The BIS are pleased to present “Richard WOOD & Friends”, one of four original shows to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Benevolent Irish Society on PEI.

Richard WOOD (Fiddle) is a multiple ECMA award winner who has also won countless stepdance and fiddle competitions. He has performed around the world for 30+ years and was named one of the Top 100 Canadians to watch in the 21st Century by MacLean’s magazine. Career Highlights include performing with Shania Twain, the Chieftains; performing at places like the Lincoln Centre, the Kennedy Centre, Carnegie Hall; and appearing on special televised events and programs such as The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and on Parliament Hill for a live audience of over 100,000.

Joining Richard for this opening show will be: The Rollo Bay Kitchen Group (Fiddle), are dedicated fiddlers who meet weekly at the French School Pavillion de l’est in Rollo Bay to play tunes and have a good time!

Kimberley Holmes (Keyboard), who began her career playing piano at age 5 and is Canada’s premier piano accompanist for traditional fiddling, with over 15 years of teaching experience, Brent Chaisson (Guitar), is a multi-instrumentalist and has been immersed in music his whole life. He

quickly grew to love traditional fiddle music from PEI, Nova Scotia and beyond.

Somerset Studio (Dance) featuring award-winning dancers, Alexis MacLaren & Isla Rousseaux-Bridle.