CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will present Mason Strunk & Friends and Silas Rogers & Friends in a split bill at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center on Sunday, May 13.
With a grant from Patriot Renewables and a partnership with the Kingfield POPS, Skye Theatre is hosting a new series highlighting emerging artists with Celtic ties. The series features regional, state and international artists in the early stages of their development as musicians.
Fourteen-year-old Strunk, grandson of American folk icon Jud Strunk, will perform on-stage with Uncle Al, an original member of Jud Strunk’s popular band. Strunk has opened for comedian Bob Marley and recently played with noted folk singer Johnathan Edwards at the Bluegrass Festival at Saddleback in Rangeley. He plays regularly at the Rack in Carrabassett with former members of Jud’s band.
He is an honor student and avid sports participant and fan. Two of his life list goals are to write a hit song and to perform at the Super Bowl.
“I never met my grandfather, but I see him in his music,” Strunk said in a recent interview at Saddleback.
Rogers started playing violin at age 5, studying classically for eight years with Laurie Kennedy, principal violist of the Portland Symphony. He played in the Academy Hill School orchestras from third grade up, under the direction of Steve Muise, a member of Boreal Tordu and co-director of Mt. Blue Regional School District’s orchestra program.
Rogers transitioned to playing fiddle as he got older and was helped along by his strong musical relatives, especially the memory of his grandfather, Earland Peterson. He also gained exposure through Muise, the Franklin County Fiddlers and Maine Fiddle Camp as well as such artists as Colin Grant, Darren McMullen and Shane Cook. He plays tunes fromNova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, as well as Ireland and Scotland. Appalachian style is also one of his interests.
Rogers has played with the Abbot Hill Ramblers, the Pineland Fiddlers, Ellie and Andy Buckland and Stanley Keach, and is now a member of Thor, the Franklin County Fiddlers and Hot to Trot. He also is playing publicly with his brother, Nolan, who is 12 and plays the cello.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m., with a jam session one hour prior to curtain. Skye Theater is at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Road and U.S. Route 2. Tickets are $15 at the door. For reservations, call 562-4445.
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- Fourteen-year-old Mason Strunk & Friends will perform Sunday, May 13, at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in Carthage as part a new series highlighting emerging artists with Celtic ties.
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