Singer and Fiddler Kelli Trottier

June 12, 2009 - TOMMfest, Lake Ontario Park, Kingston, ON (9:00 pm - with The Mushy Peas)
June 13, 2009 - Russell Celtic Fest, Russell Fairgrounds, Russell, ON (6:00-7:30 pm - with The Mushy Peas)
June 27, 2009 - Vankleek Hill Fiddle Competition, Vankleek Hill, ON (fiddle & stepdance judge)
September 19, 2009 - Tamworth Fiddle Camp and Concert, Tamworth, ON (with Gordon Stobbe & Greg Simm)

WITH BOWFIRE:

October 15, 2009 - Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, Brantford, ON
October 17, 2009 - Kiwanis Theatre, Chatham, ON
October 18, 2009 - Centennial Hall, London, ON
October 20, 2009 - Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Clinton Township, MI
October 22, 2009 - University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, WI
October 23, 2009 - Paramount Theatre, Aurora, IL
October 26, 2009 - Jesse Auditorium, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

For tickets go to http://www.bowfire.com/bowfire-live

INTRODUCING KELLI'S BAND, THE MUSHY PEAS!

ANDREW AFFLECK

(Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Comic Relief)

Andrew studied music for 9 years at the Ontario Conservatory of Music and privately with John Gowan of the Toronto Symphony. He is a 2 time winner of the Ontario League Accordion Championships, (a well guarded secret), and is a 5 time nominee for "Bassist of the Year" by the Canadian Country Music Association. His many tours abroad include "The Human Rights World Conference" in Vienna, Austria, "The Melbourne Music Festival" in Australia, and "The Davi Suuva Festival" in Karesuando, Sweden. Andrew has backed many international artists. Among these are: Susan Aglukark, George Fox, Bob Newhart and the Arrogant Worms. Andrew is one of the most sought after bassists in Canada for recording and live performance work. Not only for his professionalism, but for his famous and relentless dry wit!

BURKE CARROLL

(Pedal Steel, Acoustic Guitar, Dobro, Vocals)

Burke (alias: "Bunkysteel") studied music at the University of Toronto earning himself a Bachelor of Music Degree, which makes him the most "legit" member of the band. Like Andrew, he too has toured the globe extensively backing such artists as: George Fox, The Good Brothers, Shania Twain and The Wilkinsons. A record producer in his own right, Burke brings a level of excellence and knowledge of music and arranging, that makes him an invaluable asset to any project. His credits exceed the amount of space available and his humility would limit the credit he is due. We are honored and blessed to have him as a fellow member of the band.

JERRY "Dirt" CLANCY

(Drums, Percussion, Vocals)

After an extensive career in Toronto backing artists such as Charlie Ekstein, Long John Baldry etc., Jerry moved to Kingston where he studied music at Queen's University. His current performance credits include, among others, Memphis Blues Hall of Famer "Georgette Fry" and is without question the most casual member of the band (which, as a drummer makes him an oddity), and his reluctance to "blow his own horn" made getting a comprehensive bio liken to "pulling teeth"! However, it is widely known that Jerry's ability to "lock" in to a click track while maintaining fluidity, has put him in good stead for recording session work. Apart from his dexterity on anything that one might "hit" Jerry brings another lead vocal to the band equation and his wide vocal range is an invaluable complement to any vocal arrangement.

ANDY THOMPSON

(Keyboards, Accordion, Autoharp, Vocals, Musical Director)

Andy attended St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto for 10 years where he studied piano, music theory and harmony, choral arranging and conducting. His early introduction into electronic music lead to a career in film scoring and to date b> His live performance activities include backing artists such as Susan Aglukark, George Fox, the late Colleen Peterson and the Arrogant Worms, for whom he wears the Producer's hat. Andy loves to tinker with stage effects and has recently increased his life insurance policy as he is looking into designing a pyrotechnics display to be used in the finale of Kelli's show.

Well established across Canada and Europe, Kelli Trottier is a three time CCMA instrumentalist nominee and award winning French Canadian style step dancer. Currently touring with the international fiddle super-group, Bowfire (and a former member of the Bobby Lalonde Band), her four independently produced CDs feature her vocal, fiddle and composing abilities.

Greg Simm is a long time mainstay in the Nova Scotia music community. As a much sought after guitarist and bassist, Greg is recognized in both musical and theatrical circles. He and Gordon Stobbe have collaborated on a number of projects over the past 15 years.

Gordon Stobbe is best known, to Maritime audiences, as the co-creator, host and musical director of the long running t.v. variety show, "Up Home Tonight". His appearances include radio, television, theatre and live venues across Canada. His fiddle compositions are being recorded by players across Canada and he is constant demand as a fiddle workshop leader.

This new trio gives Kelli, Greg and Gordon an opportunity to blend their many talents - from fiery twin fiddles to electrifying step-dance, soulful ballads to songs of heart and country and, above all, to share their songwriting and performance skills with spellbound audiences. Their stage show is thought provoking, spontaneous and intensely funny, spiced by virtuosity on their instruments and their profound commitment to their art.

"Kelli Trottier, Gordon Stobbe, and Greg Simm

The evocative, lyrical, energetic and authentic music spun by these three masters of their craft will lift spirit and body like the spray blown up from the sea. Original fiddle tunes inspired by places and people and times, renditions of classic Canadiana, some you will know in a heartbeat, others gorgeously crafted tributes to unsung folk heroes. Shimmering vocal renditions of songs that simply need to be heard by all of us, full on, inspired entertainment that sticks with you for months after witnessing a live performance. Always with Humour and Love of the art, Always with respect for the origins of the genre and you, the audience, Always Entertaining, Always with humble virtuosity,

Trottier, Stobbe and Simm will inspire the dance in your soul."