Edinburgh harpist Maeve Gilchrist and Michigan-born percussive dancer Nic Gareiss explore the sonic and choreographic possibilities of fingers and feet. Shedding aesthetic presumptions of their respective 'instruments,' Maeve and Nic are rapidly gaining renown as one of the most innovative duos to emerge from the American acoustic roots scene. The pair met while teaching at the Shasta Fiddle Summit in Northern California and continued their musical relationship through spontaneous collaborations and chance meetings, touring together as part of Grammy-nominated fiddler Darol Anger's band, and finally making their duo debut at the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, Scotland. Sharing a deep respect for traditional arts while drawing on contemporary elements of sound, movement, rhythm and improvisation, the duo re-imagines harping and step dance to approach original composition as well as traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, and the United States. The percussion and drive of Nic's footwork combined with Maeve's melodic and improvisational sensibilities make for an explosive duet sure to delight both the ears and the eyes.
“A show-stopper…the most inventive and expressive step dancer on the scene. The nimble Gareiss called forth visions of Fred Astaire.” – Daniel Gewertz, The Boston Herald
“If there’s a soundtrack to a fine summer, this is it. If there’s a musician who can bask in tradition yet immerse herself musically in the multicoloured experience of life, it’s Gilchrist.
– Siobhan Long, Irish Times
Advance Tickets $25 | Day of Show $30
Youth Advance Tickets (17 & Under) $15 | Youth Day of Show $20
4:30 Workshop (18+) $20 | Workshop + Concert (18+) $35
4:30 Workshop (Youth) $5 | Workshop + Concert (Youth) $17
Payment can also be dropped off or mailed to Michigan Academy of Folk Music 451 Columbia Ave Ste E2 Holland, MI 49423