A Grand Olde Tyme was had December 20th at the Holy Heart Auditorium, as a terrific line-up of performers participated in a fundraising Christmas Concert in support of the Youth Folk Arts Education Subsidy. The fund was created to help defray the costs of traditional music education for young people. The SJFAC hopes to make the concert an annual event. Thanks to the St. Francis of Assisi Celtic Choir and Allan Ricketts, the S.T.E.P. Fiddlers, the Ray Walsh Family Band, Anita Best, Jenny Gear & Duane Andrews, Jean Hewson & Christina Smith, and the SJFAC Traditional Dancers for providing an evening of great entertainment. And thanks to Linda Ross and Bill Hynd of OXFAM for providing fair-trade coffee at intermission.
"Crossing the Pond" 
Last October, the SJFAC was proud to host a workshop and concert featuring British folk legend, Martin Carthy. The workshop on the 4th at the Masonic Temple, called Crossing the Pond: Traditional songs of Newfoundland and Britain, was an intimate, funny and engaging song-swap between Martin Carthy, and Anita Best and Pamela Morgan, three stellar performers who found the connections between their repertoires and shared their love of the folk tradition with an appreciative audience. A few workshop participants even jumped in with songs of their own. Carthy's concert at Holy Heart Auditorium on the 5th was a delightful evening of song, anecdote and brilliant musicianship. You can look forward to an article by Anita Best about Martin Carthy’s time in St. John’s in the next edition of the newsletter.
Upcoming Workshops
April 3rd -- Fools for the Banjo
Spend the evening with Rik Barron, Mike Hanrahan and Neil Rosenberg as they swap songs, stories and styles for all those brave enough to admit there's nothing like a banjo.
Location to be announced.
May 15th -- Traditional Music of Bay de Verde
Ray and Greg Walsh introduce musicians to the music of their home, Bay de Verde. This hands-on workshop is intended for players at an intermediate to advanced level; any instruments are welcome.
Location: the Masonic Temple
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