I haven’t heard anyone here post anything about this year’s Boxwood. This was my first year to attend. (It seems most people I met had been at least 3 or 4 times.) Well, it was phenomenal! Kevin Crawford, Jean-Michel Veillon, Chris Norman, Baroque flutist Marten Root, and piper Paddy Keenan taught the classes. What a thrill to hear these talents play in person! Crawford in particular is a great teacher as well as an amazing performer. He is very clear, with insightful comments and feedback.
The opening and closing concerts were beyond belief. Crawford did a set on the closing concert, followed by Veillon. The nuance of Veillon’s playing is breathtaking. His tonal range is broader than many other players, it seems to me. And Chris Norman’s playing has always been a favorite of mine. His range–from classical to Irish to Cape Breton–is truly enviable. What a talent!
I know I’m raving, but I feel it’s worth praising this amazing festival. If you ever have a chance to attend, go! The teachers change each year, except for Norman, of course.
Thanks for the review, Jeanie. I hope to go one of these years; the problem is getting child care, as my wife would want to go, too. Fortunately I live close enough to Chris to see him occasionally.
Chas, one thing I particularly loved about the way Boxwood’s organized is the billeting. You can stay with a local family, rather than a B&B, etc. I know of one family that was able to billet in a home by themselves. Many spouses accompanied participants. They shared in the meals, concerts, etc., and did sightseeing during the classes.
Lunenberg is a SUPER friendly town. Everyone’s so giving. It’s a great place. And beautiful, too.
Yes, KC is a good teacher and a peach of a human being Down at Swannanoa he joined us in a fairly large session on. . . guitar and bodhran, of all things, and added much to the music with both.
This was my first trip to Boxwood. It was indeed, awesome. Aside from the obvious talent of the teachers, and the beauty of Lunneberg, I particularly enjoyed the fact that I could dine with the teachers for dinner and supper, and that they all showed up for a session during the evenings. Thursday night was particularly enjoyable as several of the teachers actually participated in skits for ‘talent night.’ I think Kevin Crawford might actually have in in to an acting career (should he tire of the trad scene). I am planning on returning next year. Oh, another highlight for me was hanging with David and Nina Shorey (antique flute dealers/repairs). Nina taught me how to do some repairs an both my Rudall and my Hawkes.
Down at Swannanoa he joined us in a fairly large session on. . . guitar and bodhran, of all things, and added much to the music with both.