Violinist Jamie Laval and bass guitarist David Brown recently presented a concert of Celtic music at the Lanier Library in Tryon.
After a short introduction by Lynn Montgomery, president, Laval entertained with music, humor and a history of Celtic music from Brittany in France, Scotland and Ireland to Quebec. More than 80 library members and guests attended the noon recital and approximately 100 attended that evening.
Laval is considered one of the best in the world and has won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship. Dressed in a kilt (tartan) belonging to the Campbell clan of Argyle, he and Brown played everything from bagpipe songs to village dance tunes to soulful ballads to a sit-down tap dance.
Laval’s fiddle/violin was made by Kurt Widenhouse, an internationally acclaimed violin maker (luthier), in Belmont, N.C.
Many of those who attended closed their eyes, tapped their foot and bobbed their heads to the music.
Laval lives in Asheville and confessed this was his first visit to Tryon, but not his last. Library officials said they look forward to his return.
Both programs were sponsored by the Kirby Endowment Fund and the Polk County Community Foundation. This and future programs are free and everyone is welcome. Future events can be found at www.lanierlib.org/calendar-of-events.
– article submitted
by Ron Pankey