An iconic Sunshine Coast event took place last weekend at the Heritage Playhouse - a concert that expressed the work and dreams of a 25-member group of teens and younger kids. It was Bad to the Bow's CD launch for their first recording, The Joy of It. The musicians range in age from nine to 19, with a core of older teens who have bonded by playing together for years.
Why iconic? Because Bad to the Bow represents the next generation that has grown out of the beloved Coast String Fiddlers (CSF), the original group that put the Coast on the fiddling map.
Now this generation of students is growing up, and they invite the youngest kids in the group to carry on the musical tradition by playing music and writing it as well. The new CD features a number of youthful, original compositions.
The theatre was packed with supporters, not only those in need of good rousing music, but sponsors who have helped the kids with fundraising - $10,000 in six months - and parents who have encouraged music lessons.
There were also supportive adults accompanying the musicians: Wayne Slingerland and Ruby Riesco on piano and guitar with Coast drummer Barry Taylor and percussionist Celso Machado chipping in on a few of the recording's tracks.
The very professional group brought their best to their bows.
Music director and co-producer of the album, Chelsea Sleep, described the group as "the hardest-working and talented people I know."
In an emotional address, Sleep thanked the many people who helped raise money for the recording and her co-producer and recording whiz, Adrian Dolan. She gave special thanks to Michelle Bruce who started the CSF years ago.
"Without you, I probably would never have touched a violin," Sleep said.
The concert opened with an Oliver Schroer tune. For those who knew what an influence the late composer and musician had on young fiddlers, it was no surprise.
Also included in the CD is Prayer for Oliver, written by a teen from Smithers, part of a group of young people whom Schroer mentored. His spirit lives on.
Bad to the Bow showed a polished stage presence - often unusual in youth groups. A self-assured teen, Maya Broeke, was first up to give some background to their formation. Many in the audience remembered them when they were known as the Fabulous Fiddlers Under Five Feet - until they grew taller. Broeke's own composition, The Julia, makes a tuneful number on the CD.
Other fiddlers, some of them still under five feet tall, announced the 12 tunes as they were played. The Joy of It includes originals from youthful composers, reels and laments, and tunes from the Celtic and Quebecois traditions. It is performed with a skill and talent that belies the average age of the group.
What's next? There are still many dollars to be raised if Bad to the Bow takes up their invitation to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in August 2013. Meanwhile, there's the annual Father's Day Concert on June 19, opening for The Frettless Quartet on June 22 plus Canada Day in Winegarden Park.
As before, the group will be performing at the Pacific National Exhibition in late August. They are never idle - you might see them out busking, performing in care homes, washing cars or selling hot dogs to continue the fundraising.
The website www.badtothebow.com gives a concert schedule and listeners can hear a sample of the music. The CD will be for sale at various locations on the Coast - in most of the galleries, music stores and book stores.
