About the Artist
Saskia Tomkins, from the UK, moved to Ontario in 2007 with her family, bringing with them a wealth of musical talent and experience. Saskia’s musical abilities on bowed strings are wide ranging, from classical to Celtic, to Django-jazz, to songwriter accompaniment. After seeing Stefan Grappelli perform 3 times, she completed a BA in Jazz and popular music. She has played with countless artists in many genres, including Uriah Heep’s 30th anniversary concert, improvising with dancers at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London and learning cello for Michael Bogdanov and the English Shakespeare Company. She has recorded on over 60 albums for other artists and several with her own groups. Saskia is also the All Britain Champion for Irish Fiddle.
In Canada, Saskia has worked at 4th Line Theatre for 8 years.
Saskia was commissioned to co-write the music with Steafan Hannigan for Driving Miss Daisy at The Capitol Theatre, Port Hope, and developed the music for the Broadway hit, “Come From Away”, also with Steafan. She is principle viola in the Northumberland Orchestra, and principle 2nd violin in Quinte Symphony Orchestra and frequently plays with Kim Doolittle, David Newland and Astrid Young.
Her personal projects include her family band “Clan Hannigan”, the instrumental duo “2ish” the Celtic trio “Cairdeas” and the jazz trio “Marsala and the Imports. Saskia currently has 3 albums on iTunes: with “2ish”, and with Steafan.
About The Wild Nellies
The Wild Nellies is a growing collective of women creatives who share a passion for the healing power of creative self-expression. We gather to perform and exhibit our work, and to celebrate our sheroes — the women who inspire us. Our events raise awareness and funds for charities that support women in escaping domestic violence and finding their own voice.
MOLLY MALONE
by Gwynn Scheltema
I didn’t meet Molly in Dublin’s fair city
in fact, I don’t remember how
we became companions on car rides
to school with my father
windows wide to catch the wind
wipe clean blue cigarette smoke
Molly joined us under tropical heat
thunderstorm, crisp winter mornings
with her barrow and cockles and mussels
and Father and I sang
Alive Alive Oh!
We harmonized the wind
I on melody, Father beating rhythm
on the steering wheel
voicing the notes between the sounds
unsaid feelings, unacknowledged connections
me hearing them
vibrations deep in my bones
Alive Alive Oh!
Emotional Balm
What a horrible day.
Music. I hear lively, movement encouraging music.
I’m so grumpy. Maybe I shouldn’t stop. Sigh.
Music. Humankind’s vessel to our emotions. This pleasant sound is lightning my mood, already.
The musician, obviously a professional knows the instrument well. The many wooden keys and bulky frame makes it look heavy. Yet the sound is light, uplifting. There’s history behind the music and the instrument. I’ll research tonight.
A nod to the musician. Gladly I place a ten in the can.
Okay, homeward bound, emotional balm applied. No one gets slapped tonight.
Just kidding.
Entries are now Closed for March/April. Go to our May Story Starters to enter this month’s contest!