The Seattle Folklore Society is pleased to present Celtic Guitar master Tony McManus, and Julia Toaspern, in a live online concert on Saturday, February 27th. Tony McManus is recognized as the leading guitarist in Celtic music by none other than his equally well known peer, the late John Renbourn of Pentangle fame. Tony has also been listed as one of the top 50 transcendental guitarists in the world by Guitar Player magazine. The Paisley, Scotland, guitarist and vocalist is a several times award winner who amazed audiences worldwide with his flawless technique and unique approach to this ancient art form. Tony draws on traditions from the entire Celtic diaspora, along with further-ranging flavours, such as jazz and east European music.
In Tony’s hands, the complex ornamentation associated with the fiddle and pipes is transferred to the guitar in a way that preserves the integrity and emotional impact of the music, leading to
appearances at Celtic and major folk festivals around the world, and guitar specific festivals such as the Chet Atkins guitar festival in Nashville. He has also appeared onstage and recorded with musicians such as Dougie MacLean, Alisdair Fraser, Natalie MacMaster, and Phil Cunningham, among others.
Julia Toaspern is a multi-talented musician from Berlin. She has released two albums of original songs and performed in both classical and singer-songwriter modes on both sides of the Atlantic. Julia is no slouch herself on guitar; her artistry on it compliments, and weaves boldly and flawlessly in and out of, Tony’s breathtakingly skillful renditions of pipe and fiddle tunes and songs alike. Classically trained, her fiddle playing is a perfect accompaniment to Tony’s pieces, and as a vocalist, her bright and clear vocals blend beautifully with Tony’s strong and sometimes wistful vocals.Â
Together, Tony and Julia deliver performances that leave audiences in awe at their instrumental mastery, their ability to lift audiences’ spirits through the love and knowledge of the music, and Tony’s gently wicked humor.
The concert will be hosted by KonnectClub, and included in the ticket price is the option to watch the concert again within the next 24 hours of the concert date! Tickets start at $10 need based, with $20 the general ticket price, and up if you wish to donate more to keep the concerts coming! Tickets can be bought here – https://knct.club/38TDALq – and more info is at (206) 923-8923.
