It’s going to be a strumming good time at the Concord Community Music School this weekend.
The 12th annual March Mandolin Festival continues its tradition of bringing big music through the use of a small instrument with another talented group of mandolinists. When the festival began in 2002, it was just a simple one-day workshop. Then as the word spread and the mandolin community wanted more, the only solution was to expand. Now, its a three-day event that still isn’t enough.
“It’s grown to take up the whole weekend and it sells out pretty much every year,” said David Surette, the festival organizer.
The weekend actually begins in Newmarket on Friday with a 7 p.m. concert at the Stone Church. But rest assured, the remaining days will be spent right here in Concord.
Yet there’s a bit of a catch. We’ll give you the bad news first, because then the good news will seem that much better. Unfortunately, all the group lessons and workshops on Saturday and Sunday have been sold out for at least a month. With only 50 spots, it’s hard to keep the mandolin enthusiasts away.
“We want to make it not so overwhelming for the instructors,” said Surette. “Sometimes bigger is not always better.”
Although that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy the sweet sounds of the tiny stringed instrument.
On Saturday, the second and final concert of the weekend will take over the school’s recital hall. And it’s a show you don’t want to miss. With four gifted musicians, each bringing their own sense of style and pizazz to the instrument, concert-goers are sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“You really get a chance to hear some things you won’t hear in any other setting,” said Surette. “It will be quite a good mix of stuff.”
The concert is open to the public and begins at 7:30 p.m. It will combine the musical greatness of Joe Walsh, Marla Fibish, Eric McDonald and Surette, with special guest Susie Burke. The recital hall, which seats 125 guests, will be filled with a blend of folk, bluegrass, Celtic, blues and old-time songs from Ireland and Eastern Europe. Just not all at the same time, because that would be tough to follow.
“There’s a pretty wide variety,” said Surette. “For me, its a real highlight of the weekend.”
The music school’s mandolin ensemble, an eight-piece group, will open the concert before the four performers take the stage. There’s a chance some will play together, but that’s just one of those things you’ll only find out if you attend.
“Each mandolin players is given 20 to 25 minutes to fill as they see fit,” said Surette. “One of the main things about the festival is the range of music.”
Surette, who has been head of the music school’s folk department for the last 15 years, began this festival to increase the area’s mandolin interest. It has grown to something he didn’t even expect.
“When we started, there really wasn’t a lot of weekend events, especially for the mandolin,” said Surette. “So I thought lets start it and see how it goes.”
While tickets are still available, the concert does typically sell out. So you can take your chances at getting one at the door or do the smart thing and pick one up ahead of time. You make the call.
For more information on the festival, or to purchase general admission tickets for the Saturday evening concert, visit ccmusicschool.org. Tickets for the concert cost $15, $12 for students and seniors. For more information about Friday night’s concert in Newmarket, call 659-7700 or 659-6321.
