Festive or somber, Celtic suits musicians

The sounds of Celtic music will resonate in Columbia County during two weekend concerts.

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Scottish fiddler Jamie Laval and Celtic guitarist Robin Bullock will take the stage for concerts featuring traditional and progressive Celtic instrumental music at two locations.

"It's usually a fun, lively program," said Laval, an Asheville, N.C., resident. "It's definitely very perky and family friendly."

Saturday, the pair will play at Augusta Preparatory Day School's Hull Fine Arts Center, 285 Flowing Wells Road in Martinez, at 7:30 p.m. The musicians also will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday at the River Island Clubhouse, 1570 River Island Parkway in Evans.

Laval said this is the second time he has toured with Bullock, who lives in France. The pair met at a gathering in Asheville three years ago.

"He's a very special guitar player," Laval said. "He has a very select specialty, which is Celtic finger-style guitar."

The concert will feature a sampling of different musical styles from many Celtic regions, such as Scotland, Ireland and Brittany, Laval said.

"I spend at least 75 percent of my life playing Scottish music just because it has the best resonance with my psyche," said Laval, whose first performance as a professional fiddler came in 1995.

A portion of the program will provide upbeat, "toe-tapping" tunes, while other selections are more somber and melancholy, he said.

"It definitely runs the gamut," Laval said.

Also, the musicians will hold two workshops for the fiddle and guitar Saturday at Augusta Prep's Hull Fine Arts Center. The workshops start at 3 p.m., with a fee of $20 per person.

Those interested in attending the programs must register in advance by calling (206) 226-5663 or (706) 863-1906.

Concert admission is $20 for adults and $12 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by visiting www.brownpapertickets.com.