Andrea Beaton and Troy MacGillivray joined us on April 5, 2009 for a cèilidh at The Palladium.

Andrea Beaton grew up to the rhythm of generations. Her father is one of the leading fiddle players of his generation, her mother, an accomplished pianist. So were her grandfather and grandmother. In fact, her grandfather, Donald Angus Beaton, was just awarded the 2009 Stompin' Tom Award by the East Coast Music Association (ECMA) for significant contributions to the east coast music industry. Her uncle, Buddy MacMaster, is revered in Cape Breton. Andrea Beaton continues the rhythm in her own dynamic style.

Andrea's debut CD, "License to Drive 'Er," was nominated for Roots Traditional Solo Artist of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. Her latest recording, Branches, was named 2010 ECMA Instrumental Recording of the Year.

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Sandy's Thoughts -- What you may not read in the Press...

Andrea Beaton is an outstanding entertainer. Not only did she delight her audience with some terrific fiddle playing, she also treated us to some lively piano and even a little stepdancing. Andrea wrote many of the pieces they performed, and she shared a few of the stories behind the songs. My favorite title by far was Smirnoff Gigolo. Andrea Beaton has talent and energy to spare.

I felt an immediate kinship with Andrea when I saw that she plays barefoot. The only time she wore shoes during the performance was when she stepdanced -- a Cape Breton girl with a bit of Florida in her soul. Her bare foot tapped the beat, and the beat was contagious. Few people if any managed to sit still through the performance -- her music makes you move.

Musicians have an intimate relationship with the notes and the rhythm. If we are lucky, the audience is privileged to witness creation, to witness magic. Andrea Beaton, with Troy MacGillivray and Troy's sister, Sabra, created magic downstairs at the Palladium. We not only witnessed it, we were welcomed into it. Andrea Beaton radiates joy when she plays, and her smile is infectious. Buy their CDs -- you won't regret it -- but if you have the opportunity to see them perform, don't miss it. You will walk away smiling.