The wonderful, rollicking Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival, situated on a scenic field near the Town of Souris, Prince Edward Island, is back. Always held on the third Saturday of July, it was canceled last year because of Covid-19. PEI is healthy (mask wearing is not required) so the musical festival flourishes once more and HG/BSK were in attendance on a sunny, slightly breezy day for the 5PM to 8PM show. Perfect weather and a show that explored the musical heritage of PEI and the other Canadian Maritime Provinces. First was a group that played its own compositions, all based on Prince Edward Island, its dirt roads, rivers, lakes and shoreline. Then, there was a surprise. Abegweit First Nations from Lennox Island performed on a cluster of drums and accompanied the beats with rousing song. HG had never heard live First Nations music. Exciting. Then a group that focused on Irish, English, and French songs with a lagniappe of step dancing. The program concluded with very lively French Acadian music featuring a young woman who was a virtuoso fiddler. All of the seating, food, and beer was handled efficiently. And, the spectators were appreciative, responsive and courteous. Ah, it’s good to be in Canada.
Leave a Reply