The Community Concert Hall welcomes acclaimed Canadian fiddler, singer and stepdancer April Verch, Feb. 4

 

          DURANGO, Colo. – Dynamic Canadian fiddler, singer and stepdancer April Verch will take the stage at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College Thursday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m.

          Verch, merging Celtic, bluegrass, folk and jazz influences, has established herself as a consummate performer. Raised with the rich, distinctive musical and stepdancing tradition shaped by the immigrants drawn to the lumber camps of the Ottawa Valley region of Ontario, she continues to win over audiences with her musical virtuosity, charm, humor and boundless energy on stage.

          As a child Verch emulated her older sister, and began stepdancing lessons at the age of three, though she was seemingly always drawn to the fiddle as well. Her parents made her wait until her sixth birthday before presenting her with her first fiddle. In short order she began winning fiddle and dance contests, as well as performing with her sister and the Pilatzke brothers as a member of the Dueling Dancers, a troupe that earned regional and national attention for its blend of innovative and traditional Ottawa Valley stepdancing.

          By the time Verch had finished high school, she had recorded two self-released albums, and was appearing regularly across Canada at fiddle contests and as a teacher at fiddle camps, always integrating dance and fiddling into a seamless, dynamic whole.

          Offered a job with a leading fiddle ensemble after her high school graduation, she opted instead to attend the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston. There she was exposed to, and quickly mastered, an array of musical styles. At the same time, she capped her fiddle contest career with a pair of impressive wins, earning the titles of Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion and Canadian Open Fiddle Champion.

          She left Berklee early to pursue her professional career, which proved to be the correct decision. By the turn of the century, Verch had secured her position as a vibrant performer, and signed by Rounder Records, released “Verchuosity.” This first professional release earned rave reviews and a JUNO (the Canadian Grammy) nomination.

Verch’s latest recording, “Steal the Blue,” showcases her growth as an artist as she approaches 30 years of age. Her vocals have drawn continued comparisons to Alison Krauss. In reviewing the release, “Popmatters” called Verch “a master of subtlety and precision. She doesn’t over-sing, or over-play, although it’s plain she could easily do both.”

          Verch is currently touring with world-class musicians Clay Ross (guitar) and Cody Walters (upright bass and banjo). View performance video clips of Verch at http://www.aprilverch.com/site/category/video/.

Tickets for April Verch – $15 for Balcony and Orchestra, and $20 for Plaza – are available on line at www.durangoconcerts.com or by calling 970.247.7657 or 877.282.9992. Or visit the Ticketing Services Office in Downtown Durango at 7^th and Main Ave.

Showtime is 7 p.m., with doors to the Concert Hall and concessions, serving beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, opening at 6 p.m.

The Community Concert Hall is located in the growing arts complex of Fort Lewis College.  It operates through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, as well as the city of Durango, and with financial and in-kind contributions from generous members of the community.