Kathleen Fisher
On January 28 at 8 p.m. the Kitimat Concert Association is happy to present April Verch.
April Verch blends country and Celtic with artistry flying off her fiddling bow and reedy, lilting vocals.
She started step dancing at age three and playing the fiddle at six and combines the two for a truly unique performance.
Her repertoire has a dash of old-timey music, a pinch of bluegrass and a splash of step dancing blended with a dollop of east coast celtic sound.
This extremely talented artist will take you on a foot stomping, hand clapping musical journey. April’s dancing and fiddle playing are both strongly rooted in the musical traditions of Canada’s Ottawa Valley, where she and her family have lived for generations.
The region stretches from Ottawa, westward along the shores of the Ottawa River, to the northern tip of Algonquin Park.
Immigrants from France, Scotland, Ireland, Poland and Germany, who were drawn to the region’s logging camps, brought with them a passion for fiddle music.
Those without an instrument would often use their feet to accompany the music, and the form of dance, now known as Ottawa Valley stepdancing, developed. Fiddle music and stepdancing continue to be prevalent throughout the valley and still influence April’s style today.
By age of 10 April, who had already decided to make music her life’s work, was touring Canada and winning fiddle contests. By the time she finished high school, Verch had recorded her first two self-released albums, 1992’s “Springtime” and 1995’s “Fiddle Talk.”
April’s latest recording, 2008’s “Steal the Blue” (Slab Town Records), is the first album that showcases her vocals. The record is Verch’s most eclectic to date, featuring elements of bluegrass, jazz and melodic old-timey music.
This incredibly talented and driven artist continues to deliver stellar performances wherever she goes.
So come out to the Mount Elizabeth Theatre and let April Verch feed your soul with a feast of music and dance that will satisfy even the most discerning audience.
Tickets are $27 for adult, $25 for seniors, and $17 for students at the door – or save $2 by buying ahead of time at Book Masters.
Information for this article obtained at www.aprilverch.com.
