with :
Saskia Tomkins on violin-Viola-Nyckelharpa
Brandon Scott Besharah on acoustic guitar-banjo-saxophone
“Some pretty amazing noodlings from the UK and Canada”
Saskia Tomkins grew up in Kent, and began playing classical violin at 7 years old. She discovered folk music at 11 years, and completed a jazz degree at Middlesex University. Because of her very mixed heritage, she enjoys exploring and connecting to each of these through the music.
Since then, Saskia has travelled the world learning different violin genres, playing with people such as The Chieftains, Sin E, Uriah Heep, The English Shakespeare Company, Toronto Tabla Ensemble, Laurie Anderson and various Dance and Theatre troupes. Her recording career covers over 30 albums and numerous Radio broadcasts including work for the BBC. At some point during all this, Saskia learnt and now performs on Violin, viola, ‘cello, and Nyckelharpe, and is an all Britain Fiddle Champion in Irish fiddle. Since moving to Canada 5 years ago with her family (3 kids!), she has been embraced by the music community.
For over 20 years Brandon has been performing, recording and teaching the type of acoustic finger-style guitar often described as “heavy wood”. Brandon has studies guitar in France with Pierre Bensusan, Two years with Canadian guitarist Don Ross, Jazz studies with New York based Barrie Harris, Jazz saxophone both under Pat Labaraba and Kirk MacDonald, and music composition at the University of Ottawa. He records and composes music for film and television when not touring.
Saskia was introduced to Brandon by her husband Steafan Hannigan who foresaw the musical possibilities. They enjoy writing their own compositions, which nod at a range of different genres, and arranging more familiar pieces, on Violin, Viola, Nyckelharpa, Saxophone and guitar.
It is their first tour together!
everyone welcome but please let us know you’re coming !
£5 per adult – children go free.
BYO and have fun !
tel.01843 588 470
mail@kai-toenjes.com
