Jocelyn Pettit had three weeks to learn to play the fiddle.
With each turn of the wheels on her family's vehicle, Pettit was that much closer to returning to their old home in Squamish and further away from their former home in Kingston, Ont. Before she reached the Pacific Ocean, Pettit wanted to master two songs; two songs that she would play to be accepted into a music summer camp on Vancouver Island.
My parents bought me a half-size (violin), she said. I played it across Canada.
That was the beginning of the 18-year-old's career. In 10 years, Pettit has quickly climbed the ladder in the world of Celtic music. She's performed to a packed 小蓝视频 Place Stadium during a Medals Ceremony at the 2010 Winter Olympics and, most recently, took to the stage with The Chiefains as a part of their 50th anniversary tour.
That was amazing, she said, still buzzing over the October concert with the legendary Irish band. I have been listening to their music since I was very young.
The year 2013 is turning out to be a big one for the Squamish musician. Her debut album Jocelyn Pettit is nominated for two Canadian Folk Music awards. Pettit's gearing up for a tour on Vancouver Island, before heading to Ontario, then off to France and later upstate New York.
I have always dreamed of going to France, she said.
Pettit is also dabbling with the sounds of Scandinavia and Brittany. Her latest compositions have a worldly feel, she said.
The music I play I call 'blazing new tribe Celtic,' Pettit said.
Her travel inspires her, seeping into her sound, she said. Pettit is also playing with an effects peddle, giving the songs a contemporary touch. Pettit's new work will be featured on her second album, to be released soon.
She'll play some of the new tunes at her upcoming concert at the Brackendale Art Gallery (BAG) on Saturday (Feb. 2). Pettit will be joined on stage by some special guests.
The concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12 at the door for adults and $10 for seniors and youth.
I love playing at the BAG, Pettit said. It's such a great place to play.
