A Celtic Christmas - Celebrating 150 Years at St. Patrick's Fallowfield - 18 Dec 2016

Join us in celebrating St. Patrick's Parish (Fallowfield) - 150th anniversary.  We are fortunate to welcome three, very talented, local artists to lead us in a joyful afternoon for sing-along Christmas carols, as well as lively jigs and reels, on fiddle, piano, mandolin, flute, and more!

Anna Ludlow (fiddle) appeared on the Nova Scotia music scene in the early 1990s and has since been captivating audiences across North America. She's studied and collaborated with some of eastern Canada's most celebrated artists.  In 2005, she became the principal fiddle player for DRUM!, the critically acclaimed (and Juno nominated) touring production from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Since then, her career has flourished and she has entertained royalty, celebrities and Olympic athletes. Now living in Ottawa, she is working on her upcoming album which fuses traditional Celtic tunes with a modern percussive vibe and showcases her versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and step-dancer.

Tyson Chen (piano) currently performs an eclectic mix of musical styles including Celtic, popular, classical, and jazz. He complements his performances by teaching workshops and private lessons with a focus on Cape Breton piano accompaniment. Audiences, musicians, and students are drawn to his vibrant piano performances, engaging personality, and professionalism.

He studied classical and popular music in Ottawa, where he grew up. In recent years, he has lived and breathed Celtic music in the heart of Cape Breton where he has become a popular piano accompanist among fiddlers. He has also recently explored the world of jazz music and is currently studying jazz and Celtic piano in Ottawa.

Graham Lindsey (mandolin, flute) began writing Celtic- and traditional-style instrumental tunes back in 2014. His music has been described as being written by a listener: interesting tunes for the audience, but not necessarily Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton or Québecois. He is a multi-instrumentalist (percussion, flute and most recently mandolins and banjo) and he adds those sounds as he plays with a number of Celtic bands and fiddlers.

When he's not playing with a band, you can find him playing sessions across the country, or in a number of other musical settings. In his spare time, Graham is on the board of the Canadian Folk Music Awards, is involved in this country's wider folk music community, and runs a media production company (Wavelength Media).  Sharing music, though, remains his greatest joys evidenced by the idiots grin he often sports while playing.

Advance tickets: $10.00 (ends Dec. 18th @ 10am)
Tickets at the door: $15.00 (cash only)
Children 12 and under: FREE

Buy online tickets (this link)

Concert 3 - 5 PM

St. Patrick's Church is located at 15 Steeple Hill Crescent, Ottawa (Nepean, near Richmnd Rd and Fallowfield Rd)

(text borrowed from the ticket website)

Songs to Light the Darkness - Ottawa Celtic Choir - 11 Dec 2016

The Ottawa Celtic Choir is proud to present a concert of Winter and Christmas music as part of the St. Luke's Anglican Church Concert Series. We are joined this year by Susan Toman, celtic harp player and composer.

A reminder of the Ottawa Celtic Choir's upcoming concert, with special guests Hibernia!
Songs to Light the Darkness
Sunday at 7:30 PM
St. Luke's Anglican Church in Ottawa, Ontario
St. Luke's Anglican Church
760 Somerset St W, Ottawa

https://www.facebook.com/events/552826294912102/

The Dance Exchange - Fri 25 Nov 2016

A fun evening of traditional dancing from the regions of Brittany, Burgundy and Scotland coming up.

Cape Breton musical talent returns for Christmas 2016

Two upcoming concerts deserve mention.

The Barra McNeils are performing An East Coast Christmas on Friday Dec 9 at the Centrepointe Theatre at 7:30 PM. Tickets and info here.  Get them soon. Not a lot left. This is an annual show in Ottawa and it is very popular. (Note, I have one B.N. cd, The Traditional Album, it came out a long time ago, and if you could wear out a cd, I would have worn it out a long time ago, simply fantastic).

Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy, both extraordinary musicians and performers, present A Celtic Family Christmas on Dec 21 at 8PM at the National Arts Centre, Tickets here. It is very nearly sold out (confirming, I don't need to heavily promo artists on this blog that have the might of the NAC marketing machine behind them). This will be a great concert.

"My Name is Emily" at the European Union Film Festival - Friday 18 Nov 2016

A reminder that the Embassy of Ireland presents My Name is Emily at the European Union Film Festival in Ottawa this coming Friday, November 18, 8:35 pm at Carleton University's River Building Theatre.

After the death of his wife, Robert, a best-selling author, suffers a mental breakdown and is institutionalized, leaving his daughter Emily in foster care. On her side, Emily begins to suspect that something is really wrong when she doesn’t receive her father’s annual birthday card. Accompanied by her shy classmate Arden, Emily embarks on a road trip to free her father from his psychiatric hospital in the north of Ireland. The journey will take both Emily and Arden to unexpected places.

Link:
http://www.cfi-icf.ca/index.php?option=com_cfi&task=showscreening&id=1180&Itemid=1664

Celtic Christmas Concerts by Hibernia - 2 and 3 Dec 2016

There are two upcoming Celtic Christmas concerts with the group Hibernia (Susan Toman, harp; Ellen MacIsaac, singer) with special guest piper/whistle Ross Davison (of The Trousers).

Friday Dec 2 - Hibernia (harp, voice, pipes/whistle), "Strike the Harp," Celtic Music for Christmas. Metcalfe United Church, 2677 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe ON.
Tickets $20 at the door or on Eventbrite here: www.eventbrite.com/e/strike-the-harp-tickets-28951744447

Saturday Dec 3 - Hibernia (harp, voice, pipes/whistle), "Strike the Harp," Celtic Music for Christmas. Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar, Ottawa ON.
Tickets $20 at the door or on Eventbrite here: www.eventbrite.com/e/strike-the-harp-tickets-29411200693

Hibernia is a duo of harp and voice, specializing in the repertoire of Ireland and Scotland, in Gaelic and in English. Their website is www.hiberniamusic.com.

In the House and Friends of the House - Concert listings (25-26 Nov 2016)

Thanks to Graham Crate for providing this information. As many of you may know, Graham is a tremendous supporter of folk musicians from local and abroad. Get on his mailing list.

IN THE HOUSE

Saturday Nov 26:  Tiger Island Trio, 7PM
IN THE HOUSE (contact Graham for Ottawa address) presents the Tiger Island Trio, 7PM.  This Ottawa Valley Trio featuring Dennis Harrington & Randy Foster on fiddle and Sherryl Fitzpatrick on piano, will delve into the rich heritage of Old Time Fiddling of Don Messer, Graham Townsend, Ward Allen, Andy Dejarlis, Ivan Hicks and Calvin Vollrath to name a few.  They will perform some of their own original compositions, highlighting beautiful harmony and, featuring the strong vocals of Randy Foster, they will resurrect great songs from Mac Beattie, Faron Young, Ray Price, Hank Williams and Bobby Helms. Joining them on their performances are the Foster Brothers (Randy's twin brother Doug and younger brother Keith) who showcase their natural ability to sing beautiful harmonies to the old standards. https://www.facebook.com/tigerislandtrio/

Tickets are $20 each and are available from Graham and Suzanne at gcrate@rogers.com.


FRIENDS OF THE HOUSE

Friday Nov 25:   Stéphanie Lépine, 7:30 - 11:00pm
The Ottawa Traditional Fiddle and Folk Art Society presents Stéphanie Lépine, performing at our November party at the Montgomery Legion at 330 Kent Street.  Stéphanie has mesmerized audiences while playing with bands like La Galvaude and Norouet and last May, released her first solo album entitled, La Grande Ligne. With this album, Stéphanie subtly leads us in the twists and turns of the repertoire from the popular Quebec violinists, from Isidore Soucy to Jos Bouchard, including J.O. LaMadeleine and Édouard Richard." http://otffas.weebly.com/    https://www.facebook.com/OTFFAS/

Members are free, guests are $8 (at the door).  Become a member for $60 annually, and join us for all 10 of our monthly parties.  We will follow our normal agenda of a jam session at 7:30 (bring your fiddle), individual performances by our members, a special performance by Stéphanie Lépine, and our evening snack.


Saturday Nov 26: Stephanie Lepine Workshop
Stéphanie will be teaching a 2-hour fiddle workshop where she will be teaching a Québecois tune. In the tune, she will be teaching technique in addition to the slight nuances that create the Quebecois sound. The workshop is open to Intermediate-Advanced players. Cost is $25.00/person. Contact Sherryl to register: sherryl.fitzpatrick@rogers.com


Saturday Nov 26:  Branches of Silver, 7:30pm
Beth and Jennifer (contacts below for south of Ottawa address) present Branches of Silver, a trio of young professional musicians from Ottawa Ontario. Emily Yarascavitch (fiddle, voice, step dance) is a former Canadian Junior Fiddle Champion, and Kyle Burghout (fiddle) is the 2015 Eastern North American Irish Fiddle Champion. Together, they are the 2015 Canadian Duet Fiddle Champions, and have also won the duet fiddle class at the prestigious Pembroke Fiddle Competition. Anthony Vial has studied piano accompaniment with Denis Lanctot for several years, and is quickly becoming an in-demand accompanist in the Ottawa area, playing with musicians including Shane Cook, Wendy MacIsaac, and Denis Lanctot. As a trio, Branches of Silver have toured around Ontario and Quebec, and released their debut EP in the summer of 2015. Having individually performed in Canada, the USA, Jamaica, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Hungary, and more, Kyle, Emily, and Anthony bring a wealth of performing experience to the stage. They are not to be missed.

BYOB, Feel free to bring a snack to share. LIMITED SEATING! Reserve your seats now by contacting jenniferhood.mail.gmail.com OR cbsession@cbsession.com.


Please note that the shows mentioned in this list are friends of the IN THE HOUSE concert series and it's organizers, and we hope to help raise their profiles as we think they are truly deserving of our intention.  It is not the intention of IN THE HOUSE to manage and distribute concert listings on any regular basis, but will continue to advertise single shows for both IN THE HOUSE and FRIENDS OF THE HOUSE.

Kickstarter for "Ontario Traditional Music Library"

THE ONTARIO TRADITIONAL MUSIC LIBRARY

See here for all information on this Kickstarter campaign (ending soon!)

We are looking for a few angels to help launch a free online collection of traditional and historical songs and tunes from the province of Ontario, Canada. Much of the initial offering of material is comprised of Ontario music that Ian Bell has collected and learned from a wide range of sources over the past four decades.

The project's current collaborators include a mix of longtime folk musicians many with a museum background. These include Bill Nesbitt, Anne Lederman, Mac Swackhammer, Saskia Tomkins and Brad McEwen. As well, the library invites contributions of suitable content from the public.

Concert of Irish Traditional Music - Wed 9 Nov 2016

Concert: William Woodson and Eric McDonald and The Trousers - Thurs 17 Nov 2016

Small piper/guitar powerhouse William Woodson and Eric McDonald are coming to Ottawa and sharing the stage with The Trousers (Ross Davison and Karson McKeown)

Lots of fiddling, piping, guitar playing and tunes to fill your boots with.

Thursday, November 17 at 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Tickets- $20 at the door ($10 for students)

Don't miss this one of a kind event!

Brigid's well will also be open for drinks and the like.

Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts
310 St Patrick St, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5K5

My Name is Emily - European Union Film Festival, Ottawa, Friday 18 November 2016

The Embassy of Ireland presents My Name is Emily at the European Union Film Festival in Ottawa on Friday, November 18, 8:35 pm at Carleton University's River Building Theatre.

After the death of his wife, Robert, a best-selling author, suffers a mental breakdown and is institutionalized, leaving his daughter Emily in foster care. On her side, Emily begins to suspect that something is really wrong when she doesn't receive her father's annual birthday card. Accompanied by her shy classmate Arden, Emily embarks on a road trip to free her father from his psychiatric hospital in the north of Ireland. The journey will take both Emily and Arden to unexpected places.

http://www.cfi-icf.ca/index.php?option=com_cfi&task=showscreening&id=1180&Itemid=1664

TICKETS
CFI Members, seniors (65+), students: $9.00 Requires valid ID.
Non-members / General Admission: $13.00

Carleton Students and Staff FREE! Requires Carleton ID. Rush line only.

Festival Passes: 5-Film Passport: $40.00 CFI Members only. You must present your Membership card at the door.

VENUE
River Building Theatre, Carleton University, 3rd Floor (Theatre), 2nd Floor (Box Office)

How to get there:
• Walk to campus from Hog's Back or Old Ottawa South (20 min)
• Bike along the Rideau Canal and park in front
• Take the OTrain to Europe! directly from the Transitway
• Ride OCTranso on the #4 or #7
• Drive and park on campus

Parking
Fridays: FREE at Parking Garage P-9 (Level 1 only)
Arrive early! Spaces are limited.
$8.00 flat rate evening at other pay-and-display lots/levels

Theatre: The Trial of Pádraig Pearse - 10 Nov 2916

The Thomas D’Arcy McGee Summer School, in association with Newpoint Players, Ireland, and St Brigid’s Irish Centre, Ottawa, is staging a rehearsed reading of Anthony Russell’s new play The Trial of Pádraig Pearse. It examines the case for and against Pearse proceeding with the Easter Rising.

In this ‘Court Of History’ Pearse is defended by John Mitchell (1815 - 1875), a physical force republican and former Young Ireland comrade of Thomas D’Arcy McGee. The prosecution is presented by D’Arcy McGee, the Irish rebel, Canadian patriot and Founding Father of Canadian Confederation, who will suggest the 1916 Rising was undemocratic and unnecessary. The tension between the acerbic prosecutor and the loquacious defender makes for riveting drama, interspersed by comic and ironic relief.


Pádraig Pearse was found innocent of charges of treason against the Irish people at a special sitting of the Carlingford Assizes in Carlingford at the Thomas D’Arcy McGee Summer School in Carlingford, Co Louth in August. The majority innocent verdict of 33 to 28 (the narrow margin raising eyebrows in some quarters) found defense lawyer John Mitchel’s persuasive arguments to outweigh those of prosecutor Thomas D’Arcy McGee.

D’Arcy McGee is adamant that the jury was rigged and has lodged an appeal with the Supreme Court of History for a retrial. The good people of Ottawa have offered to stage the Trial there from 1-5 November. Other communities in Montréal, Ottawa, Newry, Armagh, Omeath, Belfast and Dublin have also offered to enlist a balanced jury for a retrial.

A superbly engaging dimension to the play sees the audience debate the issues in the play as jurors in the jury room. This facilitates a participative role for the audience enabling them to deliberate on the issues as presented by prosecution and defense, as well as voting on the final outcome.

The musical dimension to the theme, based around the motif of Óro Se do Bheatha Bhaile (verses of which Pearse wrote, and which he reputedly whistled on his way to the stonebreakers’ yard) will be provided by Gerry O’Connor, fiddle player with the Irish Rovers, and Donal O’Hanlon, guitar and songs.

Where and When
St. Brigid's, Ottawa on Nov. 10 at 7pm.
Tickets will be $20 per ticket or $25 on the night. .

Production Team
Playwright; Anthony Russell
Producer and Director; Donal O’Hanlon
Musical Director; Gerry O’Connor
Project Manager; Tommy Fegan
https://www.facebook.com/trialofpadraigpearse/

Concert: A Terrible Beauty, Centrepointe Theatre - 9 November 2016

Concert: Old Sod Series, Matthew Byrne from Newfoundland) - 25 Nov 2016

The Old Sod Society is delighted to welcome back the great Newfoundland traditional singer and guitarist, Matthew Byrne to the Old Sod Stage next month. Matthew's last concert for us garnered rave reviews from all who were there, and we hope the word gets around for a great show on Nov 25th.

Here are the details:

2015 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Traditional Album of the Year

Date: Friday November 25th
Time: 8pm: Doors open at 7:30pm.
Venue: Mill Road Community Space, 8 Ch. Mill, Chelsea, QC
Presented by The Old Sod Folk Music Society.
Tickets $18 in advance from www.ottawacontra.ca, or $20 at the door

Visit the Old Sod Society concert webpage for further information.

http://www.ottawacontra.ca/view/?concert

Watch and listen: www.matthewbyrne.net/media     (ed: superb!)

Concert: HISPANIA ! 29 October 2016

Dear Friends,

If you missed our HISPANIA ! concert last Spring, here is another opportunity to come on an enchanting musical journey with us…

This is a concert of beautifully unusual and rarely performed repertoire of Medieval and Renaissance Spain.

Soulful "Romances" of the Sephardic Jews are interwoven with songs of courtly love and tragic loss. In the second half you are invited to cross the ocean to hear a variety of rhythms of the Spanish diaspora of South America.

The performers are a blended group of Ottawa musicians with singer Sylvia Larrass, Greg Weeks on cello and tabla, Graham Lindsey on percussion and flute, and Celtic harp duo Acacia Lyra, with Janine Dudding and Susan Sweeney Hermon.

Saturday October 29, 8 pm. Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave. N. at Byron.

Tickets $20. can be purchased online at www.rasputins.ca or at the door. Doors open 7.30pm.

For an appetizer, click on the link below:
http://youtu.be/qFNalL2mbok

We hope to see you there !
Susan

Concert: Homage to Patagonia, The Welsh in Argentina - 12 Nov 2016

Bore da, gyfeillion,

I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

We want to remind you of our exciting new event this fall, a Homage to Patagonia, sponsored in part by the Celtic Chair at U of O.

Saturday, 12 November 2016 7:30 pm
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Roosevelt Avenue
Tickets $20

The evening begins with a tango demonstration by professional dancers, and continues with Welsh/Argentinian music presented by three groups, snacks (included in admission) and wine (cash bar).Also included is a short talk on the Welsh in Argentina and some of their folk tales, by Dr. Pawl Birt, one of the foremost authorities on the Patagonian Welsh and member of the Ottawa Welsh Society.

Please note that there is no meal, just a variety of snacks to sample the cuisine of Patagonia. Also, we must have an accurate count of attendees to plan adequately for the snacks. There are 80 spots available. To reserve a spot, please contact marilyn.e.jenkins@sympatico.ca or call me at 613-820-6687. The deadline is November 1st. Thanks.

Have a lovely day.

Marilyn

Workshops/Concert: Cape Breton Session music workshops - 29 October 2016

A series of two hour sessions - mix and match sessions to fill your day for a mini-Gaelic College experience! Students are expected to bring their own instrument, and may also bring music stands and recording devices if desired. Each session is $25, with a discount for those registering for two or more sessions.

All sessions are open to any age, however students 10 and under must have a parent or guardian stay onsite during the entire class.

Advance registration preferred, onsite registration will be available space permitting.

Please visit http://www.cbsession.com/Workshops.htm for complete information

Classes will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 2345 Alta Vista Rd. Ottawa, ON. Tickets for the house concert that Ben, Anita, Tyson and Zakk will be performing at later in the day must be reserved directly with the concert host Graham Crate at gcrate @ rogers . com.

Musicians/instructors (bios at above link):
Ben Miller - Small Pipes
Tyson Chen - Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
Zakk Cormier - Celtic Guitar
Anita MacDonald - Cape Breton Fiddle/Stepdance

Concert/Ceili: Anna Ludlow - 21 Oct 2016

Concert: Brian Pickell Band - 15 Oct 2016, Chelsea QC.

Local musician James Stephen's reminds us of a great upcoming gig.

I will be playing with the Brian Pickell Band on Saturday,Oct 15th at the Mill Road Community Space in Chelsea.I am always honoured to be in the company of these fine musicians,including Shane Cook,one of the finest fiddlers on this planet and probably any other;Julie Schryer,a piano accompanist of the utmost sensitivity;Pat O'Gorman-master of the flute,whistle,Irish and Highland pipes and acerbic but friendly wit;and not to mention our glorious leader, Brian Pickell, the author of countless beautiful and widely played tunes as well as being a singer/songwriter of the highest order. This is really an excellent band! It would be great to see you all there! 

Details:

Saturday October 15th/Ottawa Area
Mill Road Community Space/Chelsea Quebec
http://www.millrdcommunityspace.ca/contact.html
8 Ch. Mill, Chelsea, QC 

Online Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/brian-pickell-band-concert-tickets-28505402426 

Adults $20

12 and under $10

Concert starts at 7:30.

Irish Musical Murder Mystery - 23 October 2016

The Irish Society of the National Capital Region would like you to consider attending a very fun Murder Mystery. The date is October 23, beginning at Brigid's Well at 1:00 pm. (St Brigid's Centre for the Arts, 310 St.Patrick's st) The cost is $30.00 including a substantial lunch. This will be done in the Film Noir tradition and based on the 1941 Maltese Falcon. Except, this will be an IRISH MUSICAL MURDER MYSTERY. We do hope you and your members will join us. You may telephone (Evelyn) me at 613-742-1442. Or After October 11, Corrine at 613-218-3009. We can promise you a wonderful time. Best regards, Evelyn Maloney

More info on other events, including this one:
http://www.irishsocietyncr.com/eventsUpcoming.html

"The Irish Experience in the Ottawa Valley" Lecture Series, Ottawa Public Library - Saturday 15 October 2016

"The Irish Experience in the Ottawa Valley" Lecture Series | Ottawa Public Library
https://t.co/fWpZYA1I95

The Goulbourn Township Historical Society presents a lecture by local author and historian, Terry Currie on "The Irish Experience in the Ottawa Valley." All are Welcome. Please visit www.http://goulbournhistoricalsociety.org / for details.

Saturday, October 15, 2016 - 1:30pm
1:30pm , 210 mins. Stittsville, Meeting Room

For further information see the Goulbourn Historical Society webpage:
http://goulbournhistoricalsociety.org/

Upcoming: Writers Festival and Musical Events, Irish content in October and November.

Upcoming events that may be of interest to the community.

The Ottawa International Writers Festival, September & October 2016 – http://www.writersfestival.org/events

Mary Morrissy participates with Embassy of Ireland, Ottawa and Literature Ireland support.

The Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra, "Irish Eyes" 1916 Commemoration Concert, Montreal, 23 October 2016 – with the support of the Embassy of Ireland, Ottawa - www.musiciansoftheworld.ca

A Centenary Commemoration of Easter 1916 in Words and Music featuring Irish musicians: Tom Sweeney and Evans & Doherty, 9 November 2016 (Centrepointe Theatre, Nepean) http://centrepointetheatre.ca/en/events_tickets/November2016/A_Terrible_Beauty/index.htm

(thank you to the Irish Embassy for providing this information)

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Present: A Celtic Family Christmas - 21 December 2016

"This year, A Celtic Family Christmas exceeds all expectations with riveting performances by Natalie, Donnell, and their children, bringing the Cape Breton Christmas to you. Through a mix of both song and dance, they will take you on a journey of virtuoso performances, telling the story of the night before Christmas in the Leahy/Macmaster household. “Christmas is where this whole concept started and we are excited to be travelling as a family,” says Donnell. “It’s a perfect time to travel across Canada and bring light and happiness to families and fans across the country.” With a lineup of familiar Christmas songs intermingled with classic Celtic songs sure to warm your heart, A Celtic Family Christmas brings you in the door, and welcomes you in as part of the family."

For more info and tickets:

http://nac-cna.ca/en/event/14185

"U.S. not worth trip anymore: Irvine"

Published by the Irish Echo (*) on 19 September, Andy Irvine has made some, to say the least, interesting, or informative statements,

“It’s my last tour because the U.S. powers that be just make it too difficult. From the 30 percent withholding tax, to the tiresome, expensive and ultimately humiliating application for a work visa – which very often doesn’t come through in time. 
Most of all, to the totally unfair disparity between a US musician touring Ireland and all this s*** we have to go through to tour over there, enough is enough.  Age is a factor and so is political uncertainty.”

Read the Irish Echo's full story here:
http://irishecho.com/2016/09/u-s-not-worth-trip-anymore-irvine/


* OLDEST IRISH AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN USA, ESTABLISHED IN 1928

Hibernia performs fundraising Concert - Saturday 22 Oct 2016

Join Hibernia, Susan Toman and Ellen MacIsaac, for a concert of Irish music on Oct 22, 2016, at 8:30 PM at the All Saints' Anglican Westboro Church (347 Richmond Rd). Hibernia will be playing with special guest Ross Davison for this fundraising event.

More information:
http://www.hiberniamusic.com/upcoming-events

Music for the Future Ottawa Fundraiser and Instrument Drive - 1 Oct 2016

Saturday October 1st, 7pm
Loyalist Orange Hall, 41 Rosemount Ave, Ottawa, Ontario

Tusarnaarniq Sivumut Association (TSA) - Music for the Future presents the 2nd annual Ottawa Concert Fundraiser and Instrument Drive!

Greg Simm, and Kim De LaForest are back to entertain you and bring a little of Canada's Northern music culture to your ears, all while increasing awareness of the TSA's mission in Canada's North.

And they are bringing a friend!  This year, they are joined by traditional Inuit Drum maker and Dancer, David Serkoak!

NEW:  Greg is arranging for students who have graduated from the TSA program and who are now studying in Ottawa to perform in the show!  More details to come!

Buy Tickets In Advance:
www.musicforthefuture2016.BrownPaperTickets.com
Adult:  $20
Child (16 or under):  $10
A small service fee will apply

Buy Tickets At the Door (if available)
Adult: $25
Child: $15

Make a Financial Donation
http://www.musicforthefuture.ca/how-to-help.html
(Tax receipts available)

Donate an Instrument
Contact local Ottawa organizer Graham Crate at gcrate @ rogers . com

Fiddles will be set up and distributed to students where the TSA teaches.
Other instruments will be auctioned to raise funds to purchase new fiddles

About the TSA
Tusarnaarniq Sivumut Association, which from Inuktitut translates to "Music for the Future," has been sending music instructors, to communities on Baffin Island since 2009. The TSA's mission is to, on a volunteer and non-profit basis, seek to promote music among youth in the North in order to increase self-esteem, teamwork, leadership, and a healthy and positive lifestyle.

www.musicforthefuture.ca

All funds raised will go towards the music workshops in Nunavut allowing us to meet the growing interest in our program.

Makem and Spain - Centrepointe Theater 17 Sept 2016

 

In case you haven't heard, Makem and Spain are coming to Centrepointe Theatre this coming week. Look forward to a night of great song and story.

 

"Rory Makem along with Mickey and Liam Spain will be bringing their blistering live show to Centrepointes Theatre.

Rory Makem (son of the Irish phenomenon Tommy Makem) along with Mickey and Liam Spain have created the most exciting Irish Ballad Group since the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem electrified the word wide folk revival of the 1960’s.

They showcase their incredible versatility and skills as multi-instrumentalists bringing a rousing flavor to brand new songs, old favourites as well as serving up a night of great music, rowdy songs. Rebel songs and sweet sad memories."

Info and tickets:

http://centrepointetheatre.ca/en/events_tickets/September2016/Makem_Spain/index.htm

 

The 2016-2017 Season of the Ottawa Celtic Choir is underway!

We're getting underway for an exciting new season! And if you've ever thought about joining a choir, now's the time! We're an un-auditioned community choir with a focus on making great music while having fun and building community. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the choir, we're interested in hearing from you!

The first rehearsal of the season was on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 7:15 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church on the corner of Somerset and Elgin Streets.

As always, if you have questions about the choir, please don't hesitate to contact our choir director at ellen@laughingbrook.ca!

See you there!

 

Friends of Fiddler's Green - Friday, 9 Sept 2016

The always popular Friends of Fiddler's Green will kick off our 2016-2017 concert series in fine style, with their entertaining blend of laughs and great music, at The Mill Road Community Space in Chelsea, QC, on Friday, September 9th.

"The Friends" boast six versatile musicians, five singers, three songwriters, a brilliant joke teller, the occasional fiery dragon, one Order of Canada, two Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals and one of the longest track records in Canadian Folk Music. This totally uncategorizable collection has been together, with a few personnel changes, since their inauguration at Toronto's Fiddler's Green coffeehouse in 1971. Nobody, not even the Friends themselves, can predict what might happen during one of their concerts, but it always includes humour, powerful vocal harmony, great musicianship, social commentary and an irresistible urge to dance.

"The Friends" were recipients of the 2003 Estelle Klein Award, given by the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals for service to folk music in Ontario. This year they celebrate 45 years of song and laughter.

When: Friday September 9, 2016 at 8 pm (doors open at 7:30 pm)

Where: Mill Road Community Space (Chelsea United Church),
8 Chemin Mill, Chelsea, QC (Google maps link)

Tickets: $20 in advance from www.ottawacontra.ca, or $25 at the door.

More on the Friends/recordings here: www.ianrobb.com/FOFG

Listen: https://soundcloud.com/ian-robb-210579724/sets/fofg

Watch/listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA4M216Wtd0

See you in September!

UK duo Alex Cumming & Nicola Beazley - Saturday 23 July 2016

The fine young UK duo Alex Cumming & Nicola Beazley, is happening next Saturday, July 23rd, at the Rosemount Hall in Hintonburg. Alex & Nicola are an exciting accordion & fiddle duo performing both songs and tunes from around England. They are both recent graduates of the Newcastle University Folk and Traditional Music Degree and were New Roots Finalists in 2014.

Alex and Nicola have just released a new CD, "Across the Water" and should have it in hand, hot off the press, at the concert. They will be on their way to play the Millrace Festival in Cambridge, Ontario, and we're very pleased to have diverted them to Ottawa for this show.

When: Saturday, July 23rd at 8pm (doors open 7:30)
Where: Rosemount Hall, 41 Rosemount Ave., Ottawa
Tickets: $18 in advance from www.ottawacontra.ca or $20 at the door.

Learn to play a traditional instrument at Almonte Celtfest! (8-10 July 2016)

"Celtfest is a fun weekend of Ottawa Valley and Celtic entertainment, performed in the natural amphitheater of Gemmill Park in the heart of Almonte. It is a time to share the historical Celtic traditions with today’s local performers. Celtfest also presents a select group of unique artisans and vendors of specialty goods with a Celtic flair. Donations are welcomed at the gate."

This is a great opportunity to channel your inner Celt this coming weekend at the annual Almonte Celtfest, Saturday "Celtic College."

There is a fine assortment of workshops on offer for all ages, mostly for beginners.

The workshops will run from 10:00am to 11:30am on Saturday, July 9 2016, at the Almonte Old Town Hall. Registration is $25.

Workshops include:
Learning to Love the Fiddle (Beginners) – Cindy Thompson
Taking the Fiddle to the Next Step (Intermediate) – Chrissy Crowley
Advancing your Mandolin Technique (Intermediate) – Darren McMullen
Stepping up Your Dance Game – Rachel Davis
The Key to Accompanying Tunes (Piano) – Jason Roach
Whistle – Graham Lindsey
Bodhran Primer – Perfect for Beginners and Novice Players

And don't forget to check out the great big lineup of performers! 
http://almonteceltfest.com/schedule/

Paddy Keenan and Brian Teheny, Peterborough, 11 July 2016

House Concert with Paddy Keenan and Brian Taheny (Kingston, ON), 8 July 2016

If you can, don't miss this golden opportunity to see and hear the living legend . . . Paddy Keenan, founding member of the Bothy Band.

Paddy Keenan was born in Trim, Co. Meath, to John Keenan, Sr. of Westmeath and the former Mary Bravender of Co. Cavan. The Keenans were a Travelling family steeped in traditional music; both Paddy's father and grandfather were uilleann pipers. Paddy himself took up the pipes at the age of ten, playing his first major concert at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, when he was 14. He later played with the rest of his family in a group called The Pavees.

Paddy's flowing, open-fingered style of playing can be traced directly from the style of such great Travelling pipers as Johnny Doran; both Paddy's father and grandfather played in the same style. Although often compared to Doran, Paddy was 19 or 20 when he first heard a tape of Doran's playing; his own style is a direct result of his father's tutelage and influence Paddy Keenan, YouTube Paddy Keenan Biography

Brian Taheny is one of the absolute best mandolin players of Irish music around. Brian immigrated to Toronto from County Sligo about 25 years ago and is a multi-instrumentalist playing mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, cittern, tenor banjo and more but he has a particular love for the mandolin. He plays at warp speed with incredible lift and constantly changing ornamentation and knows more tunes than anyone I have ever met. He has recorded on over 70 albums, but the only CD on which he plays exclusively mandolin is one called Mando Lore with Andrew Collins. As Brian has a day job, he is not as well known as he should be. Brian Taheny, youtube

202 Main Street, Barriefield
Friday, July 8, 2016, 7:30
$20 advance (until July 4, $25 at the door)

Byrne and Kelly, at Live on Elgin, 10 July 2016

What started out as Celtic Thunder's Ryan Kelly and Neil Byrne performing a live show together called "Acoustic by Candlelight" has now developed into the recording of their Billboard World Album Chart #1 "Acoustically Irish" and three years of touring North America and upcoming tours of Australia and Canada. The Irish Music Association of America awarded Ryan and Neil with "Best Duo" in a Concert, Pub, Festival and "Best New Album" in 2013 for "Acoustically Irish". In addition to the Billboard Chart #1 position, "Acoustically Irish" was an iTunes US, Canada and Australia World Album Chart #1, Amazon US World Album #1 and Celtic Album #1 and a CD Baby Global Chart #1. In March 2016, Ryan and Neil released their first ever originals album, "Echoes", which debuted at the top of Amazon's World Music "Traditional Folk" and "Traditional Celtic Folk" charts as well. To find out more about "Byrne and Kelly" check out their website http://www.byrneandkelly.com

July 10th
220 Elgin St., 2nd Floor
Doors at 12:30pm ; Showtime at 1pm
Tickets available at: www.byrneandkelly.com

Concert info:
http://www.liveonelgin.com/collections/shows/products/byrne-kelly-irish-duo

Reminder - Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham, 4 July 2016

Friends,

A reminder that we have the first of two extra summer concerts coming up on Monday July 4th with Keith Kendrick and Sylvia Needham, and tickets are available from our website.

As long time stalwarts of the Derbyshire folk scene they are well known in England and great ambassadors for English music wherever they tour. Both fine singers and concertina players, they bring a repertoire of great songs--old, new and timeless--to each performance.

Keith and Sylvia sing mainly English traditional and traditionally influenced contemporary songs and work extensively all over the UK, Europe and across the globe. Both have very wide ranging repertoires, strong voices and uncannily compatible and complimentary styles of delivery, affording an exciting enhancement in duo and between them produce a striking acapella harmony sound. With a formidable 40+ years history of performing experience behind them, their recorded work is matched only by their live gigs which are always a vocal and musical revelation as well as a hoot! They also frequently accompany themselves and play lively dance tunes on three different systems of the only English invented musical instrument – the Concertina.

Come listen and sing along with two of the best! Here are the details:

Monday July 4th, 8pm. Doors open 7:30

Rosemount Community Hall, 41 Rosemount.
Tickets $18 in advance from www.ottawacontra.ca,
or $20 at the door.

Celtic Folk Night (CFN) New Venue

The Celtic Folk has found a new venue as of Wednesday, June 8th, 2016, from 7 - 10:30 pm at the Oh So Good cafe, 261 Richmond Road, Ottawa.

The cafe is licensed as well as serving coffee, tea, juice, sandwiches, meals and desserts. Parking is available at the side and rear of building, as well as on Richmond Road. Their website is https://ohsogood.ca/

The venue is owner/family run, in business since 1994. Kevin D. is a regular customer there! Given the CFN recent experiences with pubs, Kevin, as host, believes this new venue should be supported in the spirit of the CFN - please pass the word.

Regards
Kevin D.
Host, CFN

Irish Duo CAITLÍN & CIARÁN - Wed 25 May 2016

A real Irish Traditional Music gig in Ottawa, not too many of those these days, so get out and support this gig!

Irish Fiddle, Concertina and Dance music played by two musicians at the top of their game. From fast and furious reels to airs that tug at the heartstrings to marches into battle.  Caitlín & Ciarán cover the wide breadth of Irish traditional music.

“Ciarán has that Donegal fiddlers’ knack of being technically exact, fearless and free. Caitlín’s concertina is no less thrilling as she expands perceptions of the instrument.

May 25th 2016 at 7:30 PM
Kildare Room, Entrance on Cumberland St.

Featuring:
Ciarán Ó Maonaigh – fiddle -  Donegal.
Caitlín Nic Gabhann – concertina / dance - Meath

At $10, this is a great deal. Join your friends for a pint in the adjoining pub, St. Brigid's Well, and bring your drink into the show.

On Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/caitlinandciaran/

Crab a beverage, relax and enjoy the music.

Ottawa Celtic Choir - Celtic Spring, Saturday 28 May 2016

Join Ellen MacIsaac and the Ottawa Celtic Choir for another memorable choral performance!

Atlantic Voices celebrates Cape Breton's own Allister MacGillivray - Sunday 29 May 2016

Atlantic Voices celebrates a gentle giant among Canadian songwriters, Cape Breton's own Allister MacGillivray. Best known for 'Song of the Mira', MacGillivray is also the composer of 'Away From the Roll of the Sea', 'Song for Peace', 'Here's to Song', and 'Coaltown Road' which are fixtures on choir concerts around the world. We are pleased to present a selection of his most popular songs, as well as other treasures from the MacGIllivray songbook, newly arranged especially for this concert. Featuring special guess Ciarán MacGillivray of The Cottars. Pre-show music by the Fumblin' Fingers starts at 2:15.

www.atlanticvoices.ca

Parking at Glashan School, and at several paid lots on Catherine St. from O'Connor St. to Kent St.

Atlantic Voices: The Newfoundland and Labrador Choir of Ottawa is a community choir located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

"Remembering Ron" - 29 May 2016, Montgomery Legion

The Royal Canadian Legion, Montgomery Branch #351, 330 Kent St, Ottawa, plays host to a Celebration of Life for the Late Great Ron Hynes warmly referred to as "The Man of a Thousand Songs" who passed away November 19th 2015 just weeks shy of his 65th birthday.

The Show is Titled "Remembering Ron" and will feature upwards of 10 incredible artists honouring the Life and work of one of Canada's Greatest Singer/Songwriters.

The Night will also mark the release of Ron's last piece of work a CD entitled "Later That Same Life" which was recorded at a very small out of the way studio in the Kawartha Lakes.

The CD is brilliant and captures Ron the way his fans enjoyed him most just simple and bare with minimal accompaniment Just Ron and the beautiful bass playing of Dennis Pendrith and the addition of former Wonderful Grand Band mate Glenn Simmons doing acoustic lead on "Marie".

So Please come out and join us in celebrating this incredible artist and his contribution to the arts.


The lineup will include, Missy Burgess, Lynne Hanson, Ken Tizzard (The Watchmen) Anders Drerup, Neville Wells, Chris White, Rebecca Campbell, Graham Lindsey, Norman Doucette and Anna Ludlow.

Tickets are Available online or by phone 613 267 6817 or 800 518 2729
for online sales please go to http://shadowfax.on.ca/store/show-tickets-page/

It will certainly be a Grand evening of Song and Celebration

Ottawa City Ceilidh - 29 April 2016

(click image for larger view)

COMMEMORATION of 100th Anniversary of 1916 Irish Rebellion

SUNDAY, MAY 1st, 2016  at  7:30 pm

Heart & Crown Snug Pub

353 Preston Street, Ottawa

Traditional Irish music, songs, poetry & readings, hosted by 

“Celtic Folk Night Group”

Formal programme followed by Celtic Folk Night (Rebel Songs)

No Cover ~ All Welcome ~ Info 613-726-7583

Darkness into Light - 5k Walk/Run (Pieta House, Ireland) - 7 May 2016

There will be a 5 kilometer walk/run in support of Pieta House, Ireland. Pieta House is a crises centre for those experiencing self harm or thoughts of suicide.  This year the event has expanded to include Ottawa.

Starting eight years ago, the first event saw several hundred people in Dublin's Phoenix Park, now it has grown to thousands upon thousands upon thousands of people across over 80 locations and four continents in May of last year, Darkness Into Light in aid of Pieta House, the centre for the prevention of suicide and self-harm, has grown beyond all expectations.

Formore information about this event visit the link:
http://dil.pieta.ie/venues/venue-view/darkness-into-light-ottawa

For general information on the Pieta House walk/run, please visit:
http://dil.pieta.ie/about

Mac Piarais i bPictiúir / Pearse in Pictures (Live Theatre) - Wed. 20 April 2016

Join Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Ottawa Branch, who are proudly sponsoring Fibin's stage production of the play "Mac Piarais i bPictiúir / Pearse in Pictures," written and devised by Harry McGee and Dara McGee. Fibin are arriving direct from Co. Connemara, Ireland, to perform this play in a select number of venues in Ontario. Fíbín was nominated for the Irish Times / ESB Theatre Awards in 2005; a rare feat for a company in its formative years and again in 2011. We were also the 2005 winners of the Galway County AIB Theatre Awards. This is a very special and rare opportunity!

Pearse in Pictures is a striking re-imagination of Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising, the insurrection led by a small group of idealists resulted in a heavy defeat with all the leaders executed. However, it was the spark that lit the bonfire that culminated in an independent Irish. The performance focuses on five leading figures of the 1916 Rising with a dramatic unexpected twist at the end.

This event is a fundraiser for the Ottawa Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ Ottawa). You can enjoy Irish theatre, Irish music and contribute to its continuation in Ottawa.

Prior to the play, theatre goers may gather for some socialising in Brigid's Well, the new pub in St. Brigid's Centre (Cumberland Street entry), which opens at 4 PM. The play starts at 7:30 PM. After the play, you can meet the actors, and listen to live Irish traditional music!

The play will be performed at St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts, 310 Saint Patrick St. on the periphery of the Byward Market. Please use the Cumberland Street entry for the pub and the play. Street parking and parking garages are within one block of the Centre.

Online Tickets at Eventbrite (secure): https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pearse-in-pictures-by-fibin-tickets-23129872070

$20 – Adults
$15 – valid Student ID
All tickets $25 at Door

More info: call 613-912-3664 (leave msg and return number)

Fibin are travelling with the support of Culture Ireland.

1916 Remembered - St. Brigid's, 17 April 2016

The 1916 Rising commemorations continue!

Sunday 17 April – 2.00pm. 1916 Remembered: A commemoration of the events of 1916 through a weave of Irish song, music, narration and literature. St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts. No charge but please RSVP to Kay – kayohegarty@sympatico.ca   (613) 829-8467

Event Link:

http://saintbrigidscentre.com/events/event/1916-remembered-terrible-beauty-born/

Alex Kehler and Nicholas Williams CD release concert 15 April 2016

Alex Kehler (Skye Consort, Les Siffleurs de Nuit) and Nicholas Williams (Genticorum, Crowfoot) will be performing a CD release concert next Friday, April 15th at Southminster United Church.

These multi-instrumentalists weave tunes rooted in Scandinavian,Quebecois and Celtic traditions accompanied with rich vocal harmonies. Nyckelharpa, flute, piano accordion, fiddle, piano, guitar, and låtmandola are all featured in their repertoire which includes lively numbers but also tunes that approach the subtlety of a chamber music ensemble.

Watch here - https://vimeo.com/151731560

Date: Friday, April 15th, 8:00pm (doors open 7:30)
Venue: Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave. at Bank (Galt St. entry)
Tickets: $15 advance (www.ottawacontra.ca) & $18 at the door

Official information here:
http://www.ottawacontra.ca/view/?concert

Irish writers at Ottawa International Writers’ Festival - 14-15 April 2016

Thursday 14 April & Friday 15 April - Four Irish writers at Ottawa International Writers’ Festival. Supported by the Embassy of Ireland, Culture Ireland and the Ireland Literature Exchange.

Tickets & info: http://www.writersfestival.org/

Thursday 14 April - Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks St.

6:30pm: SAFE AND SOUND with Paul Lynch, Abdourahman A. Waberi and Carol Daniels.

Dublin’s Paul Lynch is the author of The Black Snow, which Booklist describes as "so starkly brutal and so beautiful that it is impossible to look away.” He takes the pastoral novel and--with the calmest of hands---tears it apart. With beautiful, haunting prose, Lynch illuminates what it means to live through crisis, and puts to the test our deepest certainties about humankind.

8:30pm: RADICAL EMPATHY with Sara Baume, Sunil Yapa and Joan Crate.

Cork’s Sara Baume is the author of Spill Simmer Falter Wither, a captivating story, told over the course of four seasons, of a misfit man who adopts a misfit dog, praised in The Irish Times for its "astonishing power with language [and its] touching and inspiriting sense  of empathy, that rarest but most human of traits.”

Friday 15 April - Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks St.

6:30pm: ALL IN THIS TOGETHER with Farzana Doctor, Monique Schwitter and Christine Dwyer Hickey .

The Lives of Women, by award-winning novelist, playwright and short story writer Christine Dwyer Hickey, was an Irish Times Book Club pick and was praised for "an uncompromising portrayal of the suburbs and the cruelties brought about by the demands of respectability."

8:30pm: THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT with Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Kris Bertin and Danielle McLaughlin

Dinosaurs on Other Planets by Cork’s Danielle McLaughlin, includes two stories published in The New Yorker and was heralded by The Irish Examiner as "a remarkable first collection from a distinctive and extremely gifted writer on the brink of major recognition.”

Call of the Forest: the Forgotten Wisdom of Trees - Mayfair Theatre - 14 April 2016

Diana Beresford-Kroeger (originally from Cork) is premiering her documentary Call of the Forest: the Forgotten Wisdom of Trees at the Mayfair Theatre on Thursday, April 14th at 6:30 p.m.

“Every breath we take is because of a tree’s ability to create oxygen. No other organism or invention can do what the tree does. Trees are entirely unique in our galaxy, quite possibly the universe –so with every breath you take, thank a tree. We want you to plant trees and fix your forests.  We need your help to do this and on the journey, I will tell you why.  The story is the ancient secret of the forest.  We will unfold this secret with science.  We will all go on the greatest adventure of our lives.  And we will come home to a different understanding of ourselves when we realize the importance of the forest.  You will never look at a tree in the same way again.  Trust me in this.”
– Diana Beresford-Kroeger

Link to the Mayfair Theatre description:
http://mayfairtheatre.ca/movies/Call-of-the-Forest-the-Forgotten-Wisdom-of-Trees/

Further information on the film is here:

http://dianasjourney.com/

Ottawa Gaels Annual Spaghetti Fundraiser - Saturday night, 9 April 2016

The Ottawa Gaels, our local GAA club, have their annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser this  Saturday,

Where?
St. Brigid’s Centre for the Arts.

When?
The fundraiser gets underway at 5:30pm.

Silver?
Only $10 for adults and $5 for kids.Saturday.

More details here!
http://ottawagaels.ca/annual-spaghetti-dinner-fundraiser-april-9th-2016/

Irish Film Fest Ottawa - 1-3 April 2016

The second Irish Film Fest Ottawa will take place at the Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, over the weekend of 1-3 April (Fri-Sun) 2016.

I attended most films last year and found it to be a very enjoyable weekend. Given all the attention Irish cinema has been getting recently this is a great opportunity to get your fill of the best there is. Please go and support this new venture by and for the Irish in Ottawa!

Program and Tickets Here

Craig

Sharing Our Choral Art - 2 April 2016

The Ottawa Celtic Choir is proud to welcome Near North Voices, the University-Community Choir from North Bay, to Ottawa for a concert of Celtic and folk music that is not to be missed!

Saturday, April 2 - 7:30 PM

Click on image for a larger view of the poster.

The Carpenters of Song - Music and Poetry of Wales, Brittany, Scotland and Ireland - 17 April 2016

"The Carpenters of Song- Music and Poetry of Wales, Brittany, Scotland and Ireland" with Mary Muckle, harp & harpsichord; Julie Leduc, harp; Marilyn Jenkins, voice; Loyda Lastra, flute; The Ottawa Youth Harp Ensemble and the Welsh singers, Cantorion Cerdd Dant.

Takes place Sunday, April 17, 7.30 pm at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 760 Somerset St. W.

The concert is a part of the St Luke's recital series.

Admission is by donation.

Paddy's Day Irish Session at Daniel O'Connell's Pub - 17 March !

Irish Traditional music musicians who aren't otherwise engaged are welcome to come join us for an afternoon of REAL Irish music, a few pints, and complimentary stew afterwards. Patrick Laplante will be hosting.

Location:
Daniel O'Connell's Irish Pub
1211 Wellington st. W, Ottawa, Ontario

Time:
Thursday, March 17, 2 PM - 6 PM

Saint Patrick's Dinner and Irish Dance - 12 March 2016

If you are looking for a great family evening, or a night out with your best friend(s), to celebrate the coming of Saint Patrick's Day (Thursday 17 March, a work day and night!), then why not consider going to the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE) annual Saint Patrick's Dinner and Dance? This is the closest you will get to a real Irish ceili in Ottawa. Dress is casual. What is a ceili?

Tickets Here (deadline Thursday midnight)

Food!
Doors open at 5:30, and dinner starts to be served at 6:00. This year they are offering a sumptuous Irish Stew served with homemade Irish soda bread, a staple in the Irish kitchen, followed by cake and coffee and tea. This year CCE features a price for kids (12 and under), $5 for the food and the entire evening of fun and dance. While the event is not a 'kids' event, it is very children friendly and everybody is welcome with the warmth of traditional Irish hospitality. Non-members pay $25 for the dinner and the night of dancing. Also included at about 9:30 is the traditional snack time, complimentary (donations accepted) soda bread with cheese and jams, and tea.

Cash bar!
The bar will be open from 5:30 to 10:00pm. (Drink responsibly, or designate a driver.). Non-alcoholic beverages also available.

Prizes!
Your door ticket may get you prizes from random draws. TD Place tickets, cds, DVDs, and offereings from Blakey Design's, who will be back vending their lovely Irish and Celtic themed jewellry and art (cash or cheque only). There will also be a 50/50 draw!

History!
As this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Irish Easter Uprising, a short commemoration will be held after the meal to honour the fallen. This will include readings in English and Irish of the Proclamation, and the singing of the Irish national anthem.

Dancing!
When the dancing starts, simple ceili dances will be briefly instructed and called for the beginners by expert teachers. Set dancing will also be featured (Irish 'square dancing' to awesome Irish music). The musical backdrop to this evening will be the award winning Comhaltas Ceili Band, which will jigs, reels and polkas till you drop.

Entertainment!
During the break period of the evening, the Trillum Academy of Dance dancers will delight you and your family with demonstrations of precision Irish step and solo dancing. Songs may be sung in Irish as well. How often do you hear a song in the old language of Ireland?

TICKETS are ONLINE ONLY, and there are no door sales. Call 613-912-3664 if you cannot buy online. A vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, chili option available (and it's really tasty, just let us know!).
Buy Tickets Here.

Concert: Celtic Knox, 11 March 2016

Join Ellen MacIsaac (voice, and director of the Ottawa Celtic Choir), Susan Toman (website) on harp and Ross Davison (also of The Trousers) on uilleann pipes and whistle fora fine Celtic music performance. They will be presenting a concert of Celtic songs and tunes, many of which will be in either Irish Gaelige or Scots Gaidhlig (i.e. Gaelic!).

"Celtic Knox" is on March 11, at 7:30 pm. Call Ellen at 613-552-3964 for tickets.

Click image for larger view

The Trousers, Old Ottawa South Concert at Black Squirrel Books - 13 March 2016

The Trousers are an instrumental duo that play traditional Irish and Cape Breton music. Area music teachers Ross Davison and Karson McKeown serve up a fresh batch of toe-tapping jigs, reels, and Adele covers (just kidding, sort of). Their current sound features Uilleann (Irish) bagpipes, Whistles, Fiddle, Guitar, and Bodhran.

Come enjoy some great tunes, hear a few stories, and learn more about Cape Breton Music/The Irish pipes.

There is no ticket fee for the concert, but we will be passing the hat.

When:

13 March, Sunday at 7 PM

Location:

Black Squirrel Books & Café

1073 Bank St., Ottawa, 

Blogger's notes: 

1. Some serious talent here, make it out if you can!

2. Like them on Facebook, frig sakes!

Irish Night at the Log Drive Café - 11 March 2016

Come kick off Irish Week with a performance by Irish musician and writer Kevin Dooley, accompanied by his daughter, Deirdre Dooley in an evening of songs, tunes and stories.

Click to Enlarge

Kevin sings a wide variety of traditional Irish songs from rebel anthems to ancient ballads in the sean nos style, highly ornamented and hauntingly beautiful. He also plays traditional jigs, reels and airs on the Irish flute and whistle. In addition, he has a lot to say about Irish history and culture, and will link the songs together with spoken word.

Kevin Dooley has been in Canada for many decades, moving to Ottawa in 1999. Since then he has been involved in local causes such as the commemoration of the thousands of workers (many of them Irish) who lost their lives in the building of the Rideau Canal. He is also a tireless promoter of the Irish language and Irish culture in general. He has spearheaded many musical gatherings over the years and is currently the host of Celtic Folk Night at the Heart & Crown Pub on Preston Street, a song/tune session every Wednesday evening, in which all are welcome to share songs and tunes of celtic derivation. Kevin is also a writer, with a new novel published last fall, called A Dog’s Breakfast.

Deirdre Dooley also sings Irish songs, and plays solid percussion ranging from bodhran and snare to various other drums. She has been accompanying her dad for many years, and has a great sensitivity to his material and style. Those of you who caught her show at the Log Drive Café in February can attest to her ability to find just the right percussive sound for the song.

The Log Drive Café is a traditional music venue, held on occasional Friday evenings, featuring local and visiting folk singers and musicians in a coffee-house setting, in which the audience is welcome to sing along.

Tea, coffee, cold drinks and baked goods are available.

Abbotsford House is a wheelchair accessible recreation centre focused on older adults; however, the Log Drive Café is an all-ages event.

Please bring indoor shoes as no outdoor footwear is permitted in the performance space.

Parking: There is a small lot at the front, but if that is full and you can’t find anything close on the street, you can park at the underground lot at Lansdowne Park and pay only $2 (exact change) to Pat at Abbotsford. She will validate your ticket. (Some people who came early were turned away at the underground lot last time but those who arrived after 7:15 had no trouble. We hope it won’t be a problem this time because there is no hockey game on March 11.)

Contact Maura Volante with further questions:

maura.volante@gmail.com • 613 277 9208
Or call Abbotsford House: 613 230 5730

Cape Breton Concert and Dance with Ben Miller and Anita MacDonald - 27 Feb 2016

On Saturday, February 27, if you're looking for an evening of great music and tons of fun that will NOT cost you an arm and a leg, then just grab a couple of friends and come on down to the Montgomery Legion in Ottawa. Anita MacDonald (fiddle, vocals, step dancing), Ben Miller (pipes) and Tyson Chen (piano) will be giving a short concert and then cranking out tunes for a Cape Breton dance! Our own Ernie Fraser will also be playing some celtic guitar in between sets, too! And no need to worry about not knowing how to do the Cape Breton square set dances - there will be lots of people there who will be MORE than willing to help show you! Hope to see lots of you folks there!!
(from Diane Fraser)

Click image for larger view

Concert: Carleton Goes Celtic - Sunday 6 March 2016

Enjoy a concert of Celtic music put on by the teachers and students at Carleton University's new Celtic Music Performance Programme, along with a few special guests. We're looking forward to showcasing some great young talent in the Ottawa area! "Carleton Goes Celtic" is taking place at Live on Elgin, Sunday March 6 at 2 pm. Tickets are available from Live on Elgin.

Click for larger poster

Concert: Allison Lupton Band - 12 March 2016

The Allison Lupton Band will be delighting concert goers on March 12th at the Rosemount Hall. Once again you can save $5 by purchasing your ticket in advance.

Traditional and contemporary musician Allison Lupton is an Ontario native who got her start playing folk music with Windsor-based band Killiecrankie.

She is a featured performer at various festivals and venues including Mariposa, Lunenburg, and CBC's Vinyl Cafe. Most recently, Allison's "One More Day" was the English overall winning song in the 2015 Folk Music Ontario's Songs From the Heart competition. Her most recent recording is "Half My Heart".

Allison's band is composed of a stellar group of musicians, including renowned veteran of the Canadian folk scene Ian Bell, acclaimed bass player Denis Rondeau, Grand North American Fiddle Champion Shane Cook, and CCBA's Mandolin Player of the Year Andrew Collins.

Delighting listeners with their beautiful renditions of traditional and original songs and tunes, the group features exquisite, three-part vocal harmonies and captivating arrangements highlighting flute, fiddle, guitar, accordion, mandolin, banjo and acoustic bass

Date: Saturday Mar 12, 2016
Time: 8:00pm (doors open at 7:30pm)

Location: Rosemount Hall, 41 Rosemount Ave (Google maps link)

Tickets: $20 when purchased at http://www.ottawacontra.ca/ or $25 at the door


Website: www.allisonlupton.com and VIDEOS.

Irish Trivia Night Fundraiser - Thurs 4 Feb 2016

Join fellow Ireland and Irish enthusiasts at Patty Boland's Pub in the Byward Market, 101 Clarence St., this Thursday night at 7pm, for an evening of fun questions and answers on the people, places, music, and history of Ireland. The event is a fundraiser for the Ottawa Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (English translation is "Gathering of the Musicians of Ireland"). There will be prizes available. Entry is only $10 per person, and teams of up to 4 people are allowed. A wide variety of topics have been chose, so everybody should have a chance at a few points over the night. Bring a friend!

Click on picture for larger image.