Atlantic Crossing
New England Roots Music from Vermont:
Acoustic traditional music of New England and original compositions
Roots in the Celtic British Isles and French & Maritime Canada
Band Line-Up
Viveka Fox: fiddle, percussion
Rick Klein: guitar, vocals
Peter Macfarlane: fiddle, low whistles, mandolin, foot percussion, vocals
Whether rocking the dance floor at a New England contra dance hall, or painting for a rapt concert audience a musical interpretation of local
history, or striking a perfectly joyous note at a wedding celebration, Atlantic Crossing have for over two decades been a favorite band in Vermont.
Their music, the traditional music of New England, is deeply rooted in the Celtic British Isles and in French & Maritime Canada, and their
arrangements reveal a profound love of these traditions, together with a high level of creativity and emotional expression, all delivered with
a healthy dose of fun.
With a reputation as an in-demand contra dance band, Atlantic Crossing have toured widely in the USA and beyond, and have played at many of the
major dance series as well as at festivals and dance weekends across the nation.
Atlantic Crossing are among a small number of musicians bringing to life the locally archived field recordings of traditional ballads, made by
Helen Hartness Flanders in the early-mid 20th Century. And their own compositions, whether ballads relating local historical events or dance tunes
destined to become new classics, spring forth effortlessly, inspired and informed by immersion in these traditions.
For many years they were listed on Vermont Arts Council's juried register of the state's best performing artists, and in 2007 their exploration of
the history of Lake Champlain through music earned them the designation 'American Masterpiece Artists' by the Arts Council and Vermont Folklife
Center. (Both programs are now discontinued.)
"Energetic, high spirited, and playful. Your toes will tap, and your spirits will soar. The musicians love Vermont and its history,
and it comes through in many of the songs they play. Great fun."
"Great! Enough energy ... to power a city. I loved the interactions between the musicians."
"The diversity of pieces paints a living picture of the complex and interwoven history of New England culture and music, and the original
pieces flow naturally from these roots, retaining a sophisticated, well-grounded and authentic feel."
"Carefully researched material, rock-solid rhythms and meticulous musicianship .... in the forefront of the Vermont acoustic music scene."
