Award winning PEI fiddler coming to Skye

REGION -- New England Celtic Arts will present Canadian Fiddle Champion, Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, at the Franco American Heritage Center in Lewiston on Tuesday, at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage on Wednesday, May 2, at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts in Unity on Thursday, May 3, and at Nordica Auditorium in Farmington as a benefit for the Farmington Rotary Club on Friday, May 4.

Curtain at the Franco Center, Skye, and Nordica is 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Unity. Pre-show jam sessions at Skye and Unity start one hour prior to curtain.

Down-East fiddle music gets a sincere and energetic reshaping thanks to East Coast Music Award nominee Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys. This four-piece group of seasoned musicians hail from the rich and dynamic PEI music scene and have collectively toured North America and the UK with ECMA winners the Grass Mountain Hobos. Within months of forming the Rhythm Boys and releasing their self-titled debut CD, the band has received two Music PEI awards in 2011 for Roots/Traditional Group of the Year and Instrumental Recording of the Year.

A talented dancer, Gordie has been dancing since his childhood. Dubbed "Crazy Legs", his unique style of clogging captivates audiences of all ages. The energetic fiddling and dancing of MacKeeman leads the Rhythm Boys through one rousing and reflecting song after another. It's the sort of the genuine east coast fiddle music that makes it memorable for those who haven't experienced it yet, and reassuring for those who never forgot it.

The Franco American Heritage Center is located on 46 Cedar St. in Lewiston, 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. UCCPA is at 42 Depot St. in Unity. Ticket price is $15 at the door. For reservations at The Franco Center and at Skye Theatre call 562-4445 or UCCPA at 948-7469. Reservations are strongly suggested at all three venues.