BOXWOOD'S WILLIAMSBURG TRADITIONAL MUSIC WEEKEND
March 2-4, 2012
Join us March 2-4, 2012 for a weekend of immersion in traditional music in Historic Williamsburg, VA. Classes, sessions, an evening performance, and private lessons are on offer. The deep connections between traditional music, song, and dance are at the heart of our program this weekend.
James KELLY - Irish fiddle
James Kelly, a native of Ireland, is one of the greatest Irish traditional fiddlers alive today. He learned his music from his father John Kelly, the renowned fiddle and concertina player from County Clare. After years of careful study and practice, James began his recording and touring career at age sixteen. That year he won first place in the prestigious "Fiddler of the Year" competition and recorded his first album, a duet with his brother John. Since that time, James has toured Europe, the US, Canada and South America, and was a member of several influential Irish groups, including "Patrick Street" and the legendary folk group "Planxty." He was a presenter of the "Pure Drop" series for Irish TV and has appeared several times with the Grammy award winning Irish group, "The Chieftains." In the US, James has performed several times on Garrison Keillor's national radio show, "A Prairie Home Companion." In recent years he received the prestigious "Florida Folk Heritage Award" as well as the "Florida Individual Artist Fellowship in Folk Arts Award." In 2006 TG4 (Ireland's Irish-language TV station) awarded James the "Gradam Ceoil TG4 Irish Musician of the Year" award in recognition of his outstanding musicianship and contributions to Irish music. He has 18 albums to his credit and recently released his latest recording, "Melodic Journeys." He is currently working on a teaching DVD for fiddle students, as well as compiling his over 800 compositions for publication. He continues to tour with some of Irish music's leading accompanists.
"James is one of the most outstanding Irish musicians of this or any generation." --Dr. Mick Moloney, Musician and Folklorist, New York University
"As a virtuoso violinist and exponent of Irish Traditional Music, James ranks among the very best in Ireland today." --Tony MacMahon, Senior Producer, Radio Telefis Eireann
"James Kelly is widely recognized as one of Ireland's leading traditional fiddle players." --Dermot McLaughlin, Traditional Music Officer, Irish Arts Council
Chris NORMAN - traditional flutes, pipes
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia into a music loving family, Chris Norman's influential work for the past 30 years as performer, composer, recording artist and teacher has won him worldwide recognition. His flute playing has appeared on more than 40 recordings and can be heard featured on the Oscar winning soundtrack of Titanic and other Hollywood films including, Soldier, and the Stone of Destiny.
“. . .Norman stands out for his spirited eclecticism . . . His rootsy heritage shines through in every nuanced embellishment, trill, triple tonguing, and silky slide. It’s clear that Norman is having a ball, with the chops to make it sound effortless.” -- Billboard Magazine
“ . . .a flute player of spectacular & imaginative virtuosity” -- The New Yorker Magazine
“A flute superstar . . .the musicianship just came wailing out” --Toronto Globe & Mail
Donna LONG - traditional piano, solo & accompaniment
Originally from California, Donna studied with her father, the jazz pianist Byron Long, who instilled in her a love for music. As a child, Donna was exposed to many different genres of music, including players from the old and new Jazz eras, Classical, Scottish, Indian, and African. Today Donna is considered one of the finest pianists playing Irish music and has toured and recorded with many of today's leading artists in Celtic music. She is a former member of the internationally acclaimed Irish group Cherish the Ladies with whom she has recorded five CDs. In the year 2000, the Smithsonian Institution asked Donna to represent Irish Music in the series, Piano Traditions celebrating 300 years of the piano. Donna was also commissioned by the Library of Congress in 2001 to write a composition for fiddle and piano. She wrote a slow air called Before the Snow Falls, and a reel to accompany the air called Pandora's Box. These tunes were performed by Cherish the Ladies and can be found in the Library of Congress.
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY MARCH 2, 2012
Beginning pennywhistle class with Chris Norman
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 1333 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA
Cost - $15 class (whistles will be $10 if you wish to buy one)
A beginning pennywhistle class open to both kids and adults. Learn the basics of this most portable, sturdy, expressive and ubiquitous musical instrument. In addition to basic technique we'll cover a basic tune from the USA, Scotland, and Ireland. The class will be using pennywhistles in D, and whistles will be available for loan and/or purchase, so just bring your self! Advance registration highly recommended; use on-line form below.
Traditional jam session with James Kelly, Chris Norman & Donna Long
8:00pm - 10:30pm:
Green Leafe New Town Restaurant, 4345 New Town Ave, Williamsburg, VA
free and open to the public
Join us for a traditional Irish session; all are welcome to play, dance, sing a song or listen.
SATURDAY MARCH 3, 2012
Workshop classes with James Kelly & Chris Norman
10:00 am - 4:00 pm: St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 1333 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA
Cost - $70 (includes a light lunch of soup & salad - vegan options available)
We'll present three workshop classes during the day: Two classes led independently by James Kelly, Chris Norman & Donna Long which will focus on fiddle, flute & keyboard techniques and style respectively, and a third class with James, Chris & Donna all together that will include general repertoire and style for dance tunes, airs & waltzes. This class will flow into a jam session with all participants together. The workshop classes are open to players of all levels and instruments, however please bear in mind that the classes will be geared for those with some proficiency on the violin or flute; beginners are welcome but should be prepared to audit. Keyboard students: please bring your own electronic instruments if possible.
Evening concert with James Kelly, Chris Norman, Donna Long & special guests
7:30 pm: St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 1333 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA
$15 regular/ $10 kids 12 & under, seniors 65 and over, active military AND those registered for the Saturday Workshop.
Tickets will be available at the door, and via the registration form below
Traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Canada and elsewhere. James, Chris & Donna in a concert not to be missed.
SUNDAY MARCH 4, 2012
Private lessons with James Kelly, Chris Norman, Donna Long
9:00 am - 3:00pm; location TBD
$50/hr or $30 for 1/2 hr.
James, Chris & Donna will be on hand for private lessons for individuals or groups on Sunday. Please specify the time you'd like on the registration form below and we'll be back in touch to confirm the time and location.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration is an easy 2-step process:
Step 1: Complete the registration form below. Be sure to scroll all the way down and click 'SUBMIT'.
Step 2: Pay -
To keep tuition costs down and bank fees to a minimum we prefer that you pay by cheque or PayPal. Cheques should be payable to 'BOXWOOD' & mailed to:
Boxwood
c/o Flute Frenzy
PO Box 1266
Williamsburg, VA 23187-1266
PayPal payments (US Only) should be sent as 'personal' - 'payment owed', to this e.mail address. We can accommodate Credit Card payments upon request (add 3%) - we'll swipe your card at the event. Indicate your preference on the registration form below.
That's it! - we'll be in touch with further details as the weekend approaches. If you're planning to come, please fill the form out ASAP. Registration is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis upon receipt of both a registration form and payment.
LODGING
There are tons of places to stay in Williamsburg. Visit the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce for more details.
THANK YOU
Boxwood's Williamsburg Traditional Music Weekend is made possible with the support of:
Green Leafe Restaurant & Tavern
and all of Boxwood's donors & supporters. Thank You!