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Award winning fiddler ‘played’ an integral role in establishing National Fiddle Day![]() This Saturday, August 8th Shelburne Rotary will host award winning fiddler Kelli Trottier along with bandmates Andy Thompson and Jerry Clancy for afternoon and evening shows as featured performers of Fiddlefest. Kelli Trottier raised in the music and dance of the historic Ottawa River watershed has taken her love of fiddle music right to parliament ‘playing' an intregral part of the movement to establish a National Fiddle Day in Canada to honour the heritage and tradition of the instrument in Canada's history and secure its place in our future. Nominated three times for Fiddle Player of the Year by the Canadian Country Music Association and featured instrumentally and vocally on many studio recordings for other artists, she is described as “an unforgettable and enchanting artist, consistently delivering performances that raise her stature in the hearts and memories of audiences everywhere.” In an interview with Trottier, she recalled performing at the Fiddle Contest in Shelburne once before as part of Shane Cook's concert. “I remember the lights going out on stage due to lightening in the middle of our performance. Fortunately, it was only briefly and made for a few good laughs.” She said she also had the pleasure of judging at Shelburne a couple of times and always enjoyed the level of competition as well as special musical guests. “It will be really nice to be back to Fiddleville! I remember my first visit to Shelburne as a contestant. I was terrified and intimidated and was the VERY first contestant of the entire contest. Could it get any worse than that? ” she laughed. Kelli, who has made music her full time profession, teaching, recording and judging across the country, says Shelburne audiences can expect to hear “some old time fiddling, along with traditional and original vocal numbers with band harmonies,” at her show. “I would like to think that people might be inspired to dance if they feel like it,” she said, “I will also throw in a step dance or two.” When asked what inspires her, Kelli said, “People inspire me. Their tapping toes, their smiles, their stories about the importance of music in their lives or perhaps the joy that my music brings to them. I get the biggest reward from watching people react to music. It's a beautiful thing.” “Fiddle Music in Canada is alive and well,” said Trottier, “and with the passing of Bill S218 “National Fiddling Day” this spring, it will stay strong and very much a part of our Canadian Heritage forever. I was so proud and honoured to have been an integral part of that process. Trottier was invited to speak and play at the Senate last spring, along with Ivan Hicks and Calvin Vollrath, in support of the Bill. “We talked about the importance of fiddle music in Canada and as part of our culture” said Kelli, “and demonstrated the different styles of playing. I was invited again, over the winter, to speak to the Standing Committee on Canadian heritage.” The bill was passed in March and Kelli wrote a fiddle tune to commemorate the occasion, playing it at a Senate reception in May as the country celebrated the first National fiddling day according to Bill S218: “Whereas the art of fiddle playing has a significant role in the cultural and social history of Canada and is practised in all of the regions of Canada; Whereas newcomers to Canada and their Canadian descendants have enriched the culture and the different styles and repertoires of fiddle music during many generations; Whereas in 2012 an international campaign began among fiddle players to encourage popular recognition and acclaim of a World Fiddle Day on the third Saturday in May each year, to celebrate the appreciation, beauty and history of fiddle music, and in honour of Antonio Stradivari, the renowned crafter of stringed instruments; And whereas it is in the interest of all Canadians to become more familiar with the traditional and contemporary importance of fiddling and its importance to Canadian heritage and Canadian society; Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows: This Act may be cited as the National Fiddling Day Act. Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the third Saturday in May is to be known as “National Fiddling Day”. The Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship begins Friday, August 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex. Afternoon competitions include the 9 and under, 10–12 and 56 and over. The evening features the remaining classes. The contest finals are Saturday, August 8 at 6 p.m. and will feature the crowning of the Canadian Open Champion and Canadian Open Junior Champion, entertainment, and the judges' showcase. Tickets for Kelli Trottier at 3:15 and 6 p.m. on the 8th, and other entertainment during the Fiddle Contest are available by phone at 519 925-8620 or at www.ShelburneFiddleContest.com/tickets By Marni Walsh |
Post date: 2015-08-06 12:36:36 Post date GMT: 2015-08-06 16:36:36 Post modified date: 2015-08-17 11:12:54 Post modified date GMT: 2015-08-17 15:12:54 |
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