As a final recital of sorts Nellie Quinn, along with her students – young and old – are playing the outdoor bistro stage at The Roost in North Saanich.
Quinn, a Sidney native who’s been playing the fiddle for 18 years, teaches students of all levels in Greater Victoria. Before taking a two-month summer break, Quinn’s playing with her students – ages five to adult – in a community performance.
“I teach a full spectrum of ages and levels, but the idea is they’re all playing together – it’s a very community feel,” says Quinn.
On Friday, June 23 Quinn and her student group will highlight Canadian and American folk music, as well as some Scottish and Irish tunes for good measure.
Quinn says traditional recitals in a church or hall can be intimidating for younger students and beginners, especially when they’re playing solo on a big stage. The upcoming performance at The Roost is meant to be relaxed and fun.
“Its’s a casual thing and it has to be fun, it always has to be fun,” Quinn says. “We hope to have people dancing in the aisles.”
After touring with a Celtic-rock group in America for almost two years, Quinn has recently returned to her hometown.
“It was great playing for large audiences in the states, but it’s so much better to be back here and teaching kids,” she says, adding this is the start of her doing more local performances.
“It’s important for anyone who’s interested in playing the fiddle to have a strong community. I know I wouldn’t still be playing the fiddle if I didn’t have my fiddle friends growing up. (Sidney) has such a great feel and community, it feels like the right place to do more.”
The show starts at 6 p.m. on the newly-renovated, outdoor bistro stage at The Roost, 9100 East Saanich Rd., North Saanich. Quinn will open with Victoria-based guitarist Charlie Gannon before her students join in.
This is not a ticketed performance, but rather complimentary to guests enjoying dinner and drinks at The Roost Vineyard and Bistro.
More performances
On Saturday, June 24 Quinn takes the stage at The Roost with her partner Garrett Tompson. The pair perform a wide variety of energetic music, ranging from bouncy swing tunes to sweet waltzes, old popular songs, bluegrass numbers, French, Canadian and Celtic jigs and reels. This is their first performance together. It starts at 6 p.m.