For Art's Sake
By Jessica Colasanto
With Kathaumixw on its way, our collective excitement over international music is building. And for those of us who enjoy fiddle music, we're in for an extra treat this year: thanks to Ceilish, we're going to get an extra dose of Celtic tunes this summer.
Ceilish, if you haven't heard, is the new name of the Powell River Trad Band. Formed in 2008, it's made up of talented musicians of all ages, from elementary school students to "active retirees." For some it's a family affair, with parents and kids both involved. Ceilish is led by Cathy Reckenberg, a fabulous violinist who studied at The Royal Conservatory's Glenn Gould School before returning home to share her talents with her students; she teaches at Kelly Creek and Grief Point schools as well as at the Academy of Music.
"The Trad Band needed a better identity, so we voted many times on a new name--but we could never agree. No one remembers who finally suggested Ceilish, but that was it," says Reckenberg. Ceilish plays traditional music of Celtic origin from Scotland, Ireland and Canada.
The group rehearses one hour per week, although to hear them play you'd think it was much more often than that--not to mention they create most, if not all, of their own arrangements, much of which is never written down. Not surprisingly, several members of Ceilish were chosen at the Powell River Festival of the Performing Arts to attend the Performing Arts BC Provincial Festival.
Ceilish is particularly excited about the arrival of a group of musicians, Stushie and Bow Mohr, from Scotland, because it signals the start of an extraordinary musical adventure: together, they will study at the Sunshine Coast School of Celtic Music (hosted by the Coast String Fiddlers of Roberts Creek) before returning to Powell River for a week--look for them to play here the week of July 12. Then they'll all head to Scotland for Splore, a week-long Scottish Traditional Music school (part of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival) as well as participate in a week of concerts in the cities of Stirling and Callander.
Such an undertaking is expensive for a group their size--14 are making the journey--so Ceilish is actively fundraising. They'll be playing at the upcoming Shellfish Festival in Lund at the end of May, and there will be a silent auction at their next concert on June 19. Band members are selling coupon books for Safeway; they cost $20, and contain $20 in rebates inside. They also have an account set up at the bottle depot so that you can donate your returns; just specify the Powell River Trad Band.
Ceilish will be out and about in the coming weeks as they raise money for their upcoming trip. Be sure to catch their great performances and help support this rewarding musical journey.
