Fiery fiddling friends
He’s played all across Canada as well as the U.S., Europe, Japan and Australia, along with appearances on “David Letterman”, “Good Morning America”, and Carnegie Hall. Additionally Wood has entertained Canada’s Armed Forces in Bosnia and Afghanistan. He has won three East Coast Music Awards and ‘MacLean’s Magazine’ named him one of the Top 100 Canadians to watch in the 21st Century. But despite his success, he has always called P.E.I. home and enjoys playing to packed crowds at small venues and pubs across P.E.I., including a special stop at the Emerald Boxcar to share the stage with his friend Hogan.
“We call him ‘The Godfather,’” laughs Hogan. “He’s the godfather to our new boy, and is such an inspiration him as well as the P.E.I. music scene. He sets the bar high with his secondto-none talent and stage presence.”
Their friendship on and off the stage becomes quickly apparent throughout the show. Hogan says, “We got together a lot over last winter to jam out some new material together. There’s some pieces that can only be done when Richard’s around and I’m looking forward to trying out some new material Friday night.”
The fiery fiddlers will be joined on stage by Wood’s touring singer and guitarist Gordon Belsher. “I just love playing with my favourite little redhead,” says Belsher.
Also appearing on stage will be ccomplished stepdancer Janelle Banks, who has performed all over Atlantic Canada, including performances with the P.E.I. musical “Anne & Gilbert.”
The ceilidh takes place Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. All ages are welcome and CDs, 50/50 tickets, souvenir postcards and T-shirts will also be available.