Fiddling music in southeast Saskatchewan has been reinvigorated over the years and this has led to an exciting showcase depicting the history of Canada through following the fiddle's journey across the country.
The showcase will be presented April 30 to May 3 and will feature local fiddlers under the tutelage of local fiddle teacher, Michele Amy of Forget, as well as the theatre expertise of Cornerstone Theatre Inc.
“I came up with this idea about six or seven years ago, to tell the history of Canada through the fiddle,” Gordon Stobbe, musician, explained. “I found a group out in Smithers, B.C., who were willing to help develop the idea and workshop the idea. So, I've presented how the fiddle might have travelled across Canada and the different influences that have led to the unique Canadian fiddle music today.”
“There's about five or six different predominant styles brought to life in the show, I've written some of the music but have mostly used tunes that were relevant and could be traced, but some of the music wasn't there so I had to fill it in.”
Since performing in Smithers, the Fiddle History of Canada has been a showcase performed in many fiddling hotspots across Canada. Amy and Stobbe have discussed the prospect of bringing the showcase to Carlyle in the past, but timing has never worked out until this year, which Amy is very excited about.
“There are around 100 people involved. It's the largest show of fiddlers we've done with close to 70 performing on-stage throughout, while we also have a band of 12 musicians and have brought in an acting component with Cornerstone agreeing to help,” Amy explained.
“Doug [Waldner] and I have rewritten the script to suit us and what we're trying to do, which Gordon was very encouraging with, letting us put our own twist on it.”
In fact, Stobbe had earlier said that the show was written to follow the fiddle and wherever it has been performed they have brought their own unique touch performing the show. For Carlyle the uniqueness is utilizing Cornerstone Theatre.
“It's a big community event,” Stobbe stated of people coming together to put on the show. “It's been a humongous success elsewhere because families and friends get to see just what kids can accomplish. Performing in something like this is very different than most recitals and takes a tremendous amount of work.”
“There's a lot of teaching involved and having help is key, if it were just one person it's not fun, but here J.J. Guy is assisting, Michele [Amy], and some of her ex-students who have moved on to come back and help [Aimee Poirier, Patrick Tinant, Emily Dubois, Mitchell Dureault, Booker Blakely, and Gillian Maher].”
“This will give a new understanding of what a town like this can do. The material works and the kids can do it, it's a huge confidence builder for them too.”
The two-act performance follows both the progression of the fiddle through history and the second act focuses on the modern fiddle culture in Canada and the unique style developed here due to its history.
The performance will track the influences of the Acadian settlers, to the First Nations, to the Irish and Scottish peoples who came to Canada and everyone in between.
With Cornerstone's help, Amy says that the show will contain a lot of amazing music accompanied by narration and Canadian heritage moments, much like the commercials which were once on television.
“There are funny bits, physical humour, prop shticks, but mostly fantastic music,” she explained.
“It's going to be spectacular both visually and musically. It's highly arranged and is a big show for the kids to learn.”
By doing a show like this Amy feels as though the music her fiddlers are learning becomes relevant.
“If there's no relevance to your music what's the point?” she questioned. “You have to go play with people and to have your music be heard.”
Amy went on to say that she wished her mentor, Fred Easton, were still here to see the show. Easton passed away, but this is his legacy Amy stated, “If it wasn't for him, one person, willing to take another person under his wing. If he hadn't offered me his time and talent all of this wouldn't be.”
“When you toss a pebble into water those ripples affect other people, whether for good or bad, but had he not done that then none of these kids would be playing. I really wish he could have been here to see this, although I know he'll be watching us from above.”
Preparation for the production has been taking place with workshops in various communities in the area, hosting Old Tyme Dances in communities, and workshops in Carlyle at Memorial Hall.
Tickets for the performance can be found at Sew and Sews on Main St. in Carlyle. They are $20 and performances are held at Carlyle Memorial Hall on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m., May 1 at 7:30 p.m., May 2 at 7:30 p.m., and May 3 at 2 p.m.
