Saturday, December 18, 2010

2010 The Year in Review:

Well friends, we've had a very successful year. Our first, and one of our biggest events was the Ed Pearlman workshop that was held on the 20th of February. We managed to get him out of the ice and snow in Maine down here to the land of Jazz.

Ed Pearlman is best known for his 30 years of expertise in Scottish and Cape Breton fiddling, performing often with his wife, dancer Laura Scott, and their band, Highland Soles. Ed has taught fiddle throughout the U.S., and in Canada and Scotland. He directed the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club for 18 years, directed the Scottish Fiddle Rally concerts for 15 years. It was a real pleasure to have him with us and to get his help and guidance.

On the 17th of April several of out members had the pleasure of playing music at the Elliott wedding in Covington LA. A very nice wedding where we feel we added to the joy of the occasion.

During the summer and into the fall we were working hard to complete our first CD "Spirits of the Morning". Recording sessions, getting everyone there, scheduling time… Everyone made great sacrifices and everyone made great contributions.

The 20th of August saw us again playing for The Hammond LA. Downtown Development event, "Hot August Night". Our venue was Keith Davis' Violin Shop and there was a lively and receptive crowd on hand.

The 11th of September found us in Jackson MS. Where we appeared at the Mississippi Celtic Festival. We have been performing at this festival for many years and it just gets better and better. Thanks and best wishes to all our friends in Jackson.

The Highlands & Islands Scottish Festival and Games was held on the 13th of November in Gulfport MS. and we provided, in addition to our musical sets, a new dimension to the event. We held a dance workshop in the afternoon and during our portion of the Ceilidh that evening, we hosted the first ever organized ceilidh dancing at the fest. It was a great success, and a good time was had by all.

We closed out the year with a bang up Christmas/CD release party at the Garden District home of our good friends, the Butchers.

As The New Orleans Strathspey & Reel Society moves into its 10th year, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. With special thanks to all our friends and supporters.


Jim Gunter, Director
New Orleans Strathspey & Reel Society