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| Thursday, 02 April 2009 00:00 | |||
Fiddlers ReStrung's Concert with Guest Artist Pear - A True DelightFiddlers ReStrung’s Spring Hometown Concert featuring guest artist PEAR, was quite simply, a delightful evening of music entertainment. The scope of genres, ranging from traditional fiddle tunes and Southern waltzes to current pop/country hits surely pleased even the most discerning musical palate. Saline Area School’s 6th grade fiddle club opened the show led by Catherine Noble, an alumnus of ReStrung. The tune "Buffalo Gals" featured several young fiddlers performing the traditional dance. The Middle School fiddle club, led by ReStrung Director, Josh Herter, followed with their own dance set, "Arkansas Traveler". The next generation of cloggers included Jennifer B., Joël B, Madeline N., Anand S., Alyssa S., Rebecca W., Deena Z. and Natalie Z.; all of whom learned the choreography from senior ReStrung clogger Asheema S. Fiddlers ReStrung began their performance with one of the most recognizable fiddlers’ tunes, "Old Joe Clark", infused with their own style and charm. Turning to more contemporary music, the group next played a Nickel Creek arrangement, "The Lighthouse’s Tale". Tommy H. and Christina R. provided vocals for this wistful song about lost love. Backup musicians included Mickey S. (guitar), Sean C. (bass), Jeremy S. (cello) and Josh Herter (violin). Drawing on Saline’s Celtic ties, the ensemble followed up with a traditional Scottish jig, "The Athole Highlander" . A new dance debuted with this song performed by sisters Anjali and Asheema S. and Jeremy S. The dance, known as "The Marley Soft Shoe", bridges cultures and generations by infusing identifiable bits of English and Irish dances and American tap. The dance set has roots with a family of English/Irish immigrants who performed during the Vaudeville era. The famous Marley dances were in jeopardy of being lost in American history forever until the last member of the family, Anna Marley, taught them to English folksinger and dancer Tony Barrand. He in turn taught them to ReStrung’s very own choreographer, Sheila Graziano with the promise that the series of dances would live on into the next generation. A key element of ReStrung’s uniqueness is its commitment to encourage, strengthen and broaden each member’s musical creativity. February’s winter camp retreat provided an opportunity for the ensemble to work collectively arranging new music. Taking inspiration from the song "Disconnect" by ReStrung friend and professional musician, Jeremy Kittel and "Waiting For the Dawn" by Hanneke Cassel (who originally blended the two songs), the group crafted their own arrangement of "Disconnect". To commemorate their final Hometown Concert, the four ReStrung seniors worked with their Director on a senior song arrangement. In less than three weeks time, they had polished their performance of another popular Nickel Creek song, "This Side". Seniors Asheema S. and Tommy H. sang, while Jake H. (percussion), Stephen F. (violin) and Tommy (mandolin) provided musical support. Accompanying the small group ensemble were bassist Sean C. and guitarist Mickey S. It would be unthinkable to close out any ReStrung show without "The Orange Blossom Special". It is endearingly special for several reasons. It has been the cornerstone of Saline Area School’s fiddler shows since its inception. It’s also the song that will get you up on your feet clapping heartily. Alumni are traditionally invited on stage to join in on the fun and reunite with their fellow ReStrung musicians. Denis and Lynae Dufresne, the husband-and-wife duo that lead the band PEAR opened the second half of the show with backup musicians and vocalists Travis Switzer (bass guitar) and Darren Savard (guitar). Much of the band’s selections are their own brand of original music blending pop, country, roots band and progressive sounds. It’s plain to see why their music appeals to so many people. The band is just as much at ease performing a song with rock/country overtones ("Lonesome Road) to bluegrass ("Sweet ‘N Gritty") to pop ("A Chance to Change the World"). Country band Nickel Creek was the inspiration for the song "Never Lookin’ Back". It is this same tune that launched PEAR into the forefront of the Canadian music scene. The ballad "This Ain’t A Love Song" showcases Lynae’s vocal talent, a song full of raw emotion and longing. She totally charmed the audience with her version of "The Tennessee Waltz", performed in 4/4 time, rather than the traditional ¾ time. Denis’ performance left no doubt that is equally a master of the fiddle, mandolin and guitar. To everyone’s amusement, Denis invited the audience to stand up and dance during one of their closing songs, explaining "this is where east meets west with a little jazz". PEAR’s talent, showmanship and enthusiasm were truly captivating. The very next day, PEAR was back at the high school to conduct an educational music workshop. The morning workshop was open to the public and free to all Saline Area School fiddle club members, many of who were in attendance. The afternoon workshop was private for ReStrung members. As a gesture of musician goodwill, PEAR presented Fiddlers ReStrung with an original music arrangement. A new friendship was forged that weekend linking the two ensembles. Denis’ impressions of Fiddlers ReStrung, Saline High School and the Saline community were upbeat, "It was amazing to walk into a beautiful high school auditorium and know that we were going to play for a crowd that loved music. (Fiddlers ReStrung) rolled out the red carpet for us. The whole weekend just ruled. What a great community of people and musicians. We had a blast doing the workshops on Saturday, teaching the kids new music and giving new ideas to the ones they already had in their set. They were kind and eager to learn. Wow! What a concept!" Press Release Written by: Sandy Fike For More Information Contact:
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