Programme Fiddlesticks (NZ)

Fiddlesticks (NZ)

Twin fiddles, a melting pot of styles, originals, vocals, bass and guitar!

On our honeymoon, Fiddlesticks was the name we came up with for our musical vision, a twin fiddle duo. Since then, what a journey! Fiddlesticks played professionally for 10 years as a duo, inevitably developing into a Family Band as sons George and Mackenzie were dragged around the country. “Fiddlesticks and Double Trouble” toured NZ and Australia for another 10 years until the boys flew the coup. Fiddlesticks then morphed into a four-piece band while living in Alice Springs, Australia but now, back in NZ, Fiddlesticks is a trio, which includes the wonderful Carol Rose.

We loved our 16 years in Australia and cherished the many challenges and opportunities that presented with music, partnerships and influences.

Some of the highlights of our time in Australia include:

• The first 5 years we performed and toured for “QLD Arts Council”.

• Became very involved in the “Fiddle Club” community around Australia joining in and creating groups wherever we landed.

• For 7 years we founded and directed the “Sunshine Fiddle Camp”.

• 2018 we ran the “Fiddlers Rally” at the National Folk Festival

• Have been members of the Shetland Fiddle group “Hjaltibonhoga” in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo the 2 times it toured Australia.

Our last 6 years in Aus saw us settle in the NT surrounded by music, culture, and opportunity. Karen worked as a string’s teacher and founded the Desert Fiddle Club. Fiddlesticks Band had a residency at a local recycle café (seemed fitting ). As well, Jacko found a new passion in Klezmer music while Karen has rekindled her passion of Trad Scottish Music.

The third member of Fiddlesticks, Carol Rose, is a well-known valued Kiwi Folkie, who with her husband Steve, ran Tui Music Festival for 19 years and was a member for 20 years of Cairde, a long standing five piece women’s celtic band from Nelson. A fellow West Coaster, who joins us on bass, guitar, and vocals. Steve will be joining us on percussion for some of our numbers.

Since arriving on the West Coast we have settled into the vibrant culture of Barrytown and we have had the wonderful opportunity to start touring NZ again. As a band we have guested at the Wellington, Waimate and Hamsterfest Folk Festivals and are energised to keep enjoying the wonderful magic of music!!

Festival Orchestra

A fun community performance opportunity for musicians at the Festival, open to all acoustic Folk Instruments. Music will be available prior to the festival. Tunes will be workshopped and arranged together. Daily rehearsals. Performance on the last day.

 

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