Andrea Beaton in concert at Skye

SOUTH CARTHAGE -- New England Celtic Arts will host traditional Cape Breton artist Andrea Beaton at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 21.

Curtain is at 7 p.m. with a pre-show jam starting at 6:15. Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments. A workshop will also be offered that day from 1 to 4 p.m. Instruction will be given in fiddle and guitar.

One of Cape Breton's most established young fiddlers, Andrea Beaton comes by her music honestly. Listen to her play, the power of her bow, the drive and swing of her timing, the crispness of her attack. She has made a name for herself in dance halls, concerts, ceilidhs, and festivals throughout North America and the UK.

She's the youngest of generations of Beaton musicians. Her father, Kinnon, is one of today's most influential Cape Breton fiddlers, and you can hear some of his timing in Andrea's playing. Her mother, Betty Beaton, is one of the great piano accompanists of her generation, contributing to that remarkable Beaton timing.

Her paternal grandfather, Donald Angus Beaton, was one of the strongest and most popular players of his generation, and you can hear some of his power in her playing. Her paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Beaton, is a strongly rhythmic piano player, with a great love of the music.

Her uncle, Buddy MacMaster, is the most revered fiddler on Cape Breton island. Her cousin, Natalie MacMaster, is an enormously popular entertainer. And so it goes, back and across the generations. Cape Breton is an extraordinarily musical place, and Andrea is increasingly in the forefront of her generation.

Her music is at once her own and deeply rooted in the tradition associated with the Mabou Coal Mines. And, like her father and grandfather, she is a composer in the tradition, adding fine new music to the island's repertoire.

Jake Charron is continuing to build a reputation as one of Canada's finest accompanists for fiddle music. He has become a much sought-after musician for traditional styles, playing piano and guitar with artists across the country. Charron is currently a part of Stephanie Cadman's "Celtic Blaze" production and will be joining The Step Crew for a tour of China in December. He is the house pianist at several fiddle competitions including the Canadian Open Fiddle Championships and enjoys teaching at camps across Canada. He recently graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an honors degree in kinesiology.

Skye Theater is located three miles west of East Dixfield village at 2 Highland Dr. off Winter Hill Road and Rt. 2 in South Carthage. Ticket price is $15 at the door. For reservations at Skye Theatre call 562-4445. For information on the afternoon workshop in fiddle and guitar, call the number above or email neceltic@gmail.com for prices and details.