Atlantic Crossing (Special Event)

Atlantic Crossing performs songs and instrumental music of New England, Quebec, Maritime Canada, and the British Isles, as well as original material inspired by these musical traditions. The band?s arrangements feature rich harmonies and driving rhythms, showing a deep love for the tradition along with a high level of creativity, emotional expression, and just plain fun. They are among a small group of Vermont musicians who are bringing to life the music of the Helen Hartness Flanders Collection of traditional New England songs, and they have researched, written and performed material in association with the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum's canal schooner project.Atlantic Crossing has appeared at numerous festivals and concert series. They have been featured on Vermont Public Radio, and have toured in the U.S. and in England. A high energy contradance band, they have been invited to play at some of the major dance series in the U.S., including Boston, Washington DC, and Seattle. Atlantic Crossing has been accepted to the Vermont Arts Council?s juried register, a selection of the state?s best artists. The band has released three CDs, all produced by Pete Sutherland. Wind Against The Tide was released in 1998, Full and Away was named one of the top 10 Vermont albums of 2000 by the arts weekly Seven Days, and Groundswell was released in the spring of 2003. The members of Atlantic Crossing:Brian Perkins (bouzouki, tenor banjo, mandolin, feet, vocals) is a versatile performer, music teacher and sound technician, director of Burlington?s popular Celtic College workshop series, and part time member of the dance band Lift Ticket. Rick Klein (guitar, vocals) developed his powerful rhythm playing through years of work in dance bands of all types. A licensed skipper who has lived and worked on the sea, he has a natural affinity for maritime music. Viveka Fox (fiddle, bodhran) has played American, Scottish and Irish music since childhood, and especially loves the music of Cape Breton for its Gaelic soul and North American exhuberance. Her solo recording Shores of Champlain was released in 1993.Peter Macfarlane (fiddle, vocals) has recently relocated to Vermont from Oxfordshire, U.K. where he played regularly for dances, weddings and other events throughout southern England. For 10 years, he organized and led the Aylesbury Fiddle Rally, an annual fiddler?s gathering, and in 2003 he released a recording of original Scottish-style dance music with pianist Lilian Linden. ?Carefully researched material, rock-solid rhythms and meticulous musicianship . . . in the forefront of the Vermont accoustic music scene.? (Robert Resnick, Seven Days)