5th Annual Russell CelticFest - 18 June

The 5th annual Russell CelticFest  is next weekend, June 18th, 2011, 24 Legion Lane, Russell Ontario.

Here is the line-up for 2011 (content from the CelticFest website)

Brandy 'N' Port
The band Brandy 'N' Port was born in April, 1987. The founding members are Alec Long, Paddy Maher and Danny Byrne. Today's line up is Alec Long, Al Wilmore, Seamus Costello & Danny Byrne. The band's philosophy is still the same as when it was formed, to play music that appeals to the masses while sticking to their Celtic roots. Whether it be a quaint Irish Pub or a dance for 3000 people Brandy 'N' Port has mastered the stage.

Corkery Road
Corkery Road is a four-piece Celtic band that specializes in high-energy, infectious, traditional music. With a repertoire ranging from familiar pub songs to wild and dramatic historic tales, Corkery Road offers music that is sure to please even the most diverse audience. Slip back in time through melodies that shaped our heritage. Hear the voices of the far-flung Celtic peoples who shaped this land, from Newfoundland to the Ottawa Valley. Listen to stories of whaling, logging, emigration, pining for home, and having a good time in the midst of hardships.

The Runes featuring Ruth Sutherland
The Runes is a celtic musical group featuring celtic harper/singer/songwriter Ruth Sutherland, multi-instrumentalist/blues harper/singer/songwriter Doug Feaver, and celtic fiddler Stephen Fuller. Ambient and thoroughly entertaining, the combination of these three world class musicians results in a performance you'll enjoy and remember for a long time. They have travelled the world performing in major festivals including the Festival Interceltique in Lorient France, and concerts with the Southern Cross Pipeband in Montedvideo Uruguay. The music of The Runes will get your feet tapping or bring a tear to your eye –no matter how it makes you feel, it is music you won't forget.
 
The Red Hot Chili Steppers
Lindsay Lovenuk (18 yrs - Russell), Michelle Farley (17yrs-Avonmore), and Kylie O'Connell, (15yrs – Riverside South). We have been stepdancing together for the past 3 years. We enjoy performing at various events in our community and the Ottawa area. Some of our performances have included the Tattoo held in Ottawa, performances with The Bobby Lalonde Band at the Casino de Lac Leamy and Mont Tremblant, the Russell Celtic Fest, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, local Fairs, and Farmers Markets. During the summer months, we look forward to Fiddle and Stepdance Competitions which take place throughout Ontario. Over the past 8 to 10 years, we have been competing in both solo and group dance. We have recently learned to play a few jigs and reels on the fiddle.
 
Dukes of Haggis
Riding the popularity of emerging East Coast bands like Great Big Sea, Kilt and others... the Dukes of Haggis first came together in 2003 around a love of Celtic music (traditional and contemporary) and the idea of how much fun it might be to play a repertoire of Celtic and East Coast music. About that time, the "Dukes of Hazard" movie was coming out hence; the "Dukes of Haggis" band was born. The Dukes first performed as an acoustic trio in the spring of 2004 and have never looked back. And while the band now performs as a duo (and also plays an extended repertoire of pop, rock and contemporary music), the Celtic repertoire has always been their first love. This year, it is our privilege to perform the best of our Celtic repertoire at the Russell CelticFest.
 
The Wayward Sound
The Wayward Sound coalesced early in 2011. A zany blend of Traditional Celtic and Modern Folk music will have you out of your seats singing and dancing in no time. The Wayward Sound is Keith Anderson: guitar and vocals; Doug Crump: guitar, vocals, harmonica; Michael Jonz: mandolin, vocals, guitar; Olivia Pelling: fiddle, vocals; Melissa Sparling: bodhran; Vance Trudeau; whistle, accordion, mandolin. Check us out! (www.youtube.com/user/TheWaywardSound).

Herringbone
Herringbone was born around a campfire at Fitzroy Harbour just west of Ottawa. Herringbone will be performing a 'teaser' show at the Russell Legion Club Room the Friday night before CelticFest.
 
The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band
Canada's Oldest Civilian Pipe Band, Founded in 1896. The first Pipe Band to be heard in the Nation's capital on Burns night, 1896. Under the direction of Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion, the Sons of Scotland compete at the Grade 4 and Grade 5 levels and perform in some 50 concerts and parades throughout the year. We are committed to developing the talent of each of our members, producing quality music, and having a great deal of fun. The band is proud to be affiliated with the College of Piping in Glasgow, Scotland.
 
Chris Angel
Chris began performing at bars and pubs while completing his degree in performance music at the University of Windsor. Chris started out playing open mic nights at Patrick O'Ryan's Irish Public House and soon became a regular fixture at a dozen Windsor and Detroit bars. Chris has captivated crowds from university students to legionnaires, with a collection of songs that range from current top 40 rock hits, to Scottish ballads. While tending to focus on a fast-paced mix of rock and modern Celtic favourites, Chris is always up to the challenge of satisfying the requests of any crowd.
 
Neil McDaniel
Neil McDaniel was born in Margaree Forks, Cape Breton, in June of 1975. The Cape Breton scenery does a good job inspiring one's mind and artistic flavour and throughout high school, Neil continued to progress with music on his own terms and developed an interest in additional instruments such as the guitar, digital keyboard and harmonica.