Fiddle Fest 2012 presents champion fiddler and stepdancer Kelli Trottier in concert this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Merville Hall.
Kelli will also teach fiddle workshops on Saturday and lead the big Contra Dance on Saturday evening. Come on out and experience this fiddle dynamo on the stage.
Born and raised in the hotbed of musical tradition and innovation that is Ontario's Ottawa Valley, Kelli Trottier discovered her passion for entertaining, learned her craft, and developed her distinctive style while still right at home.
She studied and mastered the unique and fluid style of step-dance that evolved with the loggers and woodsmen of the historic Ottawa River watershed.
The fiddle was a natural extension of the dance; you just can't have one without the other. With a beautifully clear, natural voice, she writes and sings at every opportunity.
Kelli's talent carries her to stages across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far North, and has earned her a dedicated and growing following; and glowing accolades from promoters, organizers and fans.
No stranger to the stage, Kelli was featured as the lead female in the Toronto musical production SwingStep.
She is touring North America with the successful Bowfire entourage, a modern string ensemble that features old-time fiddling, bluegrass, jazz and classical styles, and her soaring vocal pieces are, for many fans, a highlight of the Bowfire productions.
Promoting her six independent recordings; singing, dancing and playing her way to the top of her musical genre, Kelli Trottier is an unforgettable and enchanting artist, consistently delivering performances that raise her stature in the hearts and memories of audiences everywhere.
The Funtime Fiddlers will open for Kelli on Friday and, on Saturday, they'll play with her as they perform their exciting music for the Contra dancers who will happily move about the big yellow Merville Hall, guided by caller June Cannon.
All ages are welcome at the dance and the doors open at 6:45 for a short Contra dance workshop preceding the dance, so get there early to practise your moves. At 7:30 p.m., the dance will commence and will whirl on until the partying patrons are practically pooped.
With Contra dances being taught on the spot it is easy to join in if you are a beginner and experienced dancers will always find a challenge to inspire them. Kelli will play waltzes, polkas and country shuffles, between the Contra dances.
Set your sights on the Big Yellow Merville Hall and dance the night away. Everyone is relaxed and the creative canteen will have evening refreshments to slake your thirst.
After fiddle workshops Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Contra Dance begins at 7.
Tickets for Trottier's concert Friday cost $15 for adults and $8 per youth. For Saturday's dance, it's $10 for adults and $5 for youth. Tickets will be sold at the door, at Long & McQuade, by phoning Craig at 250-339-4249 or at the Music Plant in Campbell River.
鈥� Funtime Fiddlers
