September 21st - 29th, 2013
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The first night of the IOM Autoharp Festival kicked off with a concert at Thie ny Gaelgey, St. Judes, featuring the World-renowned Autoharper, Mike Fenton and his wife Rachel.
The hall was filled to capacity with a very enthusiastic audience plus two dogs.
Mike Fenton began the programme with a rousing tune and continued his masterful performance with many more tunes and songs in various genres interspersed with amusing anecdotes. Rachel Fenton made several appearances playing her Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer, including several duets with Mike. We were also treated to a skilled limberjack performance by Rachel, much to everyone's great amusement.
During the evening Mike played many different autoharps and gave us the potted history (provenance) of each one. He also entertained us with Mountain Dulcimer, Dobro & Jews Harp.
A good time was had by all.
Mike Fenton and some of the audience at the concert
A decidedly underwhelmed Jessie
