall stage in a $15.00 concert on Friday night, April 7th, at 7:30.

Mandolin maestro, Andrew Collins, is at the epicentre of Canada’s burgeoning acoustic/roots music scene. He has co-founded Canadian bands, the Creaking String Quartet and the Foggy Hogtown Boys. Comfortable on mandolin, fiddle, guitar and mandocello, he has teamed up with fellow string guru Mike Mezzatesta, a master of the guitar, fiddle and mandola, and bass player, James McEleney. All three sing and probably bake a mean shoo-fly pie to boot.

Their music features bluegrass, folk, jazz, classical and swing, all played with dynamic intensity on a stage full of musical instruments. They are touring with their new CD, And It Was Good, a record that is beautifully enhanced by Andrew’s captivating lead vocals and James’ soaring harmonies. www.andrewcollinstrio.com

The day after the concert, Saturday, April 8th, from 10:30am to 2:30pm, the Trio will also lead musical workshops in fiddle, guitar, mandolin, cello/bass and ukelele to all comers, beginners included, with some jamming thrown in for fun.

Workshops are only $5.00 each and the doors open at 10:00am. The hall will be open all day so you can even use the kitchen to make your lunch.

Saturday night, at 7:30pm, Andrew Collins will lead the Trio as they whoop it up for a Community Contra dance with the delightful June Cannon calling the moves. Come early for a Contra lesson. Adults are $10.00 and youth are $5.00 and there is even a special family rate. All are welcome to come and dance and meet friends, old and new. There are spot dance prizes and homemade treats. Contra dances will be taught on the spot and there are polkas, swing and waltz dances in between the Contras.