Bright Side Festival: In The Round

Change of plan! Due to a winter storm, Kaitlyn Raitz, who is one half of Oliver the Crow, is stuck in Chicago and is unable to make it in time for Sunday's concert.

The good news is multi-Juno nominated fiddler extraordinaire, Ben Plotnick, who is the other half of Oliver the Crow, DID make it! Luckily, Ben grew up here in Calgary and knows many wonderful musicians. And so, rather than cancel the event, we have decided to take a "decidedly optimistic" approach and go ahead with a modified line-up! We are pleased to announce that Ben will be joined by two exceptional musicians and long-time friends, Jarred Albright and Brendan McGuigan. They have planned an "in the round" format, which will make for a incredibly fun and interactive evening of musical conversation. Thanks to Ben, Jarred and Brendan for their willingness to pull this together at the last minute!

For those that have already bought Oliver the Crow tickets, we understand that this event is different than what you paid for. If you would prefer a refund, just email info@theatre1308.com and we'll sort things out. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

 

About The Artists

Ben Plotnick

Nashville-based, Canadian-born, multi-Juno nominated fiddler Ben Plotnick has established himself over the last decade as one of North America’s elite fiddle players. With a variety of acts, he has performed across 4 continents. He has recorded on more than a hundred albums as a session musician, performed at arenas and festivals across the continent with country, folk, Americana and bluegrass bands, and produced 6 records for himself or other collaborative projects. As a classical player, he has performed as a soloist with more than one professional orchestra. As an old time fiddler, he has placed as high as 1st runner-up at the esteemed Canadian Grand Masters fiddle competition. As a member of the Fretless, the band won a Juno award for Instrumental Album of the Year in 2017, to add to their slew of other awards and accolades. As a singer, songwriter and fiddle player in Oliver the Crow, NPR called the duo "An Inspired Collaboration".

Ben is a full time member of critically acclaimed folk quartet The Fretless, and new acoustic string duo Oliver the Crow. He now spends much of his time in Nashville, TN, or wherever the road takes him.

Jarred Albright

Jarred Albright has played the violin since he was seven years old and music has been his focus ever since. He discovered the joys of fiddle style very early on and spent his underage years with the Calgary Fiddlers performing over a hundred times a year before entering post-secondary to pursue jazz performance. Since then he has endeavoured to teach himself to sing and play mandolin, guitar, and banjo. Music has taken him around the world including the United States, South Korea, England, Scotland, and Ireland. These days Jarred keeps busy performing with many diverse local acts, recording and producing from his home studio, ceaselessly practicing, and sharing his love of music with his students. 

Brendan McGuigan

Brendan McGuigan was born and raised in Calgary, where he studied double bass with John Hyde and Sheila Garrett. He has since become a visible presence in the Canadian professional arts community, featuring as a composer for professional theatre in Alberta and BC in addition to extensive work as a touring musician for numerous artists. His discography of original work spans pop, jazz, bluegrass and electronic/experimental music. Brendan has a diploma in music performance from Mount Royal College and a degree in music from the University of Victoria.