The joy of Scottish music springs to life as Alasdair Fraser and the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers unleash the Stravaig Spring Concert Series. Stravaig, a Scottish word meaning to wander, digress, and stray beyond limits, perfectly captures the essence of this musical adventure. More than 65 musicians—on fiddles, cellos, guitars, piano, and percussion—will fill the stage, transforming concert halls into exuberant gatherings of rhythm, melody, and heart.
Stravaig will be a musical journey through Scotland and beyond, infused with a spirit of community, joy, and the timeless power of Celtic tradition. Whether you're a fan of soaring melodies, toe-tapping reels, or evocative ballads, this event promises something for everyone—from stirring nostalgia to dance-in-the-aisles energy.
The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers, formed in 1986, have grown into an inclusive community of 200 musicians celebrating Scottish and Celtic traditions. The ensemble blends experienced performers, emerging talents, and guest artists. Expect soul-stirring moments with standout solo performances by seasoned virtuosos and rising talents, whose passion and ambition bring unmatched energy to the stage.
The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers meet monthly to play their favorite tunes and learn new ones. Over the years, their repertoire has expanded to include the music of Brittany, Galicia, Scandinavia, and North America while remaining rooted in the Scottish fiddle forms of dance, pipe tunes, and song.
The highlight of the Fiddlers’ year comes each spring when, under Alasdair Fraser’s direction, the group rehearses for and presents this three-concert series in the greater Bay Area.
The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers, led by Alasdair Fraser,
present three family-friendly spring concerts, STRAVAIG:
April 25 – Veterans Memorial Theatre, Davis
April 26 – Angelico Concert Hall, Dominican College, San Rafael
April 27 – Jackson Theater, Sonoma Country Day School, Santa Rosa
About Alasdair Fraser: The Heartbeat of Scottish Fiddling
Widely celebrated as one of the greatest ambassadors of Scotland’s rich fiddle tradition, Alasdair Fraser is a virtuoso performer, passionate teacher, and inspiring leader. His mastery of the instrument and deep connection to his heritage have captivated audiences and influenced musicians worldwide.
Born in Clackmannan, Scotland, in 1955, Alasdair began his musical journey at age eight with classical violin lessons—undaunted by teasing classmates who thought a fiddle case was anything but cool. His love of Scotland’s music, nurtured by the tunes he heard at home, drove him to study the works of legendary Scottish fiddlers Niel Gow, Nathaniel Gow, William Marshall, and James Scott Skinner. By his teens, Alasdair was performing with dance bands and had won the Scottish National Fiddle Championship—twice.
Though his career initially led him to work as a petrophysicist for British Petroleum, a move to California in 1981 reignited his calling for music. Recognizing he was destined to inspire through fiddling, Alasdair left the corporate world and dedicated himself to sharing the joy of Scottish music as both a performer and teacher. He went on to found and direct renowned programs, including The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers, the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School, and the Sierra Fiddle Camp, nurturing a vibrant community of musicians of all ages.
Throughout his remarkable career, Alasdair has forged powerful musical partnerships, including collaborations with pianist Paul Machlis, guitarist Tony McManus, and cellist Natalie Haas. His groundbreaking work with Haas brought back to prominence the 18th-century Scottish tradition of the “wee fiddle and big fiddle” duo. Their debut album, Fire & Grace, earned Album of the Year honors at the Scots Trad Music Awards.
Alasdair’s artistry extends to global stages and iconic soundtracks, including Titanic, The Last of the Mohicans, and Ken Burns documentaries. He has also performed with legends such as The Chieftains, The Waterboys, and violinist Itzhak Perlman.
For Alasdair, music is about community and connection. He says, “We may look like an orchestra, but we’re really an unruly mob of rabble-rousing, musical adventurers. Playing this music fills us with joy, and we can’t wait to share it with you. It’s a grand ceilidh, where you can tap your toes, dance in your seat, and share in the joy.”
With his infectious energy, Alasdair Fraser invites audiences to experience the power, history, and exuberance of Scottish fiddle music—a tradition he has helped preserve, reimagine, and share with the world.
Key Performers:
Renata Bratt (Cello Leader, Santa Cruz)
An acclaimed cellist and educator, Renata has performed with the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers since 2004. Known for her versatility, Rolling Stone dubbed her an “ace performer” for her work with alternative rocker Cindy Lee Berryhill’s Garage Orchestra. Renata has taught classical styles, jazz improvisation, and fiddle techniques at renowned workshops like Wintergrass, Alasdair Fraser’s camps, and the New Directions Cello Festival. Her compositions and instructional books are published by Alfred, Mel Bay, and Keiser Southern. Renata holds a Ph.D. in Music from UC San Diego and continues to inspire students and audiences alike.
Caroline McCaskey (Fiddle & Cello, Mountain View)
Caroline bridges traditional and classical music with exceptional versatility. A multi-instrumentalist skilled in fiddle, cello, viola, and even the musical saw, she is the 2019 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a two-time International Musical Saw Champion. A dedicated educator and composer, Caroline leads AltStringsAcademy.com, a thriving learning platform for adult string players seeking to advance their craft. Her roots with the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers have shaped her as a dynamic and inspiring performer.
Barbara MacDonald Magone (Piano, San Diego)
A celebrated Celtic accompanist, Barbara hails from a Cape Breton musical lineage. Raised in Detroit among a vibrant community of transplanted Cape Bretoners, she inherited her father’s legacy—John A. MacDonald, founder of the Five MacDonald Fiddlers—and her mother’s skilled piano artistry. Barbara has performed and taught at premier festivals, including the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, the Gaelic Roots Festival at Boston College, and the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School. Praised by The Boston Globe as “one of the most sought-after Celtic accompanists in North America,” Barbara combines power and grace in her performances.
Rob Godfrey (Vocals & Fiddle, Oakland)
Rob rediscovered his love for the violin after a 30-year hiatus, joining the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers alongside his son. His rich vocals, often performed in Gaelic, have become a concert highlight. Reflecting on the group’s philosophy, Rob says, “What I value most in Scottish fiddle music is how deeply the melodies affect me. Whether an amateur or a concert violinist, we each contribute something essential to the music.” His soulful playing and singing create an unforgettable experience for audiences.
Janette Duncan (Fiddle, Santa Rosa)
A founding member of the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers, Janette has shared her love for fiddle music with Sonoma County for over 35 years. Beginning her violin journey at age nine, she earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Sonoma State University before transitioning from classical to Scottish fiddling under Alasdair Fraser’s mentorship. A devoted teacher and performer, Janette remains a cornerstone of the Fiddlers’ community.
Pate Thomson (Fiddle, Berkeley)
A founding member of the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers, Pate has been at the heart of the ensemble since the 1980s. A professional cardiologist and talented fiddler, he rediscovered his passion for violin after attending a transformative workshop with Alasdair Fraser. Pate fondly notes the group’s infectious energy, saying, “Audiences are always on their feet by the end of these concerts.”
Venues, Dates & Times:
Friday, April 25 | 7 PM
Veterans Memorial Theatre | Davis, CA
203 E 14th St, Davis, CA 95616
Phone: (530) 757-5626
Saturday, April 26 | 7 PM
Angelico Concert Hall, Dominican College | San Rafael, CA
20 Olive Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: 415-457-4440
Sunday, April 27 | 1 PM
Jackson Theater, Sonoma Country Day School
4400 Day School Place, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: 707-264-3200
Tickets: $32–$35 | Kids under 12 free (accompanied by an adult)
More Info: https://sfscottishfiddlers.org/
