Check out the free Celtic workshops hosted by the Pictou County Celtic Association! Classes in fiddle, piano, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and rug hooking all free for school-aged children.
Plus, come to the March Break Jam on March 19th in Lismore. Donations at the door go to the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition in Truro this summer.
Hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday season!
Spend the time checking out Patti Kusturok’s 2022 Canadian Fiddlers’ Advent Calendar – you can find me and Ray Stewart playing for Day 28. The tunes include Fleur’s Farewell (by Don MacLennan, from the Pictou County Celtic Association Tribute Book of Tunes), Mason’s Apron, and Angus Campbell.
Day 28
I know I had Amelia take part just last year in the advent calendar, but I have a bit of an ulterior motive. On August 25 & 26, 2023, the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition will be held in Truro, NS. Amelia is considered to be the fiddle sweetheart of Nova Scotia, so I thought it would be perfect to feature her and in turn, to promote next year’s event. Amelia is such a lovely player and you’ll see why she’s a favourite in the NS fiddle scene. Thanks, Amelia, for being a part of the calendar!
In August, I competed at the Canadian Grand Masters competition in Winnipeg. I had a fantastic time meeting fiddlers in person for the first time and spending a weekend getting to play with some of the best fiddlers in Canada. For those who haven’t seen the video of my set on Facebook, here it is:
I also had the delight in September to receive a MusiCounts Amplify Scholarship. MusiCounts is associated with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the JUNO Awards. It’s an honour to be one of only 11 recipients, and the only Nova Scotian. The Pictou Advocate covered the story and is viewable online.
For those looking forward to the Christmas season, you can check out Calvin Vollrath’s Fiddle Jubilee’s Christmas Special on December 4th – I am excited to be a special guest.
PUC Kitchen Parties
Check out the Fall edition of the Pictou United Church Kitchen Parties online! The event will be live on October 29th, or can be viewed afterwards over on the YouTube page here.
Welcome Home to Pictou County
Healthy Pictou County recently published guide for newcomers to the area, Welcome Home to Pictou County, Nova Scotia. It’s amazing to have been featured in the arts section of the guide! Make sure to check it out, even if you’re local there’s so much to discover inside!
Fiddling in The Voyage at the deCoste Centre
Summer ended with a couple performances in Pictou. The Voyage, a story about the ship Hector, an immigrant ship that sailed in 1773 from Scotland to Pictou, returned to the deCoste Centre stage with some modifications due to the pandemic. It was great to be back performing live again, even with social distancing in place!
Summer Musical Showcase at the Pictou Marina
Finally, it was a night full of fiddle tunes and singing in Pictou in early September when I headlined a concert as part of the Town of Pictou’s marina concert series. Ray and Jada Stewart joined in, and it was great to see so many people come out to enjoy the performance while social distancing!
Now Available! Check out my debut CD, Intertwined, recorded in 2019 at the Wee House of Music. It features a variety of fiddle tunes and styles with accompanyiment by Kimberley and Skip Holmes, Ray Stewart, Bruce Pettipas, Julie Johnstone, and Dave Gunning. Get a physical copy by sending a message to arrange payment and shipping. Messaging through facebook (best method) or via the contact section on the website. Stream Intertwined on all major platforms, including Spotify and iTunes. For more information, check out the ‘Music’ section above.
Amelia Parker Music