Ah, August in the Bay Area: foggy mornings, languid afternoons, and . . . the Freight Fiddle Summit! Once again, we're proud to host the annual kickoff for Alasdair Fraser's Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling Camp, a rousing evening of fiddle magic from some of Celtic music's most celebrated players.

Fiddle Summit host Alasdair Fraser is justly renowned for his warmth and wit as well as his music. One of Scotland's most valued tradition-bearers, his richly expressive playing transports listeners across a broad spectrum ranging from haunting laments drawn from the Gaelic tradition to classically styled airs and raucous dance tunes, all delivered with sincerity, flawless virtuosity and the sweetest of sounds. Alasdair will be accompanied by brilliant young cellist Natalie Haas. The duo’s award-winning CD, Fire & Grace, displays dazzling teamwork, virtuosic musicianship, and love for the driving, dancing rhythms of Scottish fiddle music.

Andre Brunet, a wonderful young fiddle player from the acclaimed French-Canadian band La Bottine Souriante, is also known to Freightgoers as a member of the Celtic Fiddle Festival. A warm, dynamic performer, Andre has a vast repertoire of infectious Quebecois jigs and reels, which blend folk music originating from France, England, Ireland, and Scotland with the unique colors and rhythms of the region.

Laura Risk brings us luscious Quebecois tunes from her new home in Montreal. Her expressive interpretations of Scottish, Irish, and Cape Breton fiddle music have garnered Laura international acclaim as her love of traditional fiddling leads her on a rich journey into many genres, all of which she performs with exceptional passion and finesse.