Legendary Irish Fiddler Kevin Burke and Multi-Instrumentalist Cal Scott to Perform at Mountain City Traditional Arts

Sunday, March 16th @ 3pm; Suggested donation $10

Fiddle and Guitar Lessons Available-- Contact MCTA to inquire

     Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with a truly traditional Irish Music Performance by legendary fiddler Kevin Burke and multi-instrumentalist Cal Scott.

     Kevin Burke’s fiddle playing has been at the forefront of traditional music for over 30 years.  Whether solo or accompanied, on record or in concert, Burke is an immensely engaging performer. He has been established as a first class musician ever since his work in the early 1970’s (with such renowned performers as Arlo Guthrie, Christy Moore and the Bothy Band and with his far-reaching solo album, If the Cap Fits).  During his long musical career Kevin has earned international acclaim in both Europe and America as a solo performer, a teacher and as a member of some of folk music’s foremost groups including Celtic Fiddle Festival, and Patrick Street. He is also a featured member of Grammy winner Tim O’Brien’s wonderful crossover band, The Crossing. Kevin is a National Endowment for the Arts 2002 National Heritage Fellowship recipient, the USA's highest honor for excellence in the folk and traditional arts.  

    Cal Scott Cal Scott is a remarkable multi-instrumentalist whose professional credentials span a wide range of music, from traditional to bluegrass to jazz and everything in between. He plays and sings in the 8-piece folk ensemble The Trail Bandand is also a noted composer and arranger with dozens of scores for documentaries, films and commercials under his belt. In 2006, his film score for Scotland’s Lighthouses was recognized by the Just Plain Folks Music Awards with 4th place in the Celtic Album of the Year and 5th place in the Celtic Song of the Year. Kevin Burke and Cal Scott met each other while Cal was working on a documentary about Northern Ireland and Kevin was brought in as a consultant. This musical collaboration led to their working together ever since then.

MCTA Documentation Project Seeks Regional Rug Makers

Folklore and Folklife Programming at Frostburg State University, a partner of the Maryland Traditions Program of the Maryland State Arts Council, is seeking fiber artists in the region with a particular expertise and interest in rug making. At one point in time western Maryland and the surrounding region was well known for its rug making traditions—including hooked-rugs, woven rag rugs, and braided rugs.  The region’s woven rag rug tradition was substantial enough for a book, Weaving Rag Rugs: A Women’s Craft in Western Maryland, by Geraldine Niva Johnson, to be published on the practice in 1985. 

Folklore and Folklife Programming at FSU, which oversees Mountain City Traditional Arts on Frostburg’s Main Street and the FSU Appalachian Festival, would like to document what remains of the region’s rich rug making history and tradition. That documentation will eventually be shared at the FSU Appalachian Festival and through an exhibit and workshops at Mountain City Traditional Arts. Those working in the tradition or with knowledge of family members or friends who have perpetuated these traditions are encouraged to contact Dr. Kara Rogers Thomas, krogersthomas@frostburg.edu; 240-522-7635, or Dana Bridges at Mountain City Traditional Arts, 301-687-8040.