World Fiddle Day in Kincardine presents music matinee at Walker House

The World Fiddle Day in Kincardine organization is hosting a Bluegrass, Country, Folk and Fiddle Music Matinee, Sunday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m., at the Walker House, Kincardine.

Titled "Up Close and Personal," the concert features Ray Legere, 2016 New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Master Fiddle and Mandolin Champion; and Jim Collette, 2016 Canadian Bluegrass Vocalist of the Year Nominee.

This is Legere's third time in Kincardine, but this time he will be the fiddle soloist. He is nothing short of amazing in what he can do on the violin, as well as the mandolin and guitar.

Collette plays guitar and has a vast repertoire of country, Canadian folk and Bluegrass songs to sing in his warm, rich Merle Haggard-like voice.
 

Born in New Brunswick, Collette began playing guitar at the age of 13. He formed his first Bluegrass band, "Misty Mountain," by the age of 15. In the following years, he played with notable musicians, including Eddie Poirier and the Bluegrass 4. He moved to Ontario in 1986 where, along with Carl Goodman, he co-founded the Canadian Bluegrass award-winning group, "Blueridge."

Collette performed several  years on the Canadian Bluegrass circuit, as well as several showcase performances in Nashville, Tennessee, at the SPGMA Bluegrass awards and at the iconic Station Inn. After a job transfer to Montreal in 1997, he took a break from playing music to concentrate on work and family. Recently, he has resurfaced in the local and vibrant Montreal cafe scene, establishing himself as a local favorite. 
 

In the fall of 2014, Collette's love of Bluegrass music beckoned him back and “Grasstic Measures” was born. United with his lifelong friend, Goodman, they are performing with some of the most talented musicians in North America. Their energetic performances and dynamic drive promise great entertainment for today’s Bluegrass Music fans.

 

Legere is a native of Amherst, Nova Scotia, and is a five-time winner of the Eastern Division Bluegrass Awards in the categories of mandolin and fiddle player of the year, honours which have distinguished him with a Masters Award for each. He was recently awarded the Masters for Best Fiddle Player in the Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards.

He has performed alongside many big names, including Roch Voisine, the Band, the Rankins, and the Barra MacNeils, as well as on his own. He has recorded on hundreds of sessions and currently has seven solo projects of his own.

Both performers are making a circuit through New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario. Their concert is at the Walker House which is a wonderful, cozy, intimate setting. Advance tickets are limited to 50 in order to guarantee seats for everyone with a ticket. General admission will be available for people willing to take the chance on finding a spot to sit or stand.

Tickets are $20 each; available at Jerome Flowers and Gifts in downtown Kincardine.