February 28, 2008 issue
Scottish Music Legend Returns to West Jefferson April 11
Concert to Celebrate Scottish Heritage Month
North Carolina’s Legislature has designated April as Scottish Heritage Month to celebrate the many ways in which the Scots have contributed to the development of the state. And what better way to celebrate than with one of the most recognized and influential Scottish musicians on today’s Celtic music scene? Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser will return to the High Country, along with cellist Natalie Haas, for the first time since 2003. This award-winning duo will perform on Friday, April 11, at White Hart Woods Center for Leadership & Cultural Arts in West Jefferson.
The duo’s last appearances in the High Country wowed crowds at both the Christmas in July Festival and the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and the request for their return has been something that has been ongoing by those that experienced their unique and moving performances.
Scots Magazine stated, “Alasdair Fraser is recognized throughout the world not only as one of the finest fiddle-players Scotland has ever produced, but also as someone whose name is synonymous with the vibrant cultural renaissance which is transforming the Scottish musical scene,”
In 2004, Alasdair and Natalie’s music was named the Album of the Year by the Scots Trad Music Awards for their Fire & Grace recording. Their latest work, In the Moment has received rave reviews from across the globe.
Alasdair has also established a legacy through his fiddle schools that he runs annually near his home in California and also on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The Valley of the Moon fiddle camp in California has helped thousands of rising musical artists understand the roots of the Scottish fiddle and it is where Alasdair first met Natalie, age 11, who had come to study. Since then they have toured the world taking their wonderful “little fiddle, big fiddle” styles to the masses and teaching people about the history of Scottish fiddle music and its influences that continue to effect today’s music. Where better to enjoy the music that directly shaped what is known today as Appalachian or Old Time music than here in the mountains of the Blue Ridge.
White Hart Woods is located on Mt. Jefferson State Park Road in West Jefferson. The concert is set for 7:00 p.m. on April 11 and tickets are $20 that includes heavy hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will also be available. The fireplaces in the “Ruins” on the grounds will also be burning and guest can enjoy the night sky of April while warming themselves by the fire. Seating is limited, so get your tickets early by calling 336-246-2600 or by clicking to www.whitehartwoods.com.
This event is being produced in partnership with Celtic Force Enterprises and is sponsored in part by River House Inn
Want To Go?
Date: Friday, April 11
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: White Hart Woods Center for Leadership & Cultural Arts, West Jefferson
Cost: $20
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