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.

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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