I thought Fiddlers’ Sons were invited to play at The Crapaud Exhibition Youth Talent Search last week because Garth, John B and I are so youthful. Believe it or not, that wasn’t entirely the reason they asked us to play.

Ok, so maybe that wasn’t the reason at all, but that’s what I was telling myself as I pulled into the Crapaud Actiplex to set up. I wasn’t completely surprised to find out that we were there to open the show and entertain between age classes while the judges made their extremely difficult decisions.

I was also recruited for the duty of stage hand by my buddy, John Bulman, who was providing sound for the event. And by the time I heard the level of talent from the young singer, musicians and dancers on stage that night, I was thinking that stage hand may be the only job I can get in the entertainment business in a few years!

Congratulations to all the contestants for wowing the audience all night. The winners in the age six to eleven category were Sheridan Wall from Kensington for vocals, Rebecca Smith from Charlottetown for dance , and Logan Saulnier from Kensington for instrumental.

Prizes in the ages twelve to seventeen category went to Aaron Waite from Charlottetown for vocals, Janelle Banks from Springvale for dance, and Jacob Defusco from Wood Islands for instrumental (way to represent the down-easters Jacob!)

Talent prospects look good for future seasons of the Close to the Ground concert series at Kaylee Hall, however , I may be demoted from host to technical support. Each performance was a highlight for me and I am sure we will be hearing from all of these youngsters in the future.

As hard as it is to single one kid out, a standout performance was turned in by nine year old electric guitar wizard Logan Saulnier who won in the instrumental category in his age group. Logan has only been playing guitar for a year and a half but he took the stage with the poise of a veteran rocker.

He ripped it up with a rendition of "Die By The Sword" by Slash from the band Guns and Roses. Logan is the son of Mike and Shelly Saulnier of Kensington. A quick chat with proud papa Mike revealed that Logan comes by his music honest as Mike sings and plays himself. Keep an eye out for this young guy as I hope to have him down at the Hall sometime soon.

We will be featuring some more experienced entertainers this Thursday August 4 8pm at The Kaylee Hall as The Close to the Ground concert series continues. Fiddlers’ Sons welcome special guests Gordon Belsher, Todd MacLean, Savannah Belsher - MacLean and Teresa Doyle.

Gordon Belsher is not only an icon on the local folk music scene, but he has toured North America and beyond. The well loved troubadour is at home at center stage delivering folk songs in fine style, or in the role of side man when he accompanies some of the best fiddlers in the business like Richard Wood and Cynthia MacLeod He operates his own recording studio in the parlour of his home in Guernsey Cove.

A few years ago, he formed the band Saxafras which features the beautiful vocals of his daughter Savannah and the Saxophone acrobatics of his son-in-law Todd MacLean. The musicality of this group is second to none and they are always a pleasure to work with. And those of you who know Todd will agree when I say that where Todd goes, fun is sure to follow!

Teresa Doyle has a successful musical career entertaining at home and abroad. I am almost embarrassed to admit that Thursday night will be her first time playing at Close to the Ground.

She is a stellar performer and recording artist and is also a popular music teacher. She is a long time favorite of mine and her jazz album "Late Night Parlour" has never left my stereo since I got it last year. I am excited to hear her singing live again.

This weeks show is sure to be a barn burner with these popular acts. Just judging from Gordon and Todd’s performance at the Hall last summer, I am thinking that seats will be in short supply Thursday night.

Come on down early and don’t miss out. Besides, if you come early, you can see me doing my future job in the music business ...setting up the equipment for the performers!