OC Music Scene: Alex Caton & Friends
Irish music enthusiasts can find Alex Caton & Friends at Champion Ice House in Gordonsville on the first and third Sundays of each month. (Photo Credit: Gerilee Hundt)
Recently, my friend Heather and I stopped into Champion Ice House in Gordonsville for one of their delicious brews, and some lively Irish music was on tap as well. Alex Caton & Friends, a group of talented local musicians, entertained the Sunday afternoon crowd with traditional jigs, reels, waltzes and songs from Ireland, interspersed with gorgeous Appalachian old-time fiddle music.
A grandchild of master craftsmen, coal miners and strong women, and a daughter of adventurous parents, Alex Caton was born in England and grew up in England, Scotland and the United States. At age 20, Caton discovered Appalachian old-time and Irish fiddle music and felt like she had stumbled upon a secret. Since then, she has dedicated her life to playing traditional music.
Caton feels that the heartbeat of Appalachian old-time music — a direct descendent of the Irish music that was her earliest passion — pulses stronger in the foothills of Virginia than anywhere else. Since arriving in central Virginia, she has become an integral member of the traditional music community and also an ambassador and liaison between the worlds of Irish and old-time music.
In addition to the fiddle, Alex plays and teaches clawhammer banjo, guitar and singing. She has utilized all these skills in numerous long-term bands, including The Ryegrass Rollers, Odd Legged Jenny and Las Gitanas. Alex is also accomplished in bluegrass, and her bluegrass trio, Uncle Pen, will be performing at Albemarle Ciderworks on Saturday, March 11, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and at additional venues as the season progresses. See www.alexcaton.com for upcoming sessions and shows.
An Irish session generally consists of a group of musicians who play traditional Irish music in a fairly informal social setting. The musicians join the session at the Ice House by Alex’s invitation. This model is a little different from a typical band or jam session but you will find Irish sessions that operate in a similar way all over the world. Alex’s Irish sessions can be enjoyed at the Ice House almost every first and third Sunday of the month throughout the year, with special guests joining in each time.
There will be a lot more live music scheduled at the Ice House in Gordonsville in the warmer months, mostly outside in the beer garden. Stay tuned! The Ice House is open Wednesdays through Sundays. See www.championicehouse.com to view their menu (their fried chicken is out of this world) and upcoming live music.