MacGillivray to present tune poets show

REGION -- New England Celtic Arts will host Troy MacGillivray at Skye Theatre in So. Carthage on Wednesday and at UCCPA in Unity on Thursday.

Curtain at St. Lawrence Arts and Skye is 7 p.m. and at UCCPA is 7:30 p.m.

Troy MacGillivray has played over 200 performances already in 2012! This year alone, he has played throughout Alaska, Washington, California, West Virginia, Ireland, Denmark and seven Canadian provinces. The multi-talented, multi-award winning instrumentalist is known for his ability to unearth the lesser-played but great tunes of respected composers. With such tunes in his repertoire, Troy has assembled a show he is calling Tune Poets.

Poetry is the expression of feelings and ideas using distinctive style and rhythm, and although the greats often use words to capture the lyrical, these instrumental Tune Poets have done so with the wonderful melodies they have created. Featuring the tunes of composers like Dan R MacDonald, Angus Chisholm, Gordon MacQuarrie, Andre Brunet, John Morris Rankin and others, Troy weaves into his set-list the history and background of the musical selections he is playing. The Tune Poets show will be informative, lively and engaging, delivered with Troy's impeccable playing, fabulous arrangements and well-researched commentary. Tune Poets presents a wide and varied mix of music that will captivate the audience with both sound and story.

“I’m looking forward to returning to New England and am very excited to share this new show with those who enjoy traditional music as much as I do”, says MacGillivray. “This is the first time Allan will be playing in New England with me, so we’re looking forward to sharing some great tunes from some of my favourite composers and musicians.” Accompanying him on this tour is Allan Dewar, a traditional pianist from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, who has not only toured extensively with Troy, but also with Natalie MacMaster and Ashley MacIsaac to name a few. As director of the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique, Allan is excited to be part of Tune Poets, joining Troy in the sharing of old and new tunes alike.

Troy has been performing as a musician from a very young age, across Canada, North America and around the globe. He has been recognized with numerous honours including two East Coast Music Awards, and in September, he received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal commemorating his contribution and dedication to preserving and promoting arts and culture in Nova Scotia and Canada. After the New England tour, Troy will head back in the studio to begin recording his highly anticipated 6th CD, set for release in 2013.

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