U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion Jamie Laval will bring his Celtic music to Dahlonega’s intimate music venue The Crimson Moon on Friday, March 17.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Laval received his musical training at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He made his living as a professional symphony musician, recording studio artist, improvising violinist and contra dance fiddler. Laval also recorded numerous movie and television soundtracks, including the solo for Emmy-nominated theme song “Everwood,” which aired weekly for two years on The WB. In 2002, Laval won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship which helped launch his touring career.
Laval has performed at the Crimson Moon Cafe on several occasions and he said he has never seen a venue like it anywhere in the U.S.
“It is unique. I absolutely love performing in such a cozy, artsy environment,” he said.
His concert will be at 8 p.m. Friday, March 17, at 24 N. Park St. in Dahlonega. Tickets are $18 for advance booking, $22 at the door and $15 for people 18 years old and younger.
For more information, visit www.JamieLaval.com or www.thecrimsonmoon.com.
Laval spoke to The Times before his concert in Dahlonega.
Question: How did you get interested in playing the fiddle?
Answer: Music called to me from an early age. Fortunately, my parents made opportunities such as music, art and science available to us as we were growing up
Q: Do you play any other instruments?
A: In music school, I studied piano, French horn, clarinet, voice and guitar. But currently the only instrument I take onstage is the violin/fiddle. That’s all I really need to get the point across.
Q: What has been your favorite place to perform?
A: Castles in Scotland. I am enthralled by history. I get swept away when I perform in edifices that have stood for 1,000 years. Large cathedrals are also magnificent because of the incredible acoustics.
Q: What is your favorite part about performing?
A: No matter where I go throughout the U.S. or abroad, people instantly start tapping their toe or nodding their head in time with the music. Celtic music just seems to have a universally likeable quality that makes people smile.
Q: What do you hope people get from your music?
A: My aim is to take the audience on a musical journey from the poignant themes of love and heartbreak to the wildly jubilant celebrations and village dances. I am often told after my shows that people were surprised by the breadth of moods, rhythms and tonalities which went beyond what they had expected.