‘So much talent’
Island music community mourns death of talented fiddler Nathan Condon
The sudden death Saturday of Kensington’s Nathan Condon, a man being remembered as a talented musician and a giving person, has left the province’s music industry reeling.
“He just had a huge impact on the music community and certainly on a lot of individuals,’’ says Rob Oakie, executive director of Music P.E.I.
“It’s going to be a tough week for the music community.’’ Condon was 32.
Oakie says Condon’s death has sparked a tremendous outpouring of emotion.
Condon, he notes, was a kind and gentle man who was keen to support other musicians — always there to lend a hand.
“The kind of guy you wanted to hire to work with you,’’ says Oakie.
“He always knew how to fit in that sweet spot.’’
The award-winning fiddler, who could also play a mean guitar and had a wonderfully distinct singing voice, played everything from traditional Celtic music to old-time country rock.
Named new artist of the year in 2003 at the P.E.I. Music Awards, Condon, in addition to recording his own CDs (including P.E.I. Music Award’s Album of the Year for “A Feeling Comes Over Me”), played backup fiddle on a few albums.
Island musician Mike Pendergast says it was a pleasure to play with Condon, who made everything sound great.
“He was the musician’s musician,’’ says Pendergast.
“He was a very natural player and singer…it was effortless and there was so much talent.’’
Pendergast says Condon was a great mentor to his son, Shane, who plays bass.
Pendergast and his son performed a song on stage together Sunday in tribute to Condon.
“He was the musician’s musician. He was a very natural player and singer…it was effortless and there was so much talent.’’ Mike Pendergast
“When I think of all that mentoring and the way he did it – it was naturally kind,’’ he adds. “He was very patient.’’
A fundraising campaign had raised more than $19,000 as of late Monday afternoon to help with funeral costs and to put money aside for Condon’s two young daughters.
Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/ benefit-for-nathan-condonsfamily.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, 6-9 p.m., at the Davison Funeral Home in Kensington.
A celebration of life service will be held Thursday in the Davison Funeral Home Chapel at 11 a.m.