Fiddlers know how to celebrate when Gordon Stobbe and JJ Guy come to town! Very fortunately, they squeezed us into their Canada-wide schedule and many thanks to generous funders who made it possible.
Gordon Stobbe has been acclaimed as “Master Fiddler of Canada” and was inducted into the Nova Scotia Music Hall of Fame in 2014. He teaches and tours throughout Canada and the North and a judge of fiddle contests. He has many original CDs and teaching books to his credit; Volume 1 includes all the favourite tunes of fiddle clubs across Canada. With stage, television and radio experience Gordon brings an infectious spirit of fun to his teaching. A living compendium of music!
JJ Guy has competed at the prestigious Canadian Grand Masters Competition in Ottawa where he won the “People’s Choice Award in 2014. He teaches throughout western Canada and is sought after for his vast knowledge of fiddle tunes. JJ exudes a love of music having been raised in an atmosphere of good old fiddling. He also has many CDS and together with Gordon created CD “Twin Fiddles” and “Twin Fiddles 2”. Written for here is “Bella Coola Road”!
The free Seniors’ Concert will be held Friday, October 14, 1:15-2:15pm. Also on Friday 5:30pmPizza and Potluck (bring salads, desserts), followed by a short youth performance and the ever popular “barn” dance. The dance is open for everyone; an excellent family event. 6:30-8pm.
New this time is the Youth and Adult fiddle jam Saturday, October 15, 7-8:30pm. at the Fellowship Room, Augsborg Church, providing an opportunity for all fiddlers to play together. Guitar players are welcome.
Group and private lessons will happen throughout the weekend. Fiddlers must have taken several beginner lessons prior to registering. (Adults $50/youth $15/privates $25per half hour) Registration and donations may be made at the Bella Coola Community Support Society to be eligible for a tax receipt.
At the International Literacy Day and Fiddle weekend fundraiser event on Sept.8, the winner of “guess the peanuts and candy in the jar” the winner was Moira McIlwain. Draw winners of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” were Tanya Moren, Ewan Koroluk and Sage Gray.
Many thanks to the Bella Coola Valley Arts Council, Bella Coola Community Support Society, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Acwsalcta School, Augsborg Church, the Moose Hall and the efforts of volunteers.
“Fiddle Fun” is a free community program made possible by the Youth Engagement Program of the British Columbia Arts Council supported by the Bella Coola Valley Arts Council and organized by the Bella Coola Valley Learning Society. Free group lessons are mainly held at New Leaf Learning Society and for all children and youth in the Valley. We are very excited about the recent announcement from “MusiCounts” Foundation ($7,475) for some new ½ and ¾ size fiddles plus replacement bows and strings. As with our current stock these are loaned out for weekend practicing.
