Swains On Main, Thursday

MONROE — 707 On Main, Monroe’s new restaurant on Route 25, will feature the musicians Morgan Eve Swain and Spencer Swain for a unique blend of Celtic fiddling and guitar on Thursday, November 8, from 8 to 11 pm. The restaurant features music regularly every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.

The Swains have become well-known in their hometown of Newtown, having performed at community functions since a very young age. They have participated in the town’s Annual Holiday Festival, church services, private weddings, and other social events. The two continue to perform together, from traditional Celtic to reggae, rock and jazz.

Morgan Eve, age 16, became interested in Celtic fiddling from spending summers in Prince Edward island and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where traditional Celtic fiddling has sparked a new wave of interest among young musicians. She has studied with renowned Canadian fiddlers including Buddy MacMaster (uncle of Natalie MacMaster), Wendy MacIsaac (cousin of Ashley), Brenda Stubert, Richard Wood, and Kim Vincent.

Miss Swain recently placed third during her first fiddling competition, at the New Hampshire Highland Games. She also won Best Strathespey, a traditional dance fiddle style. While she continues with her classical training, Miss Swain’s heart is in fiddling with a unique contemporary flair.

Spencer, 20, recently transferred from SUNY/Purchase College Conservatory of Music (where he studied classical violin and studio competition) to University of Rhode Island to study in its liberal arts curriculum. On weekends he plays original violin and guitar music at a gourmet ice cream café in Newport, and recently joined a reggae/rock band, Zox, as its violinist.