The Gothard Sisters (L-R): Greta, Solana and Willow performing Sunday afternoon in the Seeley-Swan High School auditorium.
Willow (right) told the story of learning how to play a special kind of fiddle from the elves, however she had to be wearing her special "elf hat." It didn't take Greta long to realize she needed a hat to play the special music. After trying to take her sister's, she found her own blue elf hat and they began to play together. When Solana arrived, she quickly learned that when the hats were on her sisters played....when they were off, they stopped. She had great fun removing their hats creating a stop, start of the song until she found her own hat and joined in the "Magical Hat Song."
SEELEY LAKE – After more than two years of 2 Valley Stage trying to book The Gothard Sisters, they finally took the stage Sunday, Dec. 12 in Seeley Lake. Alpine Artisans Assistant Director Robert Green guessed they would be popular and he was right. Playing to an audience of more than 120, The Gothard Sisters mixed Celtic and Irish music with new and old Christmas carols.
Their musical versatility was astounding. They all sang, danced and played the violin. They were each well versed in at least one more instrument with Solana playing several percussion instruments, her favorite being the Bodhran.
They "broke the rules of Irish music" when Willow joined Solana on a second Bodhran, typically only one is played at a time. With Greta on guitar, they played a medley including a Bodhran duet to "Wipe Out." Their ability to fluidly change instruments mid-song, kept the audience on their toes and was an auditory delight.
They successfully recruited the audience to participate on several numbers, adding clapping, creating a "mysterious chorus" for their song "Meet Me at Dawn" and joining them in the traditional "Silent Night." They intermixed playful sisterly banter that added humor to their light-hearted performance.
The audience was quick to their feet for a standing ovation, which The Gothard Sisters obliged another song. Their optimistic style of music left toes tapping as they ended their performance, thanking everyone for supporting live music.
On Monday and Tuesday, The Gothard Sisters gave informances at Seeley Lake Elementary, SSHS, Swan Valley Elementary and Potomac School.
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