Vollrath and friends didn’t fiddle around

Above The Next Generation Lahey perform. Below Calvin Vollrath in a rare moment on guitar. – Stephen Dafoe Photos

by Morinville News Staff

Locally raised fiddling champion Calvin Vollrath returned to the Morinville Community Culture Centre for three performances May 27, 28, and 29.

His fifth straight year playing the venue kicked off Friday night with a dine and dance event. Saturday saw Vollrath’s annual CD release concert with Vollrath playing a selection from his three new CDs: Fiddle Lickin’ Good, A Fiddle of This, and a Fiddle of That, and TGIF (Thank God It’s Fiddle). Sunday was the annual Fiddle Jam afternoon.

Vollrath was joined Friday night by Doug Leahy, his wife Jennifer and their children (above) who perform as The Next Generation Leahy. During Friday night’s performance, Vollrath put down his fiddle to offer some guitar backup for the Ontario family.

web-lahey-calvinVollrath will be back in Morinville this summer when the 27th Anual Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship comes to town Aug. 26 to 28.

During the three-day event, top fiddlers from each province have been invited to participate in the contest. Organizers are expecting 35 of the nation’s best fiddlers to attend.

“I have been performing at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre for several years now and love the venue,” said Calvin Vollrath, co-chair of the hosting committee. “As First Ambassador of Morinville, I am so pleased that we are bringing this national event to the Town of Morinville.”

Like Volrath’s annual show series in Morinville, the three-day Grand Master’s event kicks off Friday, Aug. 26 with an Alberta Fiddle Legends Show and Dance. tickets will be $28.

Saturday, Aug. 27 will be the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Competition, including preliminaries and finals. Tickets for the all-day event are $70.

A Pancakes and Jam is planned for Sunday, Aug. 28 with the Morinville Lions Club hosting the Pancake breakfast. Organizers say there is no charge to attend the jam, but the Lions will charge a nominal fee for the breakfast.

Visit www.abcanadiangrandmasters.com for more information and ticket details.

tickets are $28 (service charges included).

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