A full house of over 150 patrons was treated to a wonderful evening of "Eurasian roots music" this past Saturday evening, as The Wheat in the Barley performed an ethnically diverse mix of Celtic, Slavic, Middle Eastern, South American and Mediterranean tunes in front of an appreciative audience at the Merritt Civic Centre. The concert, by the BC-based folk group, was the third of four in this year's Nicola Valley Community Arts Council series, which will conclude April 16 when renowned classical pianist Alexander Tselyakov takes centre stage.
Jo-anne Portman, NVCAC spokesperson, was delighted with the turnout, "one of the best that we've had in our annual concert series." She attributed the success of the event to the "broad-based appeal of the entertainment," noting that the audience included young and old alike. "It was a real family evening."
The "Wheaties", as they are affectionately called, displayed brilliant musicianship throughout the evening, showcasing their tightly arranged instrumentals, sparkling improvisations, and compelling rhythms, while playing an array of instruments from the six-string guitar and mandolin to the bohdran drum and bones, from the penny whistle to the saxophone and violin. Their repertoire on this two-set night included, amongst others, spirited Irish jigs, haunting Celtic ballads, and African percussion jams.
The members of the Wheaties are a veritable who's who of the folk scene in the Lower Mainland over the past ten to fifteen years. Founder Steve Gidora, who shares his Irish-Ukrainian heritage in several of the group's numbers, has performed with the likes of Charlotte Diamond and Ann Mortifee, and opened for legendary Pete Seeger and Odetta. Another well-known member of the group, Victor Smith, has worked with a plethora of Vancouver folk groups, including Tiller's Folly, The Stoaters and Shenanigan. Capable of playing an arsenal of instruments, he was at his best this night on the accordion and hand drum. Woodwind specialist Mark Dowding contributed intricate leads, harmonies and counterpoints on various metal and wooden flutes, and did some mean 'howlin' on both the blues harmonica and baby saxophone. The newest member of the group, Nicole Scoffield, rooted much of the evening's music with her beautiful violin playing, switching easily from soulful traditional renderings to up tempo dance reels.
It was indeed, a night of beautiful music.

By Ian Webster - The Merrit Herald