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Monday, 11 August 2008 07:34

Fiddlers ReStrung Announces CD Release Party

Featuring Guest Performer Jeremy Kittel

Saline, MI - If you're looking for free music entertainment that the whole family will enjoy, be sure to stop by Fiddlers ReStrung's CD Release Party on Saturday, August 23rd. The celebration begins at 6:00 pm on the front lawn of Saline Middle School, with a live performance scheduled for 6:30 pm. For your comfort, bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket.

In case of inclement weather, the festivities will be held in the auditorium of the Middle School.


Jeremy KittelThe live concert will feature guest performer, Jeremy Kittel. An accomplished Celtic fiddler and Jazz violinist, Jeremy is also a local celebrity, having attended Saline schools. He has been playing the violin since the age of five, competed and won the adult division of the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship at 16, graduated from the University of Michigan's jazz program with highest musical honors at 20, and is now touring professionally with the Grammy-winning group, Turtle Island Quartet. Most recently, he won the "2007 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Folk Artist". Earning a reputation as one of the nation's most creative young musicians, he is equally adept at a wide range of styles including Scottish, Irish, jazz, contemporary classical and bluegrass. Jeremy has shared the stage with fiddler legends Mark O'Connor and Darol Anger and performed at the prestigious Millennium Stage of the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and NPR's "A Prairie Home Companion". As one reviewer explains, "It's much over-used cliché, but I really believe this is what genius sounds like. Highly recommended!"

Fiddlers ReStrung's latest CD entitled "Roads Well Traveled," represents the educational journey that has led to the creation of this unique recording. These seasoned musicians were very ambitious during the creation process. They wrote their own arrangements, taught each other fiddle tunes, improvised live in the studio and were even involved in the creative process of mixing and editing. The title could also describe the musical odyssey through influences and genres explored on this CD. From traditional bluegrass to Celtic airs, through country ballads and even Caribbean whimsy, these musicians demonstrate their talents in diverse musical destinations.

"Roads Well Traveled" is also apropos of the miles the group has logged both this year and in years past. This year's summer tour destination was Minnesota and Wisconsin. Their first stop on a successive eight-day performance schedule was at the IDS Crystal Center, a magnificent shopping mall and business center in Minneapolis.

As representatives of Saline Area Schools, members of Fiddlers ReStrung are always eager to educate. Members had an opportunity to conduct a workshop for the young musicians of Eden Prairie String Academy of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The group of 40 students, ranging in age from 9-14, rehearsed and learned new fiddle tunes by ear from ReStrung members. Later that evening while performing at a local church, the fiddlers had their new friends join them on stage for a song they learned together that afternoon. In Hayward, Wisconsin, the fiddlers met with the musicians of Northwoods Strings, a non-profit organization designed to bring string instrument instruction to local students.

At an informal meet and greet, the members of ReStrung explained what they do, how they practice and what music means to them. Executive Director Dayle Quigley explains, "I decided to bring Fiddlers ReStrung to the area, because I think it's always helpful to see musicians who are just a little further along the road. It shows you what is possible if you want it." That evening, Fiddlers ReStrung performed at a combined benefit concert for Northwoods Strings and the Park Theater, a year-round venue for performing arts. While in the area, the group enjoyed a lumberjack show and a guided tour of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Reservation.

No trip to Wisconsin is complete without a trip to the Dells, where the fiddlers next performed at the Thunder Valley Inn, a Scandinavian Bed & Breakfast. A boat trip up the Wisconsin River provided not only breath-taking scenery, but also an opportunity to learn the history of the Dells. Following a performance on a hot, sunny day at Noah's Ark Water Park, the group happily indulged in a full afternoon of wild waterslide activities. Following a brief rest and recovery, the fiddlers headed to Baraboo, Wisconsin where they performed for a very large, appreciative crowd outside the courthouse as part of the "Concert on the Square" summer music series. On Independence Day, the musicians gave a free concert on the lawn of Faith Lutheran Church in Reedsburg, Wisconsin and enjoyed a fireworks display later that evening.

Barely back home and unpacked, Fiddlers ReStrung next embarked on a mini-tour of Northern Michigan, performing at the 125th annual Summer Fest in Rudyard, Michigan. The festival included a parade, softball tournaments, triathlon, and, of course, live music. The group also accepted an invitation by event planners at the historic Cheboygan Opera House. The fiddlers had performed there the previous summer and area residents were keen to have them return.

Fiddlers ReStrung is sponsored and supported by Saline Area Schools and is made up entirely of Saline High School students. For almost 15 years, Saline Area Schools has proudly produced one of the most renowned fiddling ensembles ever created. These high school students perform over 80 shows a year in venues ranging from community service to high profile and private events. For more information, visit www.fiddlersrestrung.com.

For More Information Contact:
Rebecca Groeb-Driskill
(734) 429-8020. fax (734) 429-8025
www.fiddlersrestrung.com