Benefit for Jerry Holland
Ashley MacIsaac Coming to Chandler

On Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Chandler Music Hall in Randolph will reverberate with the sounds of traditional music when Cape Breton fiddler phenomenon Ashley MacIsaac and other internationally acclaimed artists take the stage in a benefit concert for beloved fellow musician Jerry Holland, who is suffering from cancer.

MacIsaac is one of the top Celtic influenced artists of all time in North America. He has sold more than 500,000 albums, regularly headlines festivals, and last year graced the cover of Folk Roots magazine. He grew up in a small town in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, surrounded by the sounds of traditional fiddle music. Even on an island that has more fiddlers per capita than perhaps any other place in the world, his talent and abilities were noticed at an early age.

In addition to playing traditional music, MacIsaac has taken the music that he grew up with in genre-busting new directions. He is currently touring with step dancer James Devine in a production called "Tapeire," for which he composed all the music. In Vermont, he will perform with Eric Eid-Reiner providing piano accompaniment.

Also performing at Chandler that evening is Irish guitarist and singer John Doyle. Doyle can be heard accompanying many top Irish players, including Liz Carroll, with whom he has currently been touring, and has also garnered positive reviews for his solo recordings. An extra plus for local guitarists is that Doyle will give a guitar workshop the afternoon of December 8. For details, call 728-6351.

Well-known Irish fiddler Tony DeMarco is another respected performer on the roster for December 8. A staple of the New York City Irish scene, DeMarco is in demand as a performer and session leader. He will release his first solo CD in February. Appearing with him will be bohdran player Anna Colliton.

As noted, this concert is a fund-raiser for Cape Breton fiddler Jerry Holland.

"Jerry is widely respected for his talent as a musician and composer, but he is greatly loved for his warm heart, generosity and dumb jokes," says Braintree musician Beth Telford. "Although he is acclaimed internationally, we in Vermont feel especially lucky to share a close connection to him. He has shared his vast knowledge and skill with many of us on a regular basis. Passing on the music that he loves is one of the greatest sources of happiness to him."

In Holland’s honor, several students who have been influenced by him will also perform, including Sasha Ross-Becker, Collin Semprebon, Dan Brouard, and Liza Mackay.

For concert tickets, call the Chandler box office at 802-728-6464.

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