CEOL AGUS CRAIC - Friends Rally to Support
Well-Loved Local Fiddler
 |
|
FIDDLER Mary Brunner (centre) is shown above with members of the Rogues n' Tinkers. |
By ERIN MULLAN
Ceol binn a bhaint as an saol! Here's a chance to show some support for a great local musician and simply a lovely person who's in need of a helping hand. Friends and fellow musicians are rallying to support local fiddler, Mary Brunner, who is recovering from an operation for cancer. She is feeling good and is in good spirits but she will be unable to play her fiddle during her recovery so people are raising funds to help her out financially. Many will know Mary through the various sessions she hosts and local Celtic bands she has played with over the years including: The Rogues n' Tinkers, Copper Sky, The Streels, Three Row Barley and sessions at the Wolf and Hound in Vancouver and the Buck and Ear in Steveston. Those interested in offering their assistance can drop by the Wolf and Hound on a Wednesday or Friday night over the next few weeks where the session leader will gladly accept any donations. For more information, contact Michael Viens (604) 879-7958.
Concert listings:
• Canadian songwriter Garnet Rogers returns to St. James Hall April 19
• Oysterband return to town with a gig at St. James on April 26
• The terrific Victoria-based band The Bills make a rare Vancouver appearance the next night, also at St. James
• The Cornwall Harp Ensemble play a concert at the Celtic Traditions store on April 26. Phone (604) 222-2299 for reservations
• The Rogue Folk Club celebrates its 21st birthday on May 9 with Pied Pumpkin
• The Rogue folks are delighted to welcome back Norah Rendell (ex-Cleia member) with her new partner Brian Miller (guitar) for a short B.C. tour which brings them to St. James May 15
• Danish fiddle/guitar wizards Haugaard & Hoirup return on May 22 with a new CD to celebrate their 10th anniversary
• Watch for the wonderful Anglo-Scots trio Lau at the Vancouver folk fest this summer.
Local motion:
• The last Irish Céilí Dance of this season is April16 at the Victoria Drive Community Hall. Erratica will be providing the live music, all of the dances are taught and beginners and children are very welcome. Details: (604) 709-4140 or vcn.bc.ca/ceili/
• The next Scottish Ceilidh is April 25 at the Scottish Cultural Centre, class at 7 PM and dancing at 8 PM with live music by Calanais. Partners or experience definitely not required but having fun is expected
• For information about Scottish country dance groups and classes around the Lower Mainland call (604) 536-9481 or visit www.rscdsvancouver.org
• For information on the Irish Set Dancing and Social Group call (604) 984-8261 or (604) 731-9513
• The Jericho Folk Club has Tuesday night sessions and concerts at the Jericho Sailing Centre. Phone: (604) 222-4113 for more information
• The Wolf and Hound has a traditional session on Wednesday nights
• The Irish Heather has an Irish traditional session on Thursday nights and trad group Ballyhooley plays Tuesday evenings
• Bring your instruments and songs to the Friday night session at the Celtic Traditions store, starting at 8 PM.
Recording news:
• Tim O'Brien has a new CD: Chameleon
• Scots singer Karine Polwart released her second new CD of 2008, This Earthly Spell, last month. It's on Hegri Music, and features topical original songs. It was recorded and mixed in Scotland and Cape Breton, where her husband is from. A few weeks earlier she released a CD of traditional songs, Fairest Floo'er.
|
