Catch some fine folk music this Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Errington Farmers’ market, as Nanaimo’s Ira Pelletier takes the stage.
Pelletier has become a mainstay of the island bluegrass and folk festival scene. He is known for his mandolin skills but is equally adept at the guitar.
Pelletier was the founder, mandolinist, and chief songwriter of the bluegrass/newgrass band Skagway and has played numerous times at the Lighthouse, Coombs, Sooke and Chemainus bluegrass festivals, and at the Islands Folk Festival.
Pelltier has co-produced and recorded two CDs with Skagway, and one with guitarist Ed Lee, as well as playing mandolin on many recording sessions for other artists.
He makes his home on an old dairy farm in Nanaimo with his wife and son. Pelltier will play from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Aug. 16 the Rivals will perform at the market during the same time slot, followed by Westerly on Aug. 23, who are sisters from Errington.
—NEWS Staff/Submitted
by Gina Thomas