Monday, October 11, 2010

Marching to the beat of a different drummer

"EMC Lifestyle - Drumming is more than just a hobby for Jake Desjardine - it's a passion which has spanned nearly 30 years and evolved from typical rock-style drumming into his own version of an eclectic reggae-style of music. For Desjardine, taking the next step into drum building seemed like a natural next step in his musical progression.

Desjardine first began drumming at the early age of nine, using what he laughingly describes as 'an Animal Muppets drum kit' and his interest took off from there. Although in his early years, his interest in drumming was reserved to the typical teenage heavy metal music, he says that as he matured as a musician he became more involved in what he calls 'world rhythms' such as calypso and reggae."

Great Scot in house concert

"A house concert in Merville in July was a huge success, and organizers are once again reeling in some young musicians from the Glasgow folk music scene for another house concert Oct. 9.

Campbell River girl Marissa Vachon began her musical career at the age of 10 as a founding member of the Celtic band The Island Girls, who were very popular locally for quite a few years. Their work included extensive touring around Canada, two European tours, and the production of four CDs.

Accepted into the BA program at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Vachon graduated with a degree in traditional music in 2009. She currently lives in Glasgow and plays with four Scottish groups including the award-winning band Tyskie, as well as teaching bodhran and flute."

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Former Island Girl returns for evening of Scottish music

"One of Campbell River’s prodigal daughters returns for a house concert in Merville on Saturday at 7 p.m.

You’ll have the great pleasure of hearing the music of two young musicians from the Scottish music scene, who will entertain you with songs and an assortment of instruments including pipes, flute, whistle, guitar and bodhran.

Marissa Vachon is originally from Campbell River and at age 10 was one of the founding members of The Island Girls, who you may remember as a lively band of girls playing Celtic music locally for quite a few years. During that time they put out four CDs and toured extensively in Canada and Europe."