Brenna FitzPatrick wowed the crowd at BIS benefit

Star of the night is 19-month-old Brenna as friends of Trudy raise money for medical expenses

From the first note of Fiddler’s Sons, one of the many Celtic acts who performed at Trudy Barry’s benefit, it was obvious the real star of the night was 19 month old Benna FitzPatrick.

The daughter of fiddler Sheila (MacKenzie) FitzPatrick of Little Pond danced up onto the stage to the delight of the standing room only crowd.

Her mother could only look on with helpless amusement as Brenna later climbed up on the piano stool, lifted the keyboard lid and started to tickle the keys like a pro during the second song of her set.

MacKenzie played on, accompanied by the amazing guitarist Lester Stubbert.

Stubbert is the only guitarist we know who can accompany a fiddler and make it side like the two handed piano most fiddlers prefer.  We had to keep looking to make sure it wasn’t Brenna banging out the tune at her tender age.

When fiddling dynamo Cynthia MacLeod took the stage after the intermission, he begged the audience “I wish I had a child like that to make me look good.”

Up came Brenna one more time to dance beside Cynthia, Lester and Kevin Chaisson of Rollo Bay on piano. The crowd loved it.

The benefit was held by the BIS to raise funds for long-time volunteer Trudy Barry who underwent cancer treatments this summer. Trudy who arranged so many benefits at the BIS on North River Road for other people, was the happy recipient of a large door donation, 50/50 draw and silent auction.

Everybody knows and loves Trudy for her many kindnesses over the years and it was great to see the turnout for her.

Leona and Margie Carmichael dedicated Carol King’s You’ve Got A Friend to Trudy which should be you’ve got lots of friends Trudy.

The night’s entertainment kept the hall full from the first to last note.

Included on the bill, in order of appearance were: Fiddler’s Sons with the tall, handsome Eddie Quinn singing lead, John Webster, Garth Matthews and Cynthia sitting in; The Chaisson Trio from Rollo Bay, Kevin, Lemmie and Peter; Belfast Ceili Band of Michael Page, Susan Sherwood, Jim Hornby and Cef Pobjoy; Sheila MacKenzie and Lester Stubbert; Michael Page; Cynthia MacLeod with Lester Stubbert and Kevin Chaisson; and Leona and Margie Carmichael.

Everyone’s prayers and best wished go out to Trudy. Thanks to the musicians and friends who made it a memorable Sunday evening.