A performance by folk band "Kotwica"

Description

Kotwica (Koht-veets-ah) meaning "anchor", a cultural symbol of freedom, plays folk music from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Directed by David Rapkievian of Bar Harbor, it features musicians on fiddle, button accordion, balalaika, guitar, and string bass.  David Chrapkiewicz (Rapkievian) has been a professional award-winning violin maker for almost 5 decades. In his younger years he was a choreographer, director, and dancer in multiple dance groups. David also plays fiddle with the Big Moose Band.

 The other musicians performing with Kotwica include:

 Carolyn Rapkievian, who has been playing guitar with David since they married in 1991.  She is an Armenian dance researcher and workshop leader and recently retired from a 50-year career in museums including 26 years with the Smithsonian.

 Eloise Schultz, who grew up in New York City, where she studied classical voice and performed with ensembles around the city. Her interest in folk traditions was shaped by klezmer and shape note singing. 

 David Quinby, who is an enthusiastic double-bass player with various local orchestras, with the Big Moose Contra Dance Band, and with smaller ensembles.

 Kevin Sone, who is one of the very finest accordion players in the area. He hails from the beautiful and bucolic Benton, Maine.

 Vocalists providing beautiful harmonies in the group are led by Anne Tatgenhorst. Anne, inspired by her Bulgarian roots, began performing songs from Eastern Europe with Kirsten Stockman, Kim Reiss and the original Maine Women's Balkan Choir in the 1990's. The group's repertoire includes songs and dance music from Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and beyond.