High-Energy, Celtic-Flavored Music from Prince Edward Island

WOOD AND BELSHER IN CONCERT

March 19, 2012

Richard Wood has been wooing audiences for over two decades. He plays “a graceful tune to start off a set, with beautiful zippering lines… then a cutting strathspey to kick it into a higher gear…a total of six reels in a row, all executed with flawless precision, pounding in rhythm, intoxicating in a firing energy. The crowd [jumped] to their feet in ovation immediately at the set’s end. Wood simply dropped every single jaw in the house” exclaimed a recent reviewer.

Wood and accompanist Richard Belsher headline a “Concert with Prince Edward Island Musicians” in Lyndon State College’s Alexander Twilight Theatre on March 24 at 7 p.m.

Wood has won championships as a step dancer and a fiddler; his performances are a combination of “fiddling virtuosity and stunning showmanship…with an innovative approach to traditional Celtic [music].” The P.E.I. native has performed for Queen Elizabeth II, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Canada’s Prime Minister, and the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo. He has played Carnegie Hall with Irish legends The Chieftains and made TV guest appearances with Shania Twain on “David Letterman” and “Good Morning America.” Wood appeared with Jean Butler of Riverdance on “Celtic Electric.”

Gordon Belsher has been performing for almost thirty years and has the versatility to play a number of instruments. As a soloist, he performs at concerts, ceilidhs, conventions, and pubs. His solo CD, “Call up the Neighbours,” was nominated for the 2008 East Coast Music Awards roots/traditional solo recording of the year. As accompanist and featured vocalist with Wood, Belsher has toured extensively through the world.

Tickets prices are: Adults $10; students $5; LSC students and children under 8 are free; LSC faculty and staff by donation. All proceeds benefit Lyndon State College student scholarships. Advance tickets available at catamountix.org or by calling (802) 748-2600.