CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will present Ward MacDonald with Andrea Beaton and Ben Miller at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center, South Carthage, and Thursday, April 25 at Phillips Area Community Center.

Spend an evening with fiddler MacDonald and get your heart pounding to the fiery dance tunes of Prince Edward Island. Let your mind drift away to the sweet melody of a Scottish air, experience some tunes from here and there, and hear the stories that inspire one to create and share. Ward will be sharing the stage with musical friends Beaton (keyboards) and special guest Miller (small pipes and Border pipes).

MacDonald grew up in the Scottish fiddling traditions of PEI. His playing reflects four generations of family fiddling and is spiced with a unique blend of Cape Breton, Acadian and Irish influences. As an emerging composer, he has been featured at concerts, festivals and square dances across Atlantic Canada and has traveled with his music as far as Cuba and the Bahamas. Over the last decade, Ward has worked to promote the traditional music scene on PEI and develop new performing and learning opportunities.

One of Cape Breton’s most promising young fiddlers, Beaton comes by her music honestly. Listen to her play, the power of her bow, the drive and swing of her timing, the crispness of her attack. She’s making a name for herself in dance halls, concerts, ceilidhs and festivals. Like the compelling tradition she represents, her reputation is growing, spreading beyond the island.

Miller is a player of Scottish small pipes and Border pipes whose repertoire and style draw mainly on the Gaelic traditions of Western Scotland and the Canadian Maritimes, and blended with a healthy dash of Irish tunes for good measure. He has been an instructor at The Piper’s Gathering in Vermont and the Maine Pipes and Fiddle Weekend. Originally from the Lake George area of upstate New York, Miller is currently pursuing a post-graduate degree in Scottish Ethnology in Edinburgh, Scotland.

There is a pre-show jam session 45 minutes prior to curtain. Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam with the artists for a few minutes.

Skye Theater is on Winter Hill Rd., off Rte.2 in Carthage. For reservations at Skye, call 207-562-4445.  For reservations at the Phillips Community Center, Depot Street, Phillips, call 207-639-3717. Ticket price is $15 at the door. For more information about the fiddle workshops on April 27 and 28, visit http://peifiddlecamp.com.

Copy the Story Link