Touring Group 2022-2023: Spring Update
The Touring Group came together for three days in February to rehearse and perform at the Elley-Long Music Center. There was a whirlwind of activity, including learning a new song, Pete Sutherland's "1800 & Froze to Death;" adding new harmonies to the New England contradance set and the Gaelic-language song "O, Teannaibh Dlùth is Togaibh Fonn" ("Now Draw up Close and Sing a Song"); and beginning work on the Cape Breton tunes chosen by Andrea Beaton as well as extensive review of the medleys learned in December. The Touring Group performed five pieces in the February concert: two Bill Monroe bluegrass tunes and some New England contradance chestnuts, the Gaelic song, a set of Celtic tunes commonly played in Cape Breton, and of course the quintessential Touring Group finale, the Errogie set. You can hear these and more on the Young Tradition Vermont Touring Group YouTube Playlist! There was also riddles, wicked games of "Don't Let the Balloon Touch the Ground," yummy pizza, a terrific jam session, and lots of laughs.
FUNDRAISING....
Touring Group rehearsal
Touring Group fundraising activities can still be accessed online! To buy raffle tickets, find out more about a virtual bus seat, or make a general donation, go to https://www.vtfolklife.org/touring-group-fundraising. Sponsorship opportunities are online too: businesses and supporters who donate $100 (or more) will be added to the Sponsorship Banner that is displayed at Touring Group concerts in Vermont and Cape Breton. Our fundraising goal is in reach with one final wave of fundraising!
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Touring Group has one final three-day rehearsal block in April, followed by several performances coming up in April and May!
On Saturday, April 15th, there is a concert at the Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph. Doors open at 6:30 for the 7pm show, which will include sets from the Young Tradition Youth Commission as well as Artist Leaders Dominique Dodge and Andrea Beaton. Tickets are just $10 for what will be surely be an entertaining and uplifting program of traditional music.
The Touring Group performs at Elley-Long Music Center
The Touring Group and Youth Commission will be at Stone Corral Brewery in Richmond on Sunday, April 16th from 2pm to 4:30. Enjoy food from a delicious & varied menu with some lively tunes from these teenage musicians. Reservations are recommended and can be made by phone (anytime) or online, the week of.
Travel Tour to Cape Breton April 21st to April 30th including public & live-streamed/on air performances in Mary Janet MacDonald's "Tunes and Wooden Spoons" and the "Wednesday Night Céilidh" at Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College; school visits to Beinn Mhàbu, Cape Breton University, Dalbrae Academy and École NDA; cultural visits to the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre and the Highland Village in Iona; a tour of CBFM and lots more!
The Touring Group returns to Vermont just in time for the Young Tradition Festival! The final performances of this season will be on Friday, May 5th at 7pm in Contois Auditorium at Burlington City Hall with La Famille LeBlanc and on Saturday, May 6th at 6pm at the Young Tradition Festival Showcase Concert in Contois Auditorium. Lots more information about the Festival including how to purchase tickets for in-person and streaming performances on the Festival webpage.
Hope to see you & Happy Spring!