Virtuosic Celtic musician Rennie Pearson returns to Geelong this weekend, sharing tunes, stories and songs from Ireland, Scotland and the Canadian Maritimes at the Door Gallery Cafe.
The young New Zealander – now based in Melbourne – will bring his full arsenal, featuring wooden flute, Irish whistles, guitar, bodhrán, fiddle and voice for the two-set performance.
The performance is part of a run of Victorian shows, including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo and Gippland.
Pearson has played the Fyansford venue a number of times, first in late 2023 when he visited with guitarist Bob McNeill under the moniker of Half Light.
The weekend’s gig will see Pearson playing solo for a first set of “intimate storytelling… pieces that transport you to Ireland, Scotland, faraway places” before being joined by Melbourne multi-instrumentalist John Sorrentino for a “more energetic” second bracket.
Over the past 18 months of playing in Fyansford Pearson has created strong connections with local Celtic musicians, potentially leading to guest appearances on the day as well.
He said he absolutely loved playing at the cafe.
“The setting is just such a quirky and interesting place; this venue brings so much character all on its own,” Pearson said.
“I really enjoy the audiences there as well, there’s a relaxed, beautiful atmosphere, often with a bit of back and forth with the audience.
“They’re willing to yell stuff out and get into it, there’s a bit of banter back and forth, which for me really makes a big difference in creating rapport with the audience.”
Rennie Pearson is at the Door Gallery Cafe on Sunday, May 11. Music starts at 2pm. Visit renniepearsonmusic.com for more information.
Matt Hewson
