Birdhouse Center for the Arts presents San Miguel Fraser
originally published: 12/16/2024
(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Folk duo San Miguel Fraser gives a debut performance of their uniquely dynamic fusion of Castilian and Celtic traditions on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at the Birdhouse Center for the Arts. Showtime is 8:00pm.
San Miguel Fraser features María San Miguel, a singer and multi-instrumentalist from Castile, Spain, who is currently one of the only artists championing her hometown’s native musical traditions outside Spain. Together with multi-instrumentalist Galen Fraser, son of renowned Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser, the duo showcases “beautifully executed ornamentation and chording, but surprises with fresh tunings and startlingly touching and deeply thoughtful arrangements” (Fiddler Magazine).
“I feel so fortunate to be one of the few people bringing this Castilian music to audiences outside of Spain,” María said. “My culture’s music is so full of passion and history - it can turn on a dime from a fiery dance with Flamenco and Arabic influences, to a soulful ballad with Sephardic undertones. My partnership with Galen has been a natural synergy, and we are always proud to bring our interpretation of these traditional sounds to new ears.”
The duo will perform selections from their debut album, Dots of Light (2023), which displays their distinctive combination of dynamic fiddling and string arrangements with the soaring, life-celebrating singing of María. Fused with Galen’s exciting and sensitive cittern accompaniment, San Miguel Fraser has introduced the seldom-heard musical traditions of Castile to new audiences around the world, solidifying the duo’s work as “...a benchmark in the contemporary development of the new tradition of Castile” (L'independent).
Tickets are $25 and available for purchase online. Birdhouse Center for the Arts is located at 7 N Main Street in Lambertville, New Jersey.
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San Miguel Fraseris redefining folk music with their dynamic fusion of Castilian and Celtic traditions. The duo, featuring María San Miguel—an Oviedo Conservatory graduate deeply rooted in the vibrant music of Castile—and Galen Fraser—a Berklee College of Music alumnus and son of the legendary fiddler Alasdair Fraser, blends heartfelt vocals, intricate string arrangements, and the lively charm of the cittern. Their music celebrates the shared spirit of their homelands while embracing the beauty of innovation.
Their latest album, Dots of Light, is a testament to their artistry, shining with vibrant new compositions and imaginative reworkings of traditional tunes. With their unique chamber-folk style, San Miguel Fraser crafts performances that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
The band has captivated listeners at prestigious festivals and venues, including Celtic Connections, Festival Internacional de Ortigueira, Sisters Folk Fest, KVMR Celtic Festival, and Miguel Delibes Auditorium. Whether performing at intimate gatherings or grand stages, they bring a heartfelt connection and a celebratory spirit to every performance.
Birdhouse Center for the Arts offers music lessons (including lessons for children 0-5 years old), music therapy, workshops and ensembles, and hosts music events and private parties. It was founded by Bronwyn Bird and Justin Nawn - both graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2009.
They come from all walks of life and music genres but the most important thing is; they've come together to form a Blues band that is original, solid and different from the rest and what makes them so unique is a combination of experience and backgrounds.
Each year, Makin Waves picks the 12 independent New Jersey bands who made the most waves. That means extensive touring in support of a new LP or EP, preferably internationally; professional quality narrative videos; singles that garnered broadcast and online radio play (since Spotify rips artists off, I don't really care about streams); national press, and other awards. Note that the Dirty Jersey Dozen are presented in alphabetical order. To get a sense of pecking order, please check out the 26th Annual Makin Waves Awards, as well as the Makin Waves Top 10 Jersey Indie Albums and Makin Waves Top 10 Jersey Indie Songs.
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