Biography (Courtesy of the Artist's site, 2005).

From Prince Edward Island on Canada's East coast comes fiddling dynamo Richard Wood. He has been wowing audiences for over a decade.

He has won countless championships as a step dancer and fiddler. Twice he earned the Don Messer Memorial Trophy for top Maritime fiddler. In 1998 he won Instrumental Artist and Roots / Traditional Artist at the East Coast Music Awards in Halifax.

Richard has performed for audiences at concerts and festivals across Canada, in the United States and the United Kingdom. Guest appearances with Shania Twain on David Letterman and Good Morning America, in Ottawa on Parliament Hill, the Wolf Trap theater Washington D.C., and the Canadian High Commission London, England Also The Celtic Electric CBC special with Jean Butler of River Dance and many top artists from around the world. Richard also recently appeared in Billboard Magazine out of New York and a BBC TV special in Scotland, Richard appeared in the Maclean's Magazine, Special Edition First Issue of The 21st Century. Appeared on Vicki Gabereau show February 2001. Toured the East Coast of United States and played Carnegie Hall in New York with the Chieftains on St. Patrick's Day. Played for Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gala on 10 October 2002 at Roy Thomson Hall Toronto CBC Production.

In 1998 and 1999 Richard had a very successful year touring Europe, Germany, France, Belgium And Denmark. Richard also did a cross Canada Tour in May followed by The Winnipeg Folk Festival. In October he performed with the Nova Scotia Symphony in Halifax N.S. He recently returned from Japan where he performed for the Emperor, and Prince and also a delegation of Prime Ministers. On 1st July 2000 performed at Expo in Hanover Germany and for the Governor Generals Awards broadcast on CBC. Richard recently completed a tour of the USA with the Chieftains and played at a reception for Prince Charles at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Most recent performance November 2001 has taken richard to Italy. Recently Richard played at Capital Hill in Washington for Canadian American friendship day.

Richard's music is becoming very popular in Europe. He is one of many artists included on this UK CD entitled "Evolving Tradition II". His previous albums Celtic Touch, All Fired Up, and Fire Dance are under the Iona Label in Scotland and distributed Internationally. His latest recording "Come Dance With Me" was released in June 1999. A new book entitled "Richard Wood Music Collection Volume 1" with 60 original compositions was released at the same time as the new album.

Richard's high energy show is a combination of fiddling virtuosity and stunning showmanship. He continues to evolve an innovative approach to traditional Celtic jigs, reels, and strathspeys. Tempering the mix are sweet airs and lively polkas.