The ‘Flippin’ Fiddler’ is coming back to Springhill

SPRINGHILL – Scott Woods can play a fiddle under his legs, behind his back and even while in the process of turning a somersault, earning him the nickname Flippin’ Fiddler.

And amid the high energy performance, there are touching moments, too, that only come about in the intimate settings he enjoys most.

“It’s not uncommon to see a couple, 50 or 60 years married, reach out and touch each other’s hands. They’re holding hands as a tune means something to them,” said Woods. “You don’t get that in the bigger venues.”

Come Aug. 15, the Scott Woods Band may quite literally roll out the barrel at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church in Springhill – with their frontman fiddling atop one as it rolls across the stage.

Such musical magic is in the genes for Woods, whose father started the old-time country and fiddle family band in their hometown of Fergus, Ont., 74 years ago.

“My dad Mervyn was a fiddler and he put a band together when he was 12,” Woods said. “In 1944, they played their first old time dance and in 1956 the orchestra needed a new piano player and they hired a new girl called Carolyn; that’s how my mom and dad met.”

Woods was born in 1970 and has three siblings: Bruce, Kendra and Elizabeth. Their hometown of Fergus has a strong Scottish heritage. The Woods family’s own heritage was mostly Scottish with a bit of Irish mixed in as well.

Woods started playing violin at age four. Learning the notes, scales and intricacies of the instrument was often tricky for a young child. The reward from his father, however, was playing at shows across Ontario, eastern and western Canada and the northern United States.

“We were fiercely competitive, but at the same time we were best buddies while all competing and we used to jam together and learn tunes from each other,” recalled Woods. “I had more friends across the country than I did in my hometown.”

His childhood musical training set Woods up for success in taking over the family band from his father in the mid-1980s. As Mervyn eased his son into the position of new frontman, the father stepped back to become manager and sound man.

Mervyn continued as manager until he passed away 2003, at age 71.

But the Scott Woods Band has carried on the family tradition. Since the 1980s, Woods estimates his group has played about 40 tours out west and another 30 or so on the Atlantic coast.

For the band, playing a show is the reward for all the hard work that goes into setting up a gig, such as setting up the stage lighting and sound systems.

Travelling itself can be tough. The band uses a tour bus that requires regular maintenance and mechanical upkeep. Woods is the driver and trips can be punishing, especially out west where communities can be separated by hundreds of kilometres of wilderness.

But seeing and interacting with the audience makes it all worthwhile for Woods and his family band who play in small venues that promote audience interaction.

The Scott Woods Band takes the stage at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church in Springhill at 7 p.m. on Aug. 15.

Tickets are on sale Ross Anderson Pharmachoice, Springhill.

For more information, visit http://www.scottwoods.ca.