Introducing The Fiddlaires
Tell us a bit about The Fiddlaires
Wilson (10yrs) and Lucie (8yrs) are proud to live in the beautiful Upper Ottawa Valley, surrounded in a rich culture of fiddle and dance. They both love to entertain through their fiddle and step-dance, while continuing to promote this traditional art form. Visiting the Pembroke Fiddle and Step dancing contest in 2018 is where this passion was born.
How long have you been playing music?
We have been playing music from the age of 4, starting with classical piano, then violin, then fiddle for 3 ½ years now.
What are your favourite songs to play?
Lucie’s favourites are: One More Time by Brian Hebert, Lime Hill, Sarah’s fiddle and ‘Wilson & Lucie (a jig composed by Calvin Vollrath for The Fiddlaires)
Wilson’s favourites include: Golden Rod Jig, Big John McNeil, American Polka, and A & E Waltz
What do you enjoy most about playing music?
Wilson – When people tap their feet and dance when we play waltz’s, and when we make videos for our YouTube page ‘The Fiddlaires’ and people play along with us at home - I like that!
Lucie – Enjoying the potlucks, playing with other musicians, seeing people smile, and meeting people with great personalities.
What was your favourite show to play?
Playing at the Douglas Tavern for Family Day during St. Patrick’s Day week, also playing with Calvin Vollrath at the Rocky Mountain House in Renfrew.
What do you do when you’re not playing music?
Wilson – playing lego, drawing, or playing with my cat Randy.
Lucie – cooking, sledding, or watching a movie.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you?
Wilson – I have an interest in trees, especially large White Pine, also taking care of the spices in our house (growing and drying them).
Lucie –We have four pets. A Doberman named Cuddles that sleeps with me every night, two cats, and a parrot named Penny that can sing along with some of our fiddle tunes.
Any exciting upcoming projects or shows you’d like to share with us?
We’re excited to be participating in a fundraiser on April 17 at 7:30 pm on the ‘In Concert for Cambodia YouTube channel, with various artists including Kyle Burghout and Jane Cory, to raise money for orphaned and under privileged children in Cambodia.
We just recorded “Wilson and Lucie” the jig Calvin Vollrath composed for us. Dennis Harrington from Valley Heritage Radio will soon be playing it on his Sunday show “Cross-Canada Fiddling’ This will be the first track on our future CD.