15 years ago, I lost my brother to suicide. He was only 24. I think about him every day and still miss him terribly. My dedication to removing the stigma from mental illness comes from knowing that Danny chose suicide to end his suffering. I wish he’d found a different path to peace.
For me and my family, part of grieving and remembering Danny is choosing to honour his memory with a legacy that celebrates and honours his uncanny musical talent.
As I remember it, by the time he was 6 or 7 years old, Danny was already impressing fellow fiddlers with his ability to “saw that fiddle right in two.” That’s how Brock Zeman describes it in his tribute, Danny's Song (The Fiddler's Gone Home).
The year after we lost him, we presented the first Danny O’Connell Memorial Award (a monetary gift) to a local fiddler under the age of 25. 15 years later, we continue to issue the award annually. Recipients are nominated by three Ottawa area organizations in the traditional fiddle community: The Renfrew County Fiddlers, The Irish Society of the National Capital, and the Ottawa Traditional Fiddle & Folk-Art Society.
And each year we organize an uplifting event to highlight the award recipients.
This year, on Sunday, April 14, sweet sounds of bow & string will pour out the windows of the Almonte Old Town Hall.
Fiddler’s Friends is also in its 15th year. The traditional fiddle awards showcase concert is a wonderful, celebratory event for avid Old Time Ottawa Valley and Celtic music fans. My family -- the O’Connell Family -- is so grateful for the devoted support of all the musicians who donate their time and talent to this event. Each year’s profits support the Danny O’Connell Memorial Fund, administered by The Community Foundation of Ottawa.
This year’s Fiddler’s Friends line-up includes:
- Past award recipients Tessa Bangs, Kyle Burghout, Alexander George, Michaela Mullan, and Anthony Vial.
- The Fiddler’s Friends: Kyle Felhaver, Matt Pepin, and Terri-Lynn Mahusky accompanied by John Mitchell on piano.
- And special guests Alexis MacIsaac, Fiddler and Ernie Fraser, Celtic Guitarist.
Tickets are only $15 and available for order by phone through Mill Street Books 613-256-9090; in person at the Almonte retailers Mill Street Books, Couple’s Corners, and Mississippi Musicworks; or at the door. (Follow Fiddler’s Friends on Facebook )
Danny, you are missed by everyone who ever met you. We know that, somewhere, you’re tapping your toes to the tunes of young fiddlers who are keeping your name and legacy alive.
“The wind wasn't blowing but all the trees were swaying
And Danny was tickling the moon with the tip of his bow
That tune he was playing I forgot the name
But I'd give my guitar right now to hear it played that way again.”
Brock Zeman, Danny's Song (The Fiddler's Gone Home).