PrettyInScarlett

Somehow the performance space at Alcorn Music Studios, Gigspace , has only recently found its way onto my radar; last Friday, 12th, M and I finally found our way to 953 Gladstone Ave for an intimate performance by Trio Oirialla . Trio Oirialla comprises fiddler Gerry O’Connor , accordionist Martin Quinn , and Breton composer and guitarist Gilles le Bigot , each of whom also has many side projects. The set celebrated traditional music from Ireland, Scotland and Brittany and for the select audience it was something of a cultural history of these areas as shown through a huge variety of tunes both old and new (with a good dose of banter thrown in as well). Whilst the whole evening was hugely interesting and entertaining, a specific highlight of the evening came from one of Gilles le Bigot's guitar compositions. The Reverb Syndicate at Mayfair Theatre Saturday saw an impromptu visit to The Mayfair Theatre for one of their fundraisers for the purchase of a Digital Cinema Packa...

Ryoko Itabashi Saturday 18th August saw the 8th annual Japanese Summer Festival here in Ottawa, organised by the local JETAA group . Somehow I didn't spot this last year, but the 2012 edition included all sorts of entertainment including musical offerings from Ryoko Itabashi on the shamisen, followed by Jordan Lincez duo featuring Jordan Patrick and an excellent Japanese accordion player whom I believe is Piromi (Hiromi Iwase). The shamisen performance was really interesting, both in terms of the music and the way in which the instrument is played. The technique seemed to be a mix between violin-family instruments and a guitar. Itabashi demonstrated the different styles of music from around Japan. Following on from this, Jordan Lincez provided a contrast with more contemporary Japanese (and Western) songs, especially solos from Piromi. Also on stage were demonstrations of taiko; kendo, iaido and jodo; as well as Japanese drumming and dance.   Providing a complete c...