Fiddling for the fun of it
By Chris Simon

Musicians Anne Lindsay, left, and Jason Fowler played their diverse beats during a concert at the Lions Hall in Alcona Saturday evening. The event was part of the Peter's Players monthly concert series. Over the next few months, musicians Lee Oskar, Michael Pickett and David Rotundo will be featured.

There was some fiddling at the Lions Hall Saturday.

One of Canada's premier fiddlers/violinists, Anne Lindsay, and guitarist Jason Fowler, sang, strummed and strung through a set at the Lions Hall in Alcona Saturday, as part of the Peter's Players monthly concert series.

"I want to throw a different taste out and mix it up a bit," said Peter's Players owner Peter Swanek. "I've been doing a lot of blues. (But this is) a folk, jazz based show. I want to bring shows that aren't here a lot of the time."

Lindsay is considered one of the most versatile and unique instrumentalists in Canada, and has performed with Blue Rodeo, The Chieftains, Led Zeppelin, Dionne Warwick and Natalie McMaster.

She was also cast as the lead fiddler in the Toronto theatre production of Lord of the Rings.

Her music style ranges from jazz and South Indian Karnatak to root and folk.

"Lindsay is the go-to fiddle player for (tenor) John McDermott and Blue Rodeo," said Swanek. "She does a lot of solo projects, she's a terrific artist."

Fowler has been playing several duo shows with Lindsay this year.

He has toured with McDermott, musician Nana Mouskouri, folk-icon Murray McLauchlan and The Irish Tenors. He has also opened concerts for Robert Plant, Steve Vai and Deep Purple.

Over the last few years, Fowler has earned several awards, including the 2004 Instrumental Composition of the Year in the OCFF Songs from the Heart Competition, and 2003 CEC McEachern Award for Outstanding Musical Accompanist. He has won the Walnut Valley National Guitar Champions for fingerpicking twice.

"A lot of people may know him from work he's done with McDermott as well. He also does a lot of solo projects," said Swanek.

Peter's Players also has several other events planned at the Lions Hall over the next few months. Lee Oskar Harmonica's 25th anniversary tour, featuring Oskar, Michael Pickett and David Rotundo will play March 28, and guitarist Stephen Fearing will play May 3.

"I want to go higher on the touring circuit. I've got a lot of (American) agents calling me for shows," said Swanek. "I've got this circuit that's independent of Toronto."

For more information, visit www.petersplayers.com.