Juno nominated Gunning at Skye

REGION -- New England Celtic Arts, in partnership with the Kingfield POPS, will present Dave Gunning in concert at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage on Wednesday, June 20, and at Unity College Centre for the Performing Arts in Unity on Thursday, June 21.

Curtain at Skye is 7 p.m. and at UCCPA is 7:30 pm. There is a pre-show jam session one hour prior to curtain at both venues. Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam for a few minutes before the show.

There are stories that wash over you like a tide, and then there are stories that grab you by the heart. Dave Gunning has made a point of finding the latter and

wrapping them up in song since he broke upon the East Coast music scene in Canada back in 1997. The Pictou County, Nova Scotia born and bred singer-songwriter and working class hero has built up from humble beginnings to a point where his name is regularly included in conversation with artists such as David Francey, James Keelaghan, Ron Hynes, Stan Rogers, Bruce Cockburn and Gordon Lightfoot. Writing from a sonic menu that includes flavors of Irish, Scottish, French Acadian, folk and country musical styles, Dave transcends genre with songs that fill your senses and touch your soul.

Dave has nine critically acclaimed CD’s to his credit. His latest award-winning recording project, “a tribute to John Allan Cameron” was recently honored with a prestigious 2012 Juno Award nomination for Roots & Traditional Solo Album of the Year. Gunning was the winner of two 2011 ECMA Awards and two Canadian Folk Music Awards, and as well has been awarded six East Coast Music Awards since 2003. He was the winner of the Indie International Song Contest (for his song, “Hard Workin’ Hands, co-written with Ron Hynes) and a finalist in the Great American Song Contest, the USA Songwriting Competition, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the International Songwriting Contest. All of the hardware and certificates aside, however, it is the personal connection that Gunning’s music engenders that is the greatest testament to his craft.

Dave is set to release his new studio recording, “These Hands” (June 2012) which is sure to bench mark another chapter for one of Canada’s finest songwriters.

A seasoned performer and entertainer, Dave has toured extensively both solo and with his band, performing to sold-out venues, festivals, house concerts and theatres throughout Canada, the U.S., the U.K. , Ireland, Denmark and recently in Afghanistan, entertaining the troops. Engaging and charismatic, Dave’s magnetic gift of captivating audiences by creating a bond through down-to-earth details, homespun humour and seasoned musicianship will be in full display as he continues to tour in support of the latest chapter of a career heading for international recognition.

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 call Skye Theatre at 562-4445 or UCCPA at 948-7469. Reservations are strongly suggested at both venues.