Those who love to step along to a reel with a lilt may want to join up for Vernon’s latest singing group.
Newfoundlander-now Vernonite musician Andrew Mercer is starting a new adult Celtic choir in town at the Argyll School of Celtic Arts.
Mercer has been playing and performing Celtic music since he was five years old and says he is truly passionate about the music and keeping such a vibrant part of Canadian culture alive.
Apart from being the lead singer and guitarist with modern Celtic band Cod Gone Wild, Mercer says he is seeking new ways to spread the Celtic spirit through song.
“The choir will focus on fun, unique vocal arrangements and modernizing Celtic material to bring it into 2012,” said Mercer. “The main genre, of course, will be Celtic, however, there will be undertones of many genres to create an edgy, modern Celtic vibe.”
As the choir develops, there will be opportunities to perform at community events and festivals as well as the possibility to perform with Cod Gone Wild at select events, added Mercer.
A native of Bay Roberts, Nfld., who also teaches guitar and voice, Mercer is a welcome addition to the now two-year-old Argyll school, which is run by local highland dance instructor Janet Hackman.
“The studio has really grown and evolved over the past two years and I am so happy to add Andrew Mercer to my faculty,” said Hackman.
“We did a couple of shows together this past year and we work really well together.”
Choir rehearsals start Sept. 21 and will be held Wednesday evenings beginning at 7 p.m. at the Argyll School of Celtic Arts, located in the Alpine Centre on Kalamalka Road.
Those interested in joining the choir, can contact Mercer at andrew@codgonewild.com or at 778-475-4202.
