Not just anyone can draw a crowd like Geoffrey Castle.
The former New Yorker, now a Kirkland resident, brings a novel Celtic-Mediterranean-Appalachian-inspired six-string electric violin to the Kirkland Performance Center on Dec. 17, according to Patrick McBride, KPC production manager.
In his Third Annual Celtic Christmas Celebration, Castle will be joined by Eric Robert on keys, Darrin Watkins on drums, and three seasoned special guest musicians: Alan White, the drummer for YES and for John Lennon; Bernt Bodal, from the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; and Beth Quist, former lead vocalist for Cirque du Soleil “KA” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and performer with Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra.
Vocalist Quist described her collaboration with Castle and White as “joyful, soul-filled music,” emphasizing the world influences weaving into the Celtic base.
“It is something you have to see,” said McBride. “The first time I heard Geoffrey Castle play he blew me away and I have seen a lot of artists. He stands out and, thankfully, he is local and can play at our theater. The musicians are really spectacular.”
Joining the musicians will be award-winning Celtic dancers from the Comerford School of Irish Dance, as well as Tiger Budbill, MC and semi-official elf-union representative, and Mac MacDonald as Santa Claus.
Castle began playing the violin when he was 8 years old. His passion for the instrument grew quickly. Now he wants to break down preconceived notions of the violin and bring it back to its rightful place, as the original lead instrument, out front and center.
“If you think you are not going to enjoy a violin concert, then you are my favorite audience,” said Castle.
McBride is astonished by Castle’s ability to bring people together, bridging the gap between the arts scenes in Seattle and Kirkland.
Last year his show fell on the night of the huge snowstorm, said McBride. He mentioned that most people walked in the inclement weather to see his show when staying safe and warm at home was a much easier option.
“This shows the impact he (Castle) has on Kirkland audiences,” said McBride.
Castle moved from New York City to Kirkland 15 years ago.
“I love Kirkland,” said Castle. “It is one of the few walking cities in this state and feels like a little California beach town. You can park your car and walk everywhere. It is a wonderful new hometown.”
As a proud local, Castle has been performing two shows a year at the KPC, one at Christmastime and the other around St. Patrick’s Day.
“The Christmas show is … all about the magic of the season,” said Castle. “A lot of the songs that are on the Christmas CD, ‘Underhill’s Angel,’ were chosen for their historical magical quality; some are over 200 years old. We bring them up to the present with modern arrangements.”
He would like to bring his show to the national level and tour throughout the month of December.
It is a family affair and a festive night for everyone, said Castle and Quist.
“It is going to be really fun,” said Castle. “It is the kind of show that if you’re a 4-year-old kid or 94-year-old grandma, you are going to have a great time.”
Additionally, drummer White and his wife, Gigi, are raising money for a charity lobbying to make music license plates with proceeds going to music programs in the state. Additional information will be available at the performance, which will begin at 8 p.m.
For ticket information, visit www.kpcenter.org.
KAETLYN CORDINGLEY is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.
