Nova Scotian ensemble Còig delivers a youthful spin on traditional Celtic music
Putting a youthful spin on traditional Celtic sounds, Nova Scotia’s Còig is an ensemble of established and successful solo musicians. Originally established as a promotional group for an international Celtic music festival, the formation proved to be something special, and they now play together whenever their schedules allow. One of these unique opportunities will be at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 19.
Co-presented by the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech and the Crooked Road as part of their first annual Mountains of Music Homecoming, Còig will perform in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Moss Arts Center’s Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.
The evening will open with performances by local artists — gospel singer Ada Sherman, and the Giles Mountain String Band, who will be joined by the Hoorah Cloggers.
Còig has proven to be a dynamic force in the traditional music scene with their driving music, haunting songs, and infectious energy. With over 30 nominations and awards combined, each of Còig’s talented musicians have released their own successful solo albums and have toured around the world before coming together as this exciting supergroup.
Fiddler Chrissy Crowley embraces her Celtic roots and makes them her own through original compositions coupled with contemporary arrangements of traditional pieces. Darren McMullen is a multi-instrumentalist, easily switching between guitar, mandolin, whistle, and banjo. He keeps Còig’s rhythm sound diverse with his lead playing of a variety of instruments. With her traditional fiddle-playing style of time-honored music , Rachel Davis spends her time switching from international festival stages to small local dances in Nova Scotia. Piano player Jason Roach brings a style all his own and an unparalleled intensity on the keys.
Còig’s debut album, “Five,” was released last year and earned the band the 2014 Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Album of the Year; the Music Nova Scotia Award for Traditional/Roots Recording of the Year; and, most recently, the 2015 East Coast Music Award for Roots/Traditional Group Recording of the Year.
Tickets
Tickets are $25 for general admission and $10 for students and youth 18 years old and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300.
Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
