A violinist since age five and now a master fiddler, Daniel Gervais (pictured at left) will dazzle you with a high energy program when he hits the stage Friday, November 30th for the South Okanagan Concert Society. Nominated for “Young Performer of the Year” at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, Daniel also won the 2011 Canadian Grand Master Fiddling Championship in Ottawa.

Daniel brings with him his wife, step dancer, Aline Dupuis (pictured at left), and special guest, Calvin Vollrath, twice crowned North American Old Tyme Fiddle Champion and inducted into the North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame in New York. A love for music and rhythm is absolutely contagious when the three create a program including a variety of fiddle styles, storytelling and dance. After one high energy concert a fan remarked, “If you can’t dance to that, you better check your pulse!”

Tickets are on sale now at Beyond Bliss in Oliver, Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos and at the door. A four admission flex pass costs only $60. The four admissions are entirely flexible and can be used together or in combination. Single admission is $20. Young people 17 and under are welcome to attend the concerts free. All the concerts begin at 7:30 pm at the temporary venue of Oliver Alliance Church.

Along with busy schedules of performing, recording and teaching, Daniel is currently working towards a Master of Music degree at the University of Alberta.

Recently he had the opportunity to perform at the 2012 London Olympics as one of Canada’s cultural ambassadors. In the Spring, he was on stage at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. Just this month he has been performing with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

At this concert Daniel will play some Old Tyme fiddle music that recalls the days of Don Messer, Andy DeJarlis and Ti-Jean Carignan. There will be French-Canadian and Metis fiddle tunes accompanied by feet clogging. Daniel will demonstrate swing music with improvisation. His original compositions reflect the people and places encountered in travel and his experiences as a musician. He and Calvin have some duets where they start off with a tune and accompany one another to build a medley full of spontaneity and musical surprises. Aline’s dance numbers feature French-Canadian gigue with a hint of Irish influence.

If the glowering grey skies of November have you somewhat flattened, come out to this concert and put some joy into your life!