The Harrison Festival Society’s very own Andy Hillhouse is taking the stage with renowned Canadian fiddler Pierre Schryer Nov. 24.
Typically behind the scenes, Hillhouse is taking a break from his duties as executive director to put on his musician hat as a guitarist and vocalist alongside Schryer, known internationally as a masterful fiddler with a flair for performing in many styles including Canadian old time, Irish traditional, Quebecois and even gypsy jazz.
“He is known for his sweet and beautiful tone,” states the festival society. “And the joyful feel in his style that traditional musicians refer to as ‘lift.’”
After a recent tour with famed Irish accordion player Dermot Byrne and a number of orchestral symphony pop shows around Canada, Schryer has relocated from Thunder Bay, Ont. to Victoria, B.C., bringing his fiddle flair closer to Harrison Hot Springs and his upcoming Celtic performance on the Memorial Hall stage.
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Hillhouse spent much of his career as a tourism musician and spent over a decade as part of a trio with Schryer and bassist Joseph Phillips. He was also a member of the Juno-winning band The McDades and founded Celtic funk band Mad Pudding. On Nov. 24 Hillhouse will perform songs from his 2017 solo album, ‘Passages,’ as well as back up Schryer’s fiddle with “driving rhythms and grooves.”
The concert starts at 8 p.m. on Nov. 24 at the Harrison Memorial Hall, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at harrisonfestival.com, by calling 604-796-3664, or at the Agassiz Shoppers Drug Mart.
Schryer will also be holding a workshop the day of the concert from 2-4 p.m. inside the Hall. The workshop is open to all skill levels and the cost is $25 plus tax per person. Pre registering through the Harrison Festival Society is recommended.
nina.grossman@ahobserver.com
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