January 11, 2020 // 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
The 8th Annual Fiddle Fest, hosted by the Gilbert Town Fiddlers in conjunction with ASTA-AZ and Highland HS, is a day for string students and teachers alike to explore different fiddling traditions from around the world. All ability levels on bowed string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass) are welcome. It will be a packed day of fun tunes, new techniques, grooving, and performances from students and professionals!
Each year we invite guest artists and teachers from around the country to work with Fiddle Fest participants. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Katie McNally (fiddle) and Neil Pearlman (piano). To learn more about Katie & Neil, check out their bios below!
For more information and registration, please visit ASTA's website.
Each year we invite guest artists and teachers from around the country to work with Fiddle Fest participants. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Katie McNally (fiddle) and Neil Pearlman (piano). To learn more about Katie & Neil, check out their bios below!
For more information and registration, please visit ASTA's website.
2020 Guest Teachers // Katie McNally & Neil Pearlman
The vibrant musical traditions of Cape Breton and Scotland take on new life in the hands of KATIE MCNALLY and NEIL PEARLMAN.
"An innovative ensemble as grounded in the tradition as it is ground-breaking," (Folk Radio UK), the duo draws inspiration from the rich history of Cape Breton fiddlers and pianists in both Nova Scotia and Massachusetts, while their fresh arrangements are sculpted by the modern energy of the Boston acoustic music scene.
Recent covergirl for Fiddler Magazine, KATIE MCNALLY has already made her mark on Scottish music in North America. Her 2016 release "The Boston States" pays homage to the living Cape Breton traditions in her hometown of Boston, MA and was produced by Wendy MacIsaac. In addition to fronting her own trio, Katie performs with Fàrsan, the transatlantic collective Apiary, and has toured with such Celtic music luminaries as Carlos Nuñez, Karan Casey, and John Whelan. Katie has performed in the US and abroad at Celtic Connections, the Newport Folk Festival, the Barns at Wolf Trap, and The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes.
Called "a tremendous pianist" by BBC Radio Scotland, NEIL PEARLMAN 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. An accomplished Cape Breton step dancer as well, Neil grew up in the family band Highland Soles, led by father and mother Ed Pearlman and Laura Scott, both influential Scottish music and dance figures in the US. Neil performs regularly with Afro-Celtic Funk band Soulsha and in a duo with Shetland fiddler, Kevin Henderson. He is also host of the popular podcast, Tradcafe.
"An innovative ensemble as grounded in the tradition as it is ground-breaking," (Folk Radio UK), the duo draws inspiration from the rich history of Cape Breton fiddlers and pianists in both Nova Scotia and Massachusetts, while their fresh arrangements are sculpted by the modern energy of the Boston acoustic music scene.
Recent covergirl for Fiddler Magazine, KATIE MCNALLY has already made her mark on Scottish music in North America. Her 2016 release "The Boston States" pays homage to the living Cape Breton traditions in her hometown of Boston, MA and was produced by Wendy MacIsaac. In addition to fronting her own trio, Katie performs with Fàrsan, the transatlantic collective Apiary, and has toured with such Celtic music luminaries as Carlos Nuñez, Karan Casey, and John Whelan. Katie has performed in the US and abroad at Celtic Connections, the Newport Folk Festival, the Barns at Wolf Trap, and The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes.
Called "a tremendous pianist" by BBC Radio Scotland, NEIL PEARLMAN 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. An accomplished Cape Breton step dancer as well, Neil grew up in the family band Highland Soles, led by father and mother Ed Pearlman and Laura Scott, both influential Scottish music and dance figures in the US. Neil performs regularly with Afro-Celtic Funk band Soulsha and in a duo with Shetland fiddler, Kevin Henderson. He is also host of the popular podcast, Tradcafe.
Previous Fiddle Fest Guest Artists include:
Brad Phillips (2019)
Half Pelican (Joy Adams & Andy Reiner, 2018)
Adrianna Ciccone (2017)
Colin Cotter (2017)
Lauren Rioux (2015)
Sten Isak (2015)
Daniel Pentecost (2014)
Michael Rolland (2013)
Sheila Maguire (2012)
Brad Phillips (2019)
Half Pelican (Joy Adams & Andy Reiner, 2018)
Adrianna Ciccone (2017)
Colin Cotter (2017)
Lauren Rioux (2015)
Sten Isak (2015)
Daniel Pentecost (2014)
Michael Rolland (2013)
Sheila Maguire (2012)