About the Band
Elixir is a high energy dance band and caller combination that combines superb calling, driving fiddle and guitar playing, and the rich texture and rhythmic excitement of a full horn section. Elixir performs tightly crafted music drawing on a wide range of styles and evoking a variety of moods. Elegant melodies evolve into raucous dixieland horn riffs; transcendent harmonies, playful improvisations, and rock, swing and reggae-inspired rhythms weave in and out of traditional and original Irish, French Canadian and New England tunes. Elixir plays for dances, festivals, camps, weddings and other events, with a repertoire that includes music for contra, square, English and swing dancing; waltzing; couples dancing; and concert programs.
Elixir is:
- Nils Fredland, calling / trombone
- Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, fiddle
- Jesse Hazzard-Watkins, trumpet
- Anna Patton, clarinet
- Owen Morrison, guitar / feet
Since its beginning in 2005, Elixir has evolved a sound that combines musical innovation with strong danceability. In March 2007 the band recorded a short four-track CD (now out of print and destined to become a collector's item). In July 2008 Elixir released the spiffy new disc entitled Super Tonic which you are sure to enjoy. And while the CD certainly rocks, the real thing is even better - we hope you'll join us at an upcoming show...
Band Member Bios
Nils Fredland
Nils Fredland has been calling dances with admirable skill and infectious energy since 2000. At a recent festival in Ann Arbor, MI, a happy dancer told Nils he is "the Mick Jagger of contra dance callers"...so it seems that Nils has brought a bit of his rock star past to his current dance calling role. Trained as a classical trombonist at Indiana University, Nils has tooted his horn in ensembles ranging from symphony orchestras to ska bands. Elixir brings all of his myriad talents together in one thrilling musical package. Visit Nils' web site.
Jesse Hazzard-Watkins
Trumpeter
Jesse Hazzard-Watkins mixes keen musicality, skillful and accurate
technical playing,
and
a clear and vibrant tone
to create beautiful music in a variety of genres. Beginning as
a young child Jesse has pursued an ever-deepening study of
classical trumpet performance, attending Kinhaven School of
Music, Ithaca
College School of Music, and the University of Massachusetts,
where he completed a Masters of Music in May of 2007. Besides
playing with Elixir, Jesse has wide ranging experience performing
in solo recitals, for religious ceremonies and weddings, as
a
member
of Chamber ensembles, and in large Orchestra and Band settings.
He is also a talented
teacher, offering lessons tailored to the
needs of trumpeters of all ages and levels of experience. Visit Jesse's web site.
Ethan Hazzard-Watkins
Fiddler
Ethan Hazzard-Watkins performs traditional and original music
with driving energy, passion and grace. His fiery, lyrical
fiddling
fuses elements
of Irish, French Canadian and New England styles, along
with influences from Swing, Blues and Classical music.
Based in Brattleboro, VT, Ethan tours extensively throughout
the US and beyond, playing for Contra and English dances,
at festivals and dance camps, and as an accompanist with
singer-songwriters. Besides Elixir, Ethan
plays with several other contra dance bands, teaches fiddle lessons, helps organize dances in Brattleboro and Walpole,
and is an avid composer
of fiddle tunes. Ethan also works as the Youth Projects Intern at CDSS. Visit Ethan's web site.
Anna Patton
Clarinetist
Anna Patton plays dance tunes with great verve, clarity and
harmonic whim. She began studying
classical music on the clarinet at the age of fourteen,
and has taken her training in eclectic directions. Besides
playing
for contra and English dancing, her repertoire includes
Balkan music, Brazilian choros, and early jazz. Based in Vermont,
Anna has spent much of her life on tour in the states and
abroad singing or playing for dancers, concert goers, and
pedestrians. Besides Elixir, she plays with the
contra dance bands Beeswax
Sheepskin
and The
Figments
; Paradiso, which has a repertoire of Latin
American and French music; The
Will Patton Ensemble
; and Housetop, featuring string
band swing with vocal harmonies. Visit Anna's web site.
Owen Morrison
Owen grew up in Charlottesville, VA surrounded by great musicians and it wasn't long before he wanted to join in the fun. He's now a full-time guitarist based in Nashville, TN and he's frequently on the road playing for dances, concerts, parties and weddings. He plays flatpick and rhythm guitar and mandolin for contra dances all over the country with several bands including Airdance, Night Watch, The Figments, Elixir, Morrison Brothers Band and House Red. Owen is equally at home in other styles of music such as swing, bluegrass, blues and classical. He graduated from Guilford College in 2006 with a degree in music/classical guitar performance. Visit Owen's web site.
Info for press, radio, sound techs
A few useful tidbits:
- Download an Elixir stage plot
- High resolution photos of Elixir: photo 1 or photo 2
- Elixir one sheet press info
