Did you know we have world-class musicians living in Elphinstone? I recently spoke with Celso Machado, a Juno-nominated, renowned guitarist who lives in the heart of Elphinstone. Celso and his family moved here in 2003; before that he lived and toured all over Europe. In addition to playing and singing his own arrangements on guitar and percussion, Celso plays with many other musicians. He still tours, most recently Portugal, but prefers to stay closer to home these days. He teaches guitar to a few local students and frequently plays at Music in the Landing.
I saw him there recently and he is an entertaining performer. That evening he was using found objects as instruments and encouraging people to listen to the sounds in the harbour. Everyone, especially the many children there, loved it!
Celso won a Canadian Folk Music Award (Global Music) in 2008 and other musicians play his music. Talking about his music he said, “It’s a Brazilian style of music; Bossa Nova, Samba, Choro, Baiao, also African and Morocco-Ghawa.” All I know is that it’s terrific. Check him out on YouTube – you won’t be disappointed.
You may have seen or heard Karen Graves on saxophone at local events – such a treat! Karen and partner Miguel camped out on land they had bought in Elphinstone in 2002, and started to build a few years later. Before that she lived in Vancouver, then Whistler for many years, but she prefers the rural nature of living in Elphinstone, especially being near the ocean.
Growing up in Lantzville on Vancouver Island, Karen says, “Music has always been an important part of my life. I sang in choirs, played in school bands and studied music. My mum told me that I sang more than I talked.”A versatile musician, Karen plays with many groups and counts jazz, blues, rock, funk and pop in her repertoire. She composes and records her own music, including collaborating with other musicians on recordings.
Asked about notable gigs she said, “It’s thrilling to play for crowds of thousands, for example at the Montreal Jazz Festival, or for world leaders and other dignitaries like at the 2014 Olympics in Russia.” Music for her is “in the moment” and she loves connecting with other musicians through music. She still keeps her foot in the vibrant Vancouver music scene and sometimes has opportunities to travel abroad.
Don’t you love the Lantern Festival idea? I spoke with someone at the Elphinstone barbecue who had helped plan the great lantern festival at Cedar Grove School and was looking forward to the one organized in Gibsons this coming Saturday. It turns out Karen Graves, along with Budge Schachte, will be playing there. Why not check it out, along with the many fun activities?
If you have Elphinstone news, contact me at: elphin@coastreporter.net
