Celtic musician, Maine fiddler to perform in Searsport
SEARSPORT — Belfast Flying Shoes presents Scottish fiddlers Sean Heely and Owen Kennedy for a special outdoor event on Monday, October 11, at Searsport Shores.
Seán Heely, past US National Scottish Fiddle Champion and "powerhouse of a fiddler," will perform in Searsport on October 11 with his student, 16 year-old Maine fiddler Owen Kennedy, who was recently named the Junior US National Scottish Fiddle Champion. The two met in 2019 when Heely was teaching at Acadia Trad School in Bar Harbor; his performances inspired Owen to dive into Scottish fiddling traditions and he became Heely's student the following year.
To kick off their local performance, Heely and Owen will lead a musicians' workshop at 2 p.m. Their 3 p.m. concert set will feature Scottish music, from haunting slow airs and Gaelic songs to mighty pipe marches and wild strathspeys and reels.
Following the concert, Heely and Owen will join an open jam session, welcoming all local musicians.
According to BFS director, Chrissy Fowler, in a news release: "Seán was slated to perform at two Maine events this month, and when both events were canceled, it created an opportunity for Flying Shoes. We're delighted to bring these two gifted performers to Waldo County. A local musician recently mentioned how hungry everyone is for participatory traditional music; Seán and Owen will provide plenty to nourish us!"
Produced by Belfast Flying Shoes, in partnership with the venue (Searsport Shores Oceanfront Camping, 216 West Main St. in Searsport) and the Makers Guild of Maine, the workshop and concert are free to the public. Suggested donations on a sliding scale of $1 to $35 will defray expenses, and will support the performers, Belfast Flying Shoes, and the Makers Guild's instrument lending library at Carver Memorial Library in Searsport.
Given the current public health challenges, please bring a mask; you can also bring your seating and instrument.
For details, visit www.belfastflyingshoes.org or contact belfastflyingshoes@gmail.com.
Belfast Flying Shoes was founded in 2005 with a mission to bolster the spirited dance and music community in Midcoast Maine. BFS programs include the Flying Shoes Radio Hour on WBFY, programs at the Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center, a concert series for older adults, school residencies, and a variety of participatory arts events.
Event Date
Address
216 West Main Street
Searsport, ME
United States