New England Celtic Arts will present Cape Cod Irish duo Stanley and Grimm at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Nov. 15, in South Carthage, at 7 p.m. There will be a preshow fiddle jam at 6:30 p.m., open to audience members. Stanley & Grimm is a celebration of traditional music through old and new interpretations of jigs, reels, and songs played with lively fiddle, guitar and voice. Fiddler Nicole Engstrom and singer/guitarist Sean Brennan create a musical journey through the traditional bounty of fiddle tunes and ballads of all origins and into the modern tunes and songs they have written that were inspired by past traditions. Engstrom has delighted audiences for more than two decades with her spirited jigs, reels and sensitive slow airs. Brennan is a songwriter and guitarist whose warm vocals and rhythmic guitar capture the essence and energy of great traditional music, whether performing old ballads or one of his own compositions. Nikki and Sean’s sincere combination of talent and good humor culminated in their debut CD, “Stanley & Grimm,” a long-awaited collection of some of their favorites, and some of their most-requested tunes and songs.
The name Stanley & Grimm originated with Engstrom’s fiddle, an original 1929 F.O. Stanley of Stanley Steamer fame. Grimm is the maker of her bow and thus the name Stanley & Grimm. Engstrom has played an F.O. Stanley all her life and has in recent years acquired two other rare Stanley’s. It is believed 25 to 30 of the rare violins were made.
Skye Theater is located 3 miles West of East Dixfield village at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Rd and US RT. 2 in South Carthage. Ticket price is $10.00 at the door. Call New England Celtic Arts at (207) 562-4445 for reservations and directions. More information at: http://www.necelticarts.com
