Brograss in Concert - Roding Rotary Club

Two extraordinary musical brothers made a rare visit to the UK at the end of February, 2020 (just before lockdown) and performed for us in the Deaton Theatre at Forest School.. They also took part in Rotary's 'Youth Makes Music' at the Royal Festival Hall. The two boys, Tashi and Kaj Litch, perform as Brograss and had just released their second CD. Both boys play fiddle and are excellent vocalists with Tashi specialising on the mandolin and Kaj on guitar. They have been performing together already for since they were very little. They first hit the musical headlines in 2010 when they were busking at Pike Place Market in Seattle and were spotted by Brandi Carlile, the famous American singer-songwriter and producer. She persuaded the boys to open her show with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra at Benaroya Hall. They received a standing ovation and have never looked back. They are now regular performers at Bluegrass festivals across the USA. Tashi made a film about growing up with music on a small island which won the short film prize at the Orcas Film Festival and was shown at the International Film Festival in Seattle. It is called ‘It Takes an Island’ and you can find it on Youtube . It’s well worth watching. You can also find out more about the duo on their website www.brograssmusic.com . Wanstead Upbeat, a local community choir, also took part in the concert performing medleys from 'Oklahoma' and from the songs of Dolly Parton. Our president, Bob Bishop, joined the boys in several items, including an attractive waltz song by Tashi to which he had written the lyrics.

This was a terrific event with a large, enthusiastic audience and raised an impressive sum for our community charity in St Lucia, Kwazulu-Natal. Thanks to all who attended and performed and made this such a special occasion.