Flood of Fiddlers hoped for In St. Stephen
Published Thursday May 28th, 2009
It is an absolute mystery why, in a province so well known for its fiddlers, the Atlantic Gateway Fiddle Championships has had such a hard time attracting competitors to its event this weekend, especially considering the $2,700 in cash prizes.
Surely most New Brunswick fiddlers are not so well off as to ignore such a rich enticement!
Still, there is some good news. Applications continue to arrive, convincing organizers to waive the registration deadline. Competitors can sign up until check-in on Saturday: 8:30 a.m. for the under-13 class, 12:30 p.m. for the open class.
And Kathy Bockus, a former editor of mine who works in St. Stephen, said audiences for the three special fiddle concerts should exceed expectations as so many Maine fiddle fans are coming.
Saturday, the under-13 class competes from 9 a.m. to noon, and open class competitions run from 1 to 2:30 p.m., 4 to 5 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, 1 to 2 p.m., the five finalists in each class fiddle off.
Fiddle greats from both sides of the border will take part in three concert.
Saturday, at 2:30 p.m., Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson will open the Cross-border Extravaganza Concert in honour of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Dr. Ned Landry, a Second World War veteran and longtime RCA recording artist, will perform a selection of tunes from the war years, before other fiddling stars from both sides of the border take the stage for a rollicking concert.
Later, at 8 p.m., the Don Messer Memories Super Fiddle Show will feature Ned and Matilda Murdock, the queen of Down East Fiddlers, along with Harold Cleghorn and George Fowler, Maine's fiddle ambassador.
As well as playing tunes made famous by Don during his radio, recording and TV years, stories about his four decades as a reclusive media icon will be shared.
The event will conclude with a tribute to Dr. Ned Landry. His grandson, Terry Landry, organized the concert, which will feature the Fiddling Landrys - Terry's children Alexander, 14, and Allison, 11 - who sing, dance, fiddle, play other instruments and yodel. They'll be joined by other musicians. To register for the contests or buy tickets, $10/per show, $25/day pass, call 466-7737 or visit www.chocolatetown.ca.
SUSSEX 'C' COMPANY SATURDAY
A great 'C' Company Country Jamboree Saturday, 7 p.m., at Sussex Regional High features regular Reid Carter, as well as the show's singing and picking hosts Donna and Clayton Colpitts, joined by five-year-old Hailey Colpitts, who can really belt out a song.
Guests include some of southern N.B.'s top acts: Ralph and Lynn Henderson, Bill Mullin, Fred Shaw, Walter Fern, Rick Russell, Kathy Colpitts, Hazel Marie Robertson, Cheryl Russell, Ruth and Eldon Barton, Maidon Dupere, Fran Rooney, Art Boyd, Maurice Fleming and Elvis Beaulieu. Advance tickets, $10, available at The Source in Gateway Mall (433-3447). Tickets at the door are $12. For details, call 756-2455.
BELLEISLE BENEFIT CONCERT TONIGHT
A benefit concert for Jack Monroe, of Belleisle Creek, who is battling cancer, takes place tonight, 7 p.m., at Belleisle Regional High School. It features Randy Vail, John Somerville, Pat and Beth O'Donnell, Clifford Tays, Albert Harrison, Steve Wallace, Greg Gallagher, Joe Ness and others. There is an auction and bake sale, also.
ROTHESAY SOPRANOS SUNDAY
Don't miss The Sopranos - Cynthia Doyle, Dayna Van Doleweerd, Theresa Patterson, Belva Joanne Kee, Fairlie (Renehan) McLean, Maureen Stackhouse, Luan Salmon and Colleen Foster - in concert Sunday, 7:30 p.m., at Saint David's United Church in Rothesay, with accompanist Bertis Sutton. Admission is $15 at the door or call Colleen at 847-0909 to reserve.
WILF CARTER TRIBUTE SATURDAY
The annual Wilf Carter Old Tyme Music Night Concert Saturday, 7 p.m., at the Lions Hall in Canning, Nova Scotia, features three Wilf Carter disciples performing tribute songs and old favourites written by or made famous by Wilf.
Performers include organizer/emcee Caroll Edwards, singer-songwriter Harry Munroe and guest of honour Chuck Irvin. Popular Nova Scotia country acts Chet Brown & Band and The Pioneers will also play. Tickets are $10 at Cochrane's Pharmacy in Wolfville and Canning, or by calling 902-582-3320.
SAINT JOHN MEN'S CHORUS TUESDAY
The Saint John Men's Chorus, under the direction of David Mitchell, presents its fifth annual Spring Into Summer Concert Tuesday at the Church Of The Good Shepherd, 668 Manawagonish Rd., Saint John West. Tickets, $12, are available from choir members or at the door.
NB OLD TYME ORCHESTRA CONCERT
The NB Old Tyme Fiddle Orchestra expects another sellout audience for its 12th annual concert June 6, 7 p.m., at Saint John's Imperial Theatre. Tickets, $12, available at Imperial box office, or by calling 674-4100 or 1-800-323-7469. For details, call Jim and Marie Gerrior at 672-4697 or email fiddlers@nbnet.nb.ca.
Gerry Taylor www.gerrytaylor.ca has covered folk and country music for over 30 years.
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