Caledonia : Thistles & Shamrocks

Caroline Bennett and Al Burgasser, both with family ties to Scotland, honor and share their heritage by performing Scottish and Irish music together as the duo Caledonia.
They are excited to be joined this evening by Rebecca McCallum on fiddle and vocals, and Dave Wonsey on percussion.

Tonight’s concert, Thistles and Shamrocks, highlights a collection of traditional and contemporary songs that span the centuries and tell the stories of the people, their lives, and the traditions that define these two countries.

Caroline will share her original compositions in Gaelic – currently being featured on the BBC Radio nan Gàidheal – as well as ancient Gaelic songs of the sea and songs that tell of the lives of working people. Enjoy haunting melodies, toe-tapping mouth music, songs of longing and exile, and humorous ballads and stories.

Together, Caroline and Al bring rich harmonies and a special connection to the music that they love, enhanced by the fiddle and drumming contributions from our award winning guest performers.

About the artists:
Caroline Bennett has received awards and recognition for her Gaelic singing, songwriting and poetry, in local Mòd competitions as well as the Royal National Mòd in Scotland. Her original songs are currently being featured on a new BBC program series, hosted by Gillebride MacMillan, highlighting current generation singer-songwriters who are writing new songs in Gaelic, Caroline has a very special ability to create songs and poems in the bardic tradition of Scotland and is passionate about bringing to life, voices of the past as well as bringing new music to the Gaelic culture.

Al Burgasser, has been a singer/songwriter and working musician for more than 50 years. He is currently very active full time in the western Connecticut music scene, performing and organizing musical events, music classes, and working on sound and video production. At the heart of the collaboration between Al and Caroline has been their special connection to the music they love and the opportunity to record, produce and create videos for many of her original works.

Dave Wonsey Drummer/Percussionist Dave Wonsey, recently retired Music Educator, taught adjunct for the past 28 years at Marymount College, Fordham University, Norwalk College, Wooster School, & Kent School. Again for 28 years, he also held the positions of Principal timpanist & percussionist with Ridgefield. He is a World Champion Bagpipe band style Snare Drummer, and accomplished Jazz & Rock drum set player.