A Bit of Scotland comes to the Redlands Bowl, Friday, August 16

Scotland sends one of its finest musicians as violinist/fiddler
Alasdair Fraser comes to the Redlands Bowl for a Friday, August 16, performance, joined by R.P. Blandford & Son Pipe Band for a special guest appearance.
Call it a violin or call it a fiddle, the instrument that Fraser
has played since he was eight years old reveals the varied and exciting music of his homeland.
"For me, the violin is an amazingly expressive tool for all kinds
of feelings," he explained. "It's a fantastic dance instrument. I've
been lucky, I have resonated with the violin since I first started playing it. You could say I have a love affair with the violin."
Classically trained with a repertoire of Bach, Beethoven, and
Mozart, Fraser switched to the traditional Scottish jigs, reels,
strathspeys, waulking songs, airs, laments, hornpipes, and the like
whenever he was at home.
For his Redlands Bowl program, Fraser will perform several raucous dance tunes, some of which he composed himself. In addition, he will musically transport listeners across a broad musical spectrum, ranging from haunting laments from the Gaelic tradition to classically-styled airs, and improvisations based on traditional themes. His own compositions blend a profound understanding of the Scottish tradition with cutting-edge musical
explorations.
Through his playing, he weaves a comfortable thread of warm and
witty banter, based on his deep understanding of Scottish musical heritage. Performing with Fraser will be cellist Natalie Haas.
Redlands' own R.P.Blandford & Sons Pipe Band will complement
Fraser's performance, presenting a traditional Scottish pipe and drum performance. The Band has competed and performed throughout the western United States and Canada, winning many prizes and four championships. Under the direction of Pipe Major Kevin Blandford and Drum Sergeant Justin Hall, the Band will compete this summer in Scotland in the World
Championships.
On Saturday, August 17, Fraser will present "A Workshop for All
Ages" at the Children's Summer Festival Workshop series. Emphasizing "all ages", Fraser adamantly encourages everyone to attend. The workshop, partially underwritten by the City of Redlands Community Development Block Grant, will be presented at Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia in Redlands at 10:00 a.m.
Alastair Fraser's concert will begin on Friday night at 8:15.
Intermission ushers will be representatives of Redlands Town & Gown; Redlands Knights of the Round Table; and ESRI. Intermission speaker will be Darrell Passwater, Principal at Redlands Christian Academy. Continuing the tradition begun in 1924, this and all concerts are free of charge, and a free-will offering will be collected at intermission.
For more information about this concert, call the Redlands Bowl office at 909/793-7316 or visit the web site at www.redlandsbowl.org. The Redlands Bowl is located between Grant and Eureka Streets in Redlands, off of Brookside Avenue.