Here's a bit of what's happening on the Celtic music scene over the next few weeks.
Tonight Baddeck fiddler Rachel Davis joins singer-songwriters Carmel Mikol & Kim Wempe for a show at the Community Hall in North River starting at 7:30, as Carmel brings her music and friends to her 'hometown'.
There is also a square dance tonight, starting at 9, at the Westmount Legion, with music by Carl MacKenzie, Anita MacDonald and Susan MacLean.
In Iona, Branch # 124 Legion hosts their weekly suppers every Friday at 6, followed by a Ceilidh at 7. Tonight the music is by Rob MacLean.
And tonight at 8 the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique hosts the release of "Branches", the new CD by Andrea Beaton & Tracey Dares
Tomorrow (Saturday, October 31st)
The Doryman's Tavern in Chéticamp features Howie MacDonald & Brenda Stubbert from 2 to 6.
Andrea Beaton & Troy MacGillivray are playing tomorrow night at the dance at the West Mabou Hall.
In Antigonish St. Francis Xavier University hosts a Gaelic Day tomorrow at Nicholson Hall (6th floor) with registration at 9am.
That afternoon it's Andrea Beaton & friends Piper's Pub in Antigonish.
And the monthly Cape Breton Square Dance takes place in Halifax tomorrow night with music by Michael Hall & Margie Beaton.
Sunday, November 1st
The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique has their weekly sessions that run from 3 to 7. This Sunday it's Brenda Stubbert & Howie MacDonald while next week it's Carl MacKenzie & Pat Chafe.
Just across the parking lot, at the Judique Community Centre, you'll find the Highland Guitar Society gathering for a session every second Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5. Next session is November 8th.
Don't forget the Gaelic Family Weekend at the Gaelic College in St. Ann's on November 7th & 8th, and there's a session of fiddle music held every Thursday evening at Rollie's Wharf, in North Sydney.
Until next time,
Dan
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Here's more of what happening around Cape Breton.
The Highland Village Museum/An Clachan Gàidhealach in Iona will be hosting two more days of Oidhche nam Bòcan/Night of the Spooks, today and tomorrow (Friday & Saturday, October 23 & 24).Come and celebrate Halloween with a special evening tour of the Highland Village by lamp light, complete with storytelling, skits and special effects. The tour is followed by a storytelling session in "The Tuning Room" with fourag, oatcakes and more. This is a family activity enjoyed by all. Prepaid reservations are required. Call (902) 725-2272 for tickets.
Also in Iona, Branch # 124 Legion hosts their weekly suppers every Friday at 6, followed by a Ceilidh at 7. Tonight the music is by Sean MacMullin. On October 30, Rob MacLean will entertain.
Saturday night Kinnon & Betty Beaton are playing for the square dance at the West Mabou Hall. Also on Saturday night J.P. Cormier will be at Shindigs Pub in Port Hawkesbury, starting at 9. And in Glendale, the Parish Hall is the site for a benefit dance for Andrew MacLennan with Shelly Campbell, Sandy & Johnny MacDonald and Gerald MacIntyre.
It's Marc Boudreau & friends at Cheticamp's Doryman's Tavern this Saturday at 2, while the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique will feature Marc Boudreau and Guest for this week's Sunday Ceilidh starting at 3 in the afternoon.
Finally, fiddler Rachel Davis joins singers Carmel Mikol & Kim Wempe for a live acoustic show at the North River Community Hall next Friday, October 30.
Now, don't complain that you have nothing to do!
Until next time, Dan
Also in Iona, Branch # 124 Legion hosts their weekly suppers every Friday at 6, followed by a Ceilidh at 7. Tonight the music is by Sean MacMullin. On October 30, Rob MacLean will entertain.
Saturday night Kinnon & Betty Beaton are playing for the square dance at the West Mabou Hall. Also on Saturday night J.P. Cormier will be at Shindigs Pub in Port Hawkesbury, starting at 9. And in Glendale, the Parish Hall is the site for a benefit dance for Andrew MacLennan with Shelly Campbell, Sandy & Johnny MacDonald and Gerald MacIntyre.
It's Marc Boudreau & friends at Cheticamp's Doryman's Tavern this Saturday at 2, while the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique will feature Marc Boudreau and Guest for this week's Sunday Ceilidh starting at 3 in the afternoon.
Finally, fiddler Rachel Davis joins singers Carmel Mikol & Kim Wempe for a live acoustic show at the North River Community Hall next Friday, October 30.
Now, don't complain that you have nothing to do!
Until next time, Dan
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Some up-coming events of interest.
Here is some more news that I wanted to pass along.
There will be an Angus Chisholm Tribute at Southwest Margaree Hall this Saturday night (October 24). The lineup of entertainers is impressive, including Dwayne Cote, Howie MacDonald, Brenda Stubbert, Maybelle Chisholm, and many more. There will be a dance to follow. All profits will go to erecting a monument of Angus Chisholm.
Tickets can be purchased by phoning: Elanor Chisholm at (902) 248-2737 or Marie at (902) 248-2626.
The Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts will be hosting Deireadh Seachdain Dhan Teaghlach (a Gaelic Family Weekend), on Saturday and Sunday, November 7& 8, 2009.
This Family Weekend will bring together parents, children, youth, and extended family members to learn and enjoy Gaelic within settings and scenarios natural to day-to-day family living. As much as possible, the weekend will be conducted as a language and cultural immersion experience and we will work to foster an atmosphere for on-going intergenerational learning that will continue after participants return home. The Evening Ceilidh follows the tradition of The Gaelic House-Ceilidh, sitting in a relaxed setting singing songs together, telling stories and enjoying music and dance. Everyone is welcome to contribute to the evening's enjoyment.
PLEASE NOTE: This weekend is intended for Families who wish to learn Gaelic together. Adults must be accompanied by children/youth. Children/Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
For more info: Email: <hector@gaeliccollege.edu>Phone: 902-295-3411
Cape Breton's renowned Gaelic singer Mary Jane Lamond will be part of a day of Scottish Gaelic language and song during the 2009-10 school year, on December 5, 2009, hosted by The Gaelic Society of Toronto and the University of Toronto Celtic Studies Program.
Besides Mary Jane, the guest teachers will include Scotland's renowned Gaelic singer Catherine-Ann MacPhee and Oighrig Keough, a native Gaelic speaker and long-time Gaelic educator.
The Canan agus Oran day will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Alumni Hall, 121 St. Joseph Street (Saint Michael's College, University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario.
The day will comprise of language classes and a song workshop. Classes will be offered at the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
For more information, call Lorrie at (905) 844-4908
Until next time,
Dan
There will be an Angus Chisholm Tribute at Southwest Margaree Hall this Saturday night (October 24). The lineup of entertainers is impressive, including Dwayne Cote, Howie MacDonald, Brenda Stubbert, Maybelle Chisholm, and many more. There will be a dance to follow. All profits will go to erecting a monument of Angus Chisholm.
Tickets can be purchased by phoning: Elanor Chisholm at (902) 248-2737 or Marie at (902) 248-2626.
***********
The Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts will be hosting Deireadh Seachdain Dhan Teaghlach (a Gaelic Family Weekend), on Saturday and Sunday, November 7& 8, 2009.
This Family Weekend will bring together parents, children, youth, and extended family members to learn and enjoy Gaelic within settings and scenarios natural to day-to-day family living. As much as possible, the weekend will be conducted as a language and cultural immersion experience and we will work to foster an atmosphere for on-going intergenerational learning that will continue after participants return home. The Evening Ceilidh follows the tradition of The Gaelic House-Ceilidh, sitting in a relaxed setting singing songs together, telling stories and enjoying music and dance. Everyone is welcome to contribute to the evening's enjoyment.
PLEASE NOTE: This weekend is intended for Families who wish to learn Gaelic together. Adults must be accompanied by children/youth. Children/Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
For more info: Email: <hector@gaeliccollege.edu>Phone: 902-295-3411
***********
Cape Breton's renowned Gaelic singer Mary Jane Lamond will be part of a day of Scottish Gaelic language and song during the 2009-10 school year, on December 5, 2009, hosted by The Gaelic Society of Toronto and the University of Toronto Celtic Studies Program.
Besides Mary Jane, the guest teachers will include Scotland's renowned Gaelic singer Catherine-Ann MacPhee and Oighrig Keough, a native Gaelic speaker and long-time Gaelic educator.
The Canan agus Oran day will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Alumni Hall, 121 St. Joseph Street (Saint Michael's College, University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario.
The day will comprise of language classes and a song workshop. Classes will be offered at the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
For more information, call Lorrie at (905) 844-4908
Until next time,
Dan
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Musicians on the road for Cape Breton Dances
This information was just passed along to me and I wanted to let you folks know. There are number of Cape Breton musicians who will be on the road in the next while, spreading the Celtic gospel.
The Cape Breton Charitable Association presents the October Halifax Cape Breton Dance, on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 from 9pm-1am at the Shriner’s Hall on Connolly Street. Music provided by Michael Hall on fiddle and Margie Beaton on piano. As this dance falls on Halloween, you can dress up if you wish, or come in plain clothes, all up to you! 19-years and over, $9 admission.
*****
There’s a Cape Breton dance featuring fiddler Andrea Beaton, pianist Hilda Chiasson, and Remi Arsenault on guitar at The Can-Am Club, 202 Arlington St., Watertown, MA, Saturday, November 14, 2009, starting at 8PM.
Also, mark your calendars for December 12 for a dance featuring Kimberley Fraser and Janine Randall at the same venue.
The Cape Breton Charitable Association presents the October Halifax Cape Breton Dance, on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 from 9pm-1am at the Shriner’s Hall on Connolly Street. Music provided by Michael Hall on fiddle and Margie Beaton on piano. As this dance falls on Halloween, you can dress up if you wish, or come in plain clothes, all up to you! 19-years and over, $9 admission.
*****
There’s a Cape Breton dance featuring fiddler Andrea Beaton, pianist Hilda Chiasson, and Remi Arsenault on guitar at The Can-Am Club, 202 Arlington St., Watertown, MA, Saturday, November 14, 2009, starting at 8PM.
Also, mark your calendars for December 12 for a dance featuring Kimberley Fraser and Janine Randall at the same venue.
Cape Breton Musicians on the move
Now that the Celtic Colours International Festival is over for another year, you would think that most Cape Breton musicians would be kickin' back and relaxing for a while. Not so! A group of Cape Bretoners left yesterday (October 19) where they start a tour that continues for the next month. Northside fiddler and dancer Jennifer Roland heads up the troupe, which includes singer-songwriter Buddy MacDonald and percussionist Keith Mullins, with Cheticamp's Jason Roach on piano and Halifax-based Kev Corbett on bass. Jennifer, Buddy and Keith (along with Adam Young and Allie Bennett), spent five weeks performing at Dollywood, Tennessee, this past spring and it's a version of the same show that they are taking to Europe. The full schedule of shows is available on Jennifer and Buddy's websites.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Celtic Colours is over for another year
It’s difficult to believe but the 2009 Celtic Colours International Festival is over for another year. Nine days of music and friends and fun, with every day a gem! I’ve seen and heard some amazing performances at shows around the island, and here’s an overview of what I’ve managed to take in.
The opening in Port Hawkesbury (on Friday October 9) was a massive production that combined the best of Cape Breton talent with the best of the visiting Irish contingent. In the 1990’s a group of Cape Breton performers journeyed to Cork, Ireland for a massive festival. They were matched up with a corresponding group of local Irish traditional musicians. This year many of those same artists made the trip to Cape Breton and recreated the same production. It made for a somewhat long but very impressive evening of music.
The Port Hawkesbury show was followed by a trip to the Celtic Colours Festival Club, the late night center of entertainment to runs from 11 at night until 3 (or longer) the next morning, every night of the Festival. For logistical reasons, most of the artists in the opening show were housed in Port Hawkesbury where a reception was held, with special guests including Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis. The music was still great, as there were plenty of singers and fiddlers waiting to take their turn on stage.
The following night I caught a barnburner of a concert at the Wagmatcook Heritage & Cultural Centre. To give you an idea of the strength of the show, each act received a standing ovation, as did the finale. The aptly named Coast to Coast show open with Qristina & Quinn Bachand, young brother and sister duo from Victoria, B.C who have been recently nominated for a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award in the Young Performer of the Year category. 19-year-old Qristina is a wicked fiddler while Quinn (still only 13) is a real monster on the guitar.
The Bachands were followed by Manitoba’s Sierra Noble, (a young fiddler and singer making a return trip to Celtic Colours), backed by Margaree guitarist Brian Doyle and percussionist Scott Senior from Winnipeg. Ireland’s Fidil, (a trio of young fiddlers with interesting styles and arrangements), started the second half in style. The closing act for the evening was our own Ashley MacIsaac who was right on top of his game. His playing just cooked and he had the sold-out audience in the palm of his hand. Quinn Bachand joined Ashley on stage and to give you an idea of just how good he is on that guitar, the set was unrehearsed and completely of the cuff and the young guitarist didn’t miss a note!
Sunday (October 11) found me in Whycocomagh. I caught an interesting afternoon of music at The Keltic Quay, a loose jam session with Sierra Noble, Kinnon and Betty Beaton acting as ‘house musicians’ and the floor open to anyone who wanted to join in. There were fiddle, guitar, mandolin and harmonica players and several accordionists, locals as well as people from across Canada, the United States, and as far away as Australia. Twenty-plus musicians and even a few dancers as well, in an intimate little setting with a blazing fireplace to keep away the unexpected chill.
Before that was completely over I headed back to Baddeck to catch part of the launch party for Rachel Davis’ new, self-titled CD. Family and friends surrounded the young Baddeck area fiddler as she worked her way through the music on her recording backed mainly by Tracey Dares-MacNeil on piano and Buddy MacDonald on guitar, along with others from the audience from time to time. Fiddler Clarence Long joined her for one special group of tunes. He is her grandfather and was her first fiddle teacher.
Rachel took the time to chat about her music and the tunes selected, explaining where she located the tunes or from where they were learned. She also surprised many by singing a lovely Gaelic song. She has a delightful voice and needs to explore that side of her music more.
That night the show in Whycocomagh was titled All in the Family. I saw Qristina & Quinn Bachand again, and was even more impressed. I really loved the vocal harmony of Maighréad & Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, sisters with voices like angels. I saw Tríona in concert in Baddeck twenty-five years ago and she is still as powerful a singer as she was then. I had heard and met Brendan Begley in Ireland ten years ago and expected great things from him and his family…and wasn’t disappointed.
The closer for the night were the Barra MacNeils, who gave their usual superb performance. As I sat watching their show I was struck by just how polished and professional these six siblings are… and they pull it off without being artificial. They truly love the music and the culture and it shows on stage.
I arrived at the after-hours Festival Club at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s later that evening to hear a piper from Cuba on stage with that percussionist from Winnipeg, just one of the number of wonderful performances that made for a long, (and VERY enjoyable), musical day.
This was followed by a wicked set from Rachel Davis, Tracey Dares-MacNeil, Buddy MacDonald and friends. In what has become somewhat of a tradition, this was the official launch of her new CD. She had been the winner of the 2009 Frank “Big Sampie” Sampson Award, presented each year by the Celtic Colours Festival Drive’er Association in memory of the long-time Celtic Colours volunteer. This organization presents a monetary prize each year to an up and coming young Celtic musician to help with their first recording. This is partnered with recording time from Lakewind Studios, allowing the winner to produce a top-quality product for much less money.
Rachel was followed by Troy MacGillivray and Shane Cook, a pair of polished fiddlers with a knack for whipping up the crowd. Fidil was next and they were joined by Seosamh Ó Neachtain, an electrifying dancer with an amazing stamina.
The Barras upped the ante again, laying out another blistering set, following by fiddlers Colin Grant and Rosie MacKenzie. Colin then returned with his band to finish the night in style, leaving the stage at about 3:20 in the morning.
Day four found me in Judique for The Hand that Rocks the Bow, a show that featured the music of six amazingly talented female fiddlers: Ireland’s Maireád Ní Mhaonaigh and Máire O'Keeffe, along with Cape Breton’s Wendy MacIsaac, Andrea Beaton, Brenda Stubbert and Kimberley Fraser. They also had a pair of honorary women for backup. Maireád brought along Capercaillie band member Manus Lunny while guitarist Brad Davidge was there at Wendy’s request.
The ladies traded tunes (and jokes) throughout the evening, alternating on piano to provide backup from time to time. The full house was completely captivated and each set was punctuated by appreciative applause.
On Tuesday I started off with an early afternoon at the Inverness County Centre for the Arts for a show co-sponsored with Celtic Colours that featured a trio of young female singer-songwriters. This is a lovely facility, a truly intimate and relaxing setting that put both audience and performers at ease. The featured artists were Sierra Noble, coupled with two Cape Breton gals: Lisa Cameron is from Inverness County and was well known to the local audience members while this was the first performance in the Inverness area for Victoria County’s Carmel Mikol.
As with most songwriter sessions, the participants took turns, trading off songs and stories, enthralling their audience with their talents in the process. They jumped in with backup vocals from time to time, or provided some instrumental help as needed, but mainly they tackled each song solo. These are three talented ladies, all with a gracious stage presence, who made the afternoon most enjoyable.
From there, it was off to Mabou for an evening concert at Strathspey Place called Close to the Floor: Steps Across the Pond. This was the annual dance show, which this year featured an impressive lineup of musicians and dancers from Cape Breton, Newfoundland, Ireland and Sweden. While the talent was all top-notch, one of the most note worthy performances was a Scotch Four, which featured the Warner Sisters, teamed with Newfoundland’s Jim Payne and Sweden’s Mats Melin. The different styles were evident and very enjoyable. If you think that a Swedish stepdancer is unusual, Mats teaches dances at the University of Limerick. He fit right in.
After the sold-out concert, I was off to the Red Shoe Pub for more music. This time it was Marc Boudreau and Robbie Fraser providing the tunes. A young Ontario fiddler (named Olivia), also took the fiddle for a few groups as well. Robbie was off to Antigonish right after the show where he had an early morning meeting before his first class of the day at St. F. X.
Wednesday morning found me in Baddeck, at the official launch of the Celtic Heart project. This also included some great music: a lovely Gaelic song from Queensville native Goiridh Dòmhnallach (Jeff MacDonald), followed by some great tunes and dancing from Dawn & Margie Beaton and Robert Deveaux.
Then it was on to St. Peter’s for the Songs from the Islands concert that featured singers Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne, John Ferguson & Roger Stone and J.P. Cormier, along with local fiddler Allie Mombourquette. This was a most crowd-pleasing show, very emotional at times as the vocalists gave their all. A particularly striking moment was Jim & Fergus’ rendition of How Good Is Me Life, the title cut from their latest CD. Their passionate performance brought thunderous applause from the audience.
Thursday (October 15) brought me back to Judique for a show that is always one of my favourites, the Guitar Summit. This year the lineup included veterans J.P. Cormier and Patrick Gillis, along with newcomers Jamie Gatti and Ciffie Carter. Gatti (who has played backup with the Barra MacNeils for years), wowed the audience by picking out fiddle tunes on the bass. J.P. and Patrick upped the level of play every time they took a turn. Richmond County Ciffie Carter is a newcomer to the Celtic Colours stage but is a well-known musician locally. He certainly showed that he belonged as he picked his way through tune after tune.
As has become traditional, J.P. brought along someone new to introduce to the audience. This time it was Maxime Cormier, a teenager from Cheticamp who is a cousin of J.P.’s and the son of his former bass player. He did very well, doing two groups of tunes backed up by J.P. Like Robbie Fraser the night before, he also had to make a quick return trip to Antigonish where he had an engineering exam the following morning.
The highlight for the night was the duet of Cormier and Gatti, picking out The Mathematician note for note on guitar and bass. WOW!!
The Festival Club rocked that night. The highlight for me was a set of songs from Evans & Doherty and friends that included a nice sing-along version of Wild Mountain Thyme, with Kevin and Brian joined by Donnie Campbell, John Karr, Darrell Keigan, Rob MacLean and Roger Stone.
Friday evening I went to Inverness for a massive show called Return to Ireland, a virtual farewell to the many Irish musicians who had been part of Colours for the past week. There were powerful performances all across the board but some really caught my attention.
One was a lovely song written by Goiridh Dòmhnallach that spoke of missing home and wanting to return. He wrote it while working in Alberta and it fit the theme of the evening so well. I was also touched by Keenan Barrett’s version of Danny Boy. Now, I have to let you know that while I really don’t like that song (very few people named Daniel do), I liked that version. Keenan stroked the right emotional chords with me and with the audience. The finale for this show was also marvelous with the Cape Breton and Irish musicians trading tunes and the dancers from both sides of the water showing some great steps.
Once again the Festival Club produced some wonderful music. There were some odd combinations such as a wild bluesy set from Ireland’s Eamonn MacDonncha & Michael Ó Súilleabháin. Or the folk-pop sounds of Carmel Mikol, backed up by fiddler Gillian Boucher. Or Andrew White and Brendan Power cranking out progressive Celtic. This was followed by the unusual combination of Flo Sampson on piano, Brendan Power on harmonica and Ian Sherwood on saxophone. Somehow it all worked!
The highlight was a set from Marc Boudreau, backed up by Andrea Beaton on piano, Dave MacIsaac on guitar and percussionist Cheryl Smith, which closed the night. Marc put so much into it that his bow blew apart. This didn’t deter the musicians as Dave, Andrea and Cheryl just kept playing while Marc rushed off stage for a replacement bow. He returned, picked up a new tune and playing on into the night.
Everything wound down on Saturday night (October 17) at the John Harris Pavilion in Sydney as the audience was treated to an emotional tribute to the late fiddler Jerry Holland. The show contained an interesting mixture of Jerry’s closest musical friends and this made for a very powerful lineup. The audience was treated to video clips and pictures of Jerry, vocal commentary by many friends, and tunes, lots and lots of tunes.
Planned out with Jerry well in advance of his untimely death, it was an evening of tears and pleasure, as those that loved his music reveled in the artistry, while those that loved the man sank into the emotion of the moment. After the show someone commented that it was like going to his funeral once again, the emotion was that strong. Jerry was a giant in the Cape Breton fiddle community, and was favoured and famous worldwide. This was a fitting tribute to the man and to the music.
And now, the 13th edition of the Celtic Colours International Festival is over. My journey through the events was just one of many. Some of you went to the same shows, others saw something completely different. Hopefully every one of you enjoyed it as much as I did.
The fiddles have been put away, the musicians are returning home, Mr. Rugby (the seeing-eye dog that attended so many shows) is back on duty in Edmonton and the hangovers are starting to clear up. Regrettably, it’s time to return to the real world (never a pleasure at the best of times). But we do have our memories and we all have our moments. We also have those CD’s that we gathered up over the festival to tide us through until next year. It will have to do.
Until next time,
Dan
The opening in Port Hawkesbury (on Friday October 9) was a massive production that combined the best of Cape Breton talent with the best of the visiting Irish contingent. In the 1990’s a group of Cape Breton performers journeyed to Cork, Ireland for a massive festival. They were matched up with a corresponding group of local Irish traditional musicians. This year many of those same artists made the trip to Cape Breton and recreated the same production. It made for a somewhat long but very impressive evening of music.
The Port Hawkesbury show was followed by a trip to the Celtic Colours Festival Club, the late night center of entertainment to runs from 11 at night until 3 (or longer) the next morning, every night of the Festival. For logistical reasons, most of the artists in the opening show were housed in Port Hawkesbury where a reception was held, with special guests including Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis. The music was still great, as there were plenty of singers and fiddlers waiting to take their turn on stage.
The following night I caught a barnburner of a concert at the Wagmatcook Heritage & Cultural Centre. To give you an idea of the strength of the show, each act received a standing ovation, as did the finale. The aptly named Coast to Coast show open with Qristina & Quinn Bachand, young brother and sister duo from Victoria, B.C who have been recently nominated for a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award in the Young Performer of the Year category. 19-year-old Qristina is a wicked fiddler while Quinn (still only 13) is a real monster on the guitar.
The Bachands were followed by Manitoba’s Sierra Noble, (a young fiddler and singer making a return trip to Celtic Colours), backed by Margaree guitarist Brian Doyle and percussionist Scott Senior from Winnipeg. Ireland’s Fidil, (a trio of young fiddlers with interesting styles and arrangements), started the second half in style. The closing act for the evening was our own Ashley MacIsaac who was right on top of his game. His playing just cooked and he had the sold-out audience in the palm of his hand. Quinn Bachand joined Ashley on stage and to give you an idea of just how good he is on that guitar, the set was unrehearsed and completely of the cuff and the young guitarist didn’t miss a note!
Sunday (October 11) found me in Whycocomagh. I caught an interesting afternoon of music at The Keltic Quay, a loose jam session with Sierra Noble, Kinnon and Betty Beaton acting as ‘house musicians’ and the floor open to anyone who wanted to join in. There were fiddle, guitar, mandolin and harmonica players and several accordionists, locals as well as people from across Canada, the United States, and as far away as Australia. Twenty-plus musicians and even a few dancers as well, in an intimate little setting with a blazing fireplace to keep away the unexpected chill.
Before that was completely over I headed back to Baddeck to catch part of the launch party for Rachel Davis’ new, self-titled CD. Family and friends surrounded the young Baddeck area fiddler as she worked her way through the music on her recording backed mainly by Tracey Dares-MacNeil on piano and Buddy MacDonald on guitar, along with others from the audience from time to time. Fiddler Clarence Long joined her for one special group of tunes. He is her grandfather and was her first fiddle teacher.
Rachel took the time to chat about her music and the tunes selected, explaining where she located the tunes or from where they were learned. She also surprised many by singing a lovely Gaelic song. She has a delightful voice and needs to explore that side of her music more.
That night the show in Whycocomagh was titled All in the Family. I saw Qristina & Quinn Bachand again, and was even more impressed. I really loved the vocal harmony of Maighréad & Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, sisters with voices like angels. I saw Tríona in concert in Baddeck twenty-five years ago and she is still as powerful a singer as she was then. I had heard and met Brendan Begley in Ireland ten years ago and expected great things from him and his family…and wasn’t disappointed.
The closer for the night were the Barra MacNeils, who gave their usual superb performance. As I sat watching their show I was struck by just how polished and professional these six siblings are… and they pull it off without being artificial. They truly love the music and the culture and it shows on stage.
I arrived at the after-hours Festival Club at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s later that evening to hear a piper from Cuba on stage with that percussionist from Winnipeg, just one of the number of wonderful performances that made for a long, (and VERY enjoyable), musical day.
This was followed by a wicked set from Rachel Davis, Tracey Dares-MacNeil, Buddy MacDonald and friends. In what has become somewhat of a tradition, this was the official launch of her new CD. She had been the winner of the 2009 Frank “Big Sampie” Sampson Award, presented each year by the Celtic Colours Festival Drive’er Association in memory of the long-time Celtic Colours volunteer. This organization presents a monetary prize each year to an up and coming young Celtic musician to help with their first recording. This is partnered with recording time from Lakewind Studios, allowing the winner to produce a top-quality product for much less money.
Rachel was followed by Troy MacGillivray and Shane Cook, a pair of polished fiddlers with a knack for whipping up the crowd. Fidil was next and they were joined by Seosamh Ó Neachtain, an electrifying dancer with an amazing stamina.
The Barras upped the ante again, laying out another blistering set, following by fiddlers Colin Grant and Rosie MacKenzie. Colin then returned with his band to finish the night in style, leaving the stage at about 3:20 in the morning.
Day four found me in Judique for The Hand that Rocks the Bow, a show that featured the music of six amazingly talented female fiddlers: Ireland’s Maireád Ní Mhaonaigh and Máire O'Keeffe, along with Cape Breton’s Wendy MacIsaac, Andrea Beaton, Brenda Stubbert and Kimberley Fraser. They also had a pair of honorary women for backup. Maireád brought along Capercaillie band member Manus Lunny while guitarist Brad Davidge was there at Wendy’s request.
The ladies traded tunes (and jokes) throughout the evening, alternating on piano to provide backup from time to time. The full house was completely captivated and each set was punctuated by appreciative applause.
On Tuesday I started off with an early afternoon at the Inverness County Centre for the Arts for a show co-sponsored with Celtic Colours that featured a trio of young female singer-songwriters. This is a lovely facility, a truly intimate and relaxing setting that put both audience and performers at ease. The featured artists were Sierra Noble, coupled with two Cape Breton gals: Lisa Cameron is from Inverness County and was well known to the local audience members while this was the first performance in the Inverness area for Victoria County’s Carmel Mikol.
As with most songwriter sessions, the participants took turns, trading off songs and stories, enthralling their audience with their talents in the process. They jumped in with backup vocals from time to time, or provided some instrumental help as needed, but mainly they tackled each song solo. These are three talented ladies, all with a gracious stage presence, who made the afternoon most enjoyable.
From there, it was off to Mabou for an evening concert at Strathspey Place called Close to the Floor: Steps Across the Pond. This was the annual dance show, which this year featured an impressive lineup of musicians and dancers from Cape Breton, Newfoundland, Ireland and Sweden. While the talent was all top-notch, one of the most note worthy performances was a Scotch Four, which featured the Warner Sisters, teamed with Newfoundland’s Jim Payne and Sweden’s Mats Melin. The different styles were evident and very enjoyable. If you think that a Swedish stepdancer is unusual, Mats teaches dances at the University of Limerick. He fit right in.
After the sold-out concert, I was off to the Red Shoe Pub for more music. This time it was Marc Boudreau and Robbie Fraser providing the tunes. A young Ontario fiddler (named Olivia), also took the fiddle for a few groups as well. Robbie was off to Antigonish right after the show where he had an early morning meeting before his first class of the day at St. F. X.
Wednesday morning found me in Baddeck, at the official launch of the Celtic Heart project. This also included some great music: a lovely Gaelic song from Queensville native Goiridh Dòmhnallach (Jeff MacDonald), followed by some great tunes and dancing from Dawn & Margie Beaton and Robert Deveaux.
Then it was on to St. Peter’s for the Songs from the Islands concert that featured singers Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne, John Ferguson & Roger Stone and J.P. Cormier, along with local fiddler Allie Mombourquette. This was a most crowd-pleasing show, very emotional at times as the vocalists gave their all. A particularly striking moment was Jim & Fergus’ rendition of How Good Is Me Life, the title cut from their latest CD. Their passionate performance brought thunderous applause from the audience.
Thursday (October 15) brought me back to Judique for a show that is always one of my favourites, the Guitar Summit. This year the lineup included veterans J.P. Cormier and Patrick Gillis, along with newcomers Jamie Gatti and Ciffie Carter. Gatti (who has played backup with the Barra MacNeils for years), wowed the audience by picking out fiddle tunes on the bass. J.P. and Patrick upped the level of play every time they took a turn. Richmond County Ciffie Carter is a newcomer to the Celtic Colours stage but is a well-known musician locally. He certainly showed that he belonged as he picked his way through tune after tune.
As has become traditional, J.P. brought along someone new to introduce to the audience. This time it was Maxime Cormier, a teenager from Cheticamp who is a cousin of J.P.’s and the son of his former bass player. He did very well, doing two groups of tunes backed up by J.P. Like Robbie Fraser the night before, he also had to make a quick return trip to Antigonish where he had an engineering exam the following morning.
The highlight for the night was the duet of Cormier and Gatti, picking out The Mathematician note for note on guitar and bass. WOW!!
The Festival Club rocked that night. The highlight for me was a set of songs from Evans & Doherty and friends that included a nice sing-along version of Wild Mountain Thyme, with Kevin and Brian joined by Donnie Campbell, John Karr, Darrell Keigan, Rob MacLean and Roger Stone.
Friday evening I went to Inverness for a massive show called Return to Ireland, a virtual farewell to the many Irish musicians who had been part of Colours for the past week. There were powerful performances all across the board but some really caught my attention.
One was a lovely song written by Goiridh Dòmhnallach that spoke of missing home and wanting to return. He wrote it while working in Alberta and it fit the theme of the evening so well. I was also touched by Keenan Barrett’s version of Danny Boy. Now, I have to let you know that while I really don’t like that song (very few people named Daniel do), I liked that version. Keenan stroked the right emotional chords with me and with the audience. The finale for this show was also marvelous with the Cape Breton and Irish musicians trading tunes and the dancers from both sides of the water showing some great steps.
Once again the Festival Club produced some wonderful music. There were some odd combinations such as a wild bluesy set from Ireland’s Eamonn MacDonncha & Michael Ó Súilleabháin. Or the folk-pop sounds of Carmel Mikol, backed up by fiddler Gillian Boucher. Or Andrew White and Brendan Power cranking out progressive Celtic. This was followed by the unusual combination of Flo Sampson on piano, Brendan Power on harmonica and Ian Sherwood on saxophone. Somehow it all worked!
The highlight was a set from Marc Boudreau, backed up by Andrea Beaton on piano, Dave MacIsaac on guitar and percussionist Cheryl Smith, which closed the night. Marc put so much into it that his bow blew apart. This didn’t deter the musicians as Dave, Andrea and Cheryl just kept playing while Marc rushed off stage for a replacement bow. He returned, picked up a new tune and playing on into the night.
Everything wound down on Saturday night (October 17) at the John Harris Pavilion in Sydney as the audience was treated to an emotional tribute to the late fiddler Jerry Holland. The show contained an interesting mixture of Jerry’s closest musical friends and this made for a very powerful lineup. The audience was treated to video clips and pictures of Jerry, vocal commentary by many friends, and tunes, lots and lots of tunes.
Planned out with Jerry well in advance of his untimely death, it was an evening of tears and pleasure, as those that loved his music reveled in the artistry, while those that loved the man sank into the emotion of the moment. After the show someone commented that it was like going to his funeral once again, the emotion was that strong. Jerry was a giant in the Cape Breton fiddle community, and was favoured and famous worldwide. This was a fitting tribute to the man and to the music.
And now, the 13th edition of the Celtic Colours International Festival is over. My journey through the events was just one of many. Some of you went to the same shows, others saw something completely different. Hopefully every one of you enjoyed it as much as I did.
The fiddles have been put away, the musicians are returning home, Mr. Rugby (the seeing-eye dog that attended so many shows) is back on duty in Edmonton and the hangovers are starting to clear up. Regrettably, it’s time to return to the real world (never a pleasure at the best of times). But we do have our memories and we all have our moments. We also have those CD’s that we gathered up over the festival to tide us through until next year. It will have to do.
Until next time,
Dan
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A Taste of Celtic Colours
Here's a montage of the opening concert of the Celtic Colours International Festival featuring performers from Cape Breton and Ireland:
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Some Great Cuts of Ashley MacIsaac on YouTube
Ashley MacIsaac is in the area for this year’s Celtic Colours International Festival. That prompted me to dig around on YouTube to see what I could find. Among all the clips of Ashley on YouTube I found a couple of gems.
Here is a clip of Ashley, playing live at the televised Kumbaya Festival in September 1994. I’d say from the sweat on his face that he just finished off a wild number with his band, but look at who he brought on stage as his backup for a traditional number. Jimmy Rankin (from the Rankin Family) is sitting in on drums while his brother, the late John Morris Rankin, is on piano. The guitar and step dancing chores are handled by Stuart Cameron (son of John Allan Cameron), who was a member of The Kitchen Devils (Ashley’s band at the time).
Ashley MacIsaac at Kumbaya Festival
The second piece is a clip of Ashley MacIsaac and Buddy MacMaster at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay on July 14, 2007. Believe it or not, they are opening for The White Stripes, the American rock duo with Cape Breton roots and family connections to both musicians.
Ashley MacIsaac and Buddy MacMaster at the Savoy Theatre
Until next time!
Dan
Here is a clip of Ashley, playing live at the televised Kumbaya Festival in September 1994. I’d say from the sweat on his face that he just finished off a wild number with his band, but look at who he brought on stage as his backup for a traditional number. Jimmy Rankin (from the Rankin Family) is sitting in on drums while his brother, the late John Morris Rankin, is on piano. The guitar and step dancing chores are handled by Stuart Cameron (son of John Allan Cameron), who was a member of The Kitchen Devils (Ashley’s band at the time).
Ashley MacIsaac at Kumbaya Festival
The second piece is a clip of Ashley MacIsaac and Buddy MacMaster at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay on July 14, 2007. Believe it or not, they are opening for The White Stripes, the American rock duo with Cape Breton roots and family connections to both musicians.
Ashley MacIsaac and Buddy MacMaster at the Savoy Theatre
Until next time!
Dan
Keeping Colours Going - The Grand Finale Concert in Judique Next Sunday, Oct 18
So, when the Celtic Colours International Festival winds down on Saturday night, do you have to go into withdrawals? Certainly not! You can follow up the festival on Sunday, (October 18th), with The Grand Finale Concert at the Judique Community Centre, Highway 19. Judique, NS. This is an annual event presented by The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre and the show starts at 8:00pm.
The Grand Finale Concert features: J.P Cormier, Wendy MacIsaac, Kinnon Beaton, Glenn Graham, Andrea Beaton, Allan Dewar, Troy MacGillivray, Colin Grant, Mairi Rankin and Gabrielle MacLellan. Talk about a music packed night that will stretch that recurring Celtic high just a bit further!! You can worry about withdrawals on Monday!
Until next time!
Dan
The Grand Finale Concert features: J.P Cormier, Wendy MacIsaac, Kinnon Beaton, Glenn Graham, Andrea Beaton, Allan Dewar, Troy MacGillivray, Colin Grant, Mairi Rankin and Gabrielle MacLellan. Talk about a music packed night that will stretch that recurring Celtic high just a bit further!! You can worry about withdrawals on Monday!
Until next time!
Dan
Finding Celtic Music in the Most Unusual Places
And you thought that the Celtic World consisted of Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton…and a couple of other places that you can’t pronounce. Well, think again!
The influence of Celtic music is far-reaching and springs forth from small settlements of people of Celtic origin in some unusual place. After all, you can attend the Hawaiian Highland Games and a quartet of Inverness Country traditional musicians just returned from a massive Celtic festival in France.
Still and all, just about the last place that you would expect to find a vibrant Celtic culture is in Cuba. Much like Cape Breton, many of the people came to the island 150 to 200 years ago and brought with them the music, language and culture of their homeland. A good number of those were from Asturias and Galicia in northern Spain, an area where the music was strong and the common instruments was the gaiti, a form of bagpipes.
A number of Cuban pipers came to Celtic Colours International Festival in 2008, impressing all who they met them with their talents. In the spring of 2009 a group of Cape Bretoners made the trek to the Caribbean island, including musicians Chrissy Crowley and Dawn Beaton. Now plans are underway for CeltFest Cuba, an official event promoting the Celtic music and culture, to be held in the spring, and to feature a number of Cape Breton musicians.
More details will follow as I get them but if you want more information you can go to the CeltFest Cuba Official Myspace location at www.myspace.com/CeltFestCuba.
Until next time
Dan
The influence of Celtic music is far-reaching and springs forth from small settlements of people of Celtic origin in some unusual place. After all, you can attend the Hawaiian Highland Games and a quartet of Inverness Country traditional musicians just returned from a massive Celtic festival in France.
Still and all, just about the last place that you would expect to find a vibrant Celtic culture is in Cuba. Much like Cape Breton, many of the people came to the island 150 to 200 years ago and brought with them the music, language and culture of their homeland. A good number of those were from Asturias and Galicia in northern Spain, an area where the music was strong and the common instruments was the gaiti, a form of bagpipes.
A number of Cuban pipers came to Celtic Colours International Festival in 2008, impressing all who they met them with their talents. In the spring of 2009 a group of Cape Bretoners made the trek to the Caribbean island, including musicians Chrissy Crowley and Dawn Beaton. Now plans are underway for CeltFest Cuba, an official event promoting the Celtic music and culture, to be held in the spring, and to feature a number of Cape Breton musicians.
More details will follow as I get them but if you want more information you can go to the CeltFest Cuba Official Myspace location at www.myspace.com/CeltFestCuba.
Until next time
Dan
A new music book! Bits & Pieces is an interesting collection of tunes from Pat Chafe and the MacPhees
A few weeks back I managed to squeeze some time to drop in on a book launch held the Sydney’s Cedars Club. This wasn’t just any book, but a new book of original music by pianist Pat Chafe.
Pat is the daughter of violinist Winnie Chafe and has grown up surrounded by the music and culture of Cape Breton. She began performing at an early age and has been composing tunes for years, with many having been recorded by Celtic musicians, Cape Breton and otherwise.
Titled Bits & Pieces, this collection of marches, strathspeys, jigs, reels and more contains over 200 of her own compositions, some new, but many well known to most players. For example: Stella's Trip To Kamloops was recorded by Jerry Holland (and by many others since it was written in the 1980's); Glasgow House and Compliments to House Piper Ann Boozan were both recorded by John Allan Cameron on his Glencoe Station CD; Carl MacKenzie's Hornpipe was included by Carl on his Fiddle Medleys recording in 1996.
There are tunes written for fellow musicians, tunes written for friends, tunes written for special occasions or locations, and tunes that were just written because they had to be written. As you go through the book, many of these tunes are followed interesting notations that give their history, a little something that makes the whole work special.
The new publication also contains something extra, forty-plus tunes written by Doug MacPhee and his late mother Margaret. This is the first time that their total collection of music has been contained in one book.
The book launch was a grand party, with a full house of musicians who traveled from as far away as New Brunswick to be there. In addition, a portion of the book sales at the launch was given to Every Women's Centre, a charitable organization in Sydney.
Pat states that Bits & Pieces is likely just the start. Since she already has over 600 compositions under her belt, she has enough for several more books.
Until next time!
Dan
Pat is the daughter of violinist Winnie Chafe and has grown up surrounded by the music and culture of Cape Breton. She began performing at an early age and has been composing tunes for years, with many having been recorded by Celtic musicians, Cape Breton and otherwise.
Titled Bits & Pieces, this collection of marches, strathspeys, jigs, reels and more contains over 200 of her own compositions, some new, but many well known to most players. For example: Stella's Trip To Kamloops was recorded by Jerry Holland (and by many others since it was written in the 1980's); Glasgow House and Compliments to House Piper Ann Boozan were both recorded by John Allan Cameron on his Glencoe Station CD; Carl MacKenzie's Hornpipe was included by Carl on his Fiddle Medleys recording in 1996.
There are tunes written for fellow musicians, tunes written for friends, tunes written for special occasions or locations, and tunes that were just written because they had to be written. As you go through the book, many of these tunes are followed interesting notations that give their history, a little something that makes the whole work special.
The new publication also contains something extra, forty-plus tunes written by Doug MacPhee and his late mother Margaret. This is the first time that their total collection of music has been contained in one book.
The book launch was a grand party, with a full house of musicians who traveled from as far away as New Brunswick to be there. In addition, a portion of the book sales at the launch was given to Every Women's Centre, a charitable organization in Sydney.
Pat states that Bits & Pieces is likely just the start. Since she already has over 600 compositions under her belt, she has enough for several more books.
Until next time!
Dan
The Start of a New Adventure!
Welcome to the Celtic Heart Beat!
This is all about Celtic music and culture from the Celtic Heart of North America - Cape Breton Island. As time goes on, I will be doing reviews of events and recordings, alerting you to upcoming Celtic cultural events around Cape Breton and abroad, pointing out things that I consider worth noting online, and generally trying to add to the available knowledge of what’s happening in the Celtic world.
To fill you in a bit more about myself, I was born and raised in Creignish, on Cape Breton’s western shore, into a family where Gaelic was usually the language of choice of my parents. I come from a long line of fiddlers and have more musical relatives then I can shake a stick at. Having said that, I will freely (and shamefully) admit that I can neither play an instrument or converse in Gaelic. Even with those limitations, I have been involved with the music scene since I was a teenager, as a promoter, agent, stage manager and writer and I also spent a number of years in broadcasting where I hosted Celtic music shows on three different radio stations.
Please feel free to offer any insights, comments or suggestions that you may have.
Yours in music,
Dan MacDonald
This is all about Celtic music and culture from the Celtic Heart of North America - Cape Breton Island. As time goes on, I will be doing reviews of events and recordings, alerting you to upcoming Celtic cultural events around Cape Breton and abroad, pointing out things that I consider worth noting online, and generally trying to add to the available knowledge of what’s happening in the Celtic world.
To fill you in a bit more about myself, I was born and raised in Creignish, on Cape Breton’s western shore, into a family where Gaelic was usually the language of choice of my parents. I come from a long line of fiddlers and have more musical relatives then I can shake a stick at. Having said that, I will freely (and shamefully) admit that I can neither play an instrument or converse in Gaelic. Even with those limitations, I have been involved with the music scene since I was a teenager, as a promoter, agent, stage manager and writer and I also spent a number of years in broadcasting where I hosted Celtic music shows on three different radio stations.
Please feel free to offer any insights, comments or suggestions that you may have.
Yours in music,
Dan MacDonald
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