Andrea Beaton and Eric Wright - 9 Jan 2018

Andrea Beaton and Eric Wright
Are In The House!

Tuesday, January 9, 2018
7:00pm

Andrea Beaton
Andrea Beaton comes from a long line of musicians, composers and dancers. Both the Beaton and MacMaster sides of her family are well known and respected as some of Cape Breton's finest musicians, dancers and composers. She is an award-winning fiddler, tune composer and recording artist who is known for her powerful bow and driving style. She tours and teaches internationally and is in great demand as a teacher at music camps and fiddling/dancing workshops.

She has released 6 solo albums, one duo album with her father, Kinnon Beaton, and 3 books of her original tunes. She also recorded an album with her family "The Beaton family of Mabou" in 2007 for the Smithsonian Institute. Most of her solo albums were nominated for awards, and her 2010 CD, 'Branches,' won the Canadian East Coast Music Award "Instrumental Recording of the Year!
Andrea travels the globe, sharing her culture as well as exploring and writing contemporary tunes. Her music, dance and comical stories are sure to delight any audience.

www.andreabeaton.com

Eric Wright
Picking up the cello at age 7, Eric Wright began his musical career as a classically trained musician. By 13, he was teaching group and private lessons in Vermont, while playing in numerous chamber groups and orchestras. He has received numerous awards, as well as being accepted into the Vermont All-State orchestra, New England orchestra, and winner of the Vermont concerto competition.

While he loved classical music, his father’s background in Irish and Old Time American fiddling was what really drew him in. Growing up, he had always accompanied his dad on cello, guitar, or other instruments, and knew that his love for folk music was too powerful to ignore.

From there, Eric moved to Boston and attended the Berklee College of Music where he studied folk styles with Eugene Friesen, Mark Simos, Natalie Haas, and John McGann. Eric joined forces with the multi-award winning group, The Fretless, a contemporary traditional fusion group, and has been touring all over Canada, the US, and Europe ever since. 

ericwrightsound.com

Tickets $20 -- Seating is limited –
All proceeds go directly to Andrea and Eric
To reserve seats, email Graham at gcrate @ rogers . com
Light refreshment will be available during intermission (BYOB).

Brigid's Well Pub - Monthly Session (Seisiún) Friday 22nd December 2017

Want to unwind just before the big day of Christmas? After work? Head down to Brigid's Well Pub for the last monthly Irish traditional music session of 2017. Located at the edge of the market, it's your best Friday afternoon and evening getaway for a pint or glass of fine Irish whiskey (and they have a grand selection).

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A Celtic Christmas Concert - Kitchissippi United Church - 15 Dec 2017

                               
Join Ellen MacIsaac (voice), Susan Toman (Celtic harp), and special guest Ross Davison (pipes/whistle/bodhran) for an evening of dreamy Celtic music for Christmas!

Friday December 15, 7:30pm (till about 9pm)
Kitchisippi United Church (630 Island Park Drive) - plenty of free parking
Tickets: $20 at the door

Two new CDs will also be available for purchase ($20/ea):

Hibernia's album "Wide Waters" (traditional. Irish & Scottish)
Susan Toman's harp album "Angels on High" (Christmas)

For more information: ellen@laughingbrook.ca, 613-552-3964

Please help us to spread the word by sending this invite to a friend




The Hibernia website is: www.hiberniamusic.com

Slow Session with Ottawa Irish Arts - 17 Dec 2017

click on image to enlarge

Four tunes have been added to the (previously published) slow session list. The list will not expand beyond further, this year.

Egan’s polka/Maggie in the Woods
Milltown/Kesh Jig
Tenpenny Bit
Off She Goes

Play Ireland's Card game "25" - 17 Dec 2017

OCKP and Hibernia Music (Ellen MacIsaac & Susan Toman) - 17 Dec 2017

December's Ottawa Celtic Kitchen Party (OCKP) is going to be a fun event! We're quite pleased to announce that Hibernia Music will be joining us! Hibernia is a duo of Celtic voice (Ellen MacIsaac) and harp (Susan Toman), specializing in the repertoire of Ireland and Scotland, in Gaelic and in English. And - they have just released their first CD - Wide Waters! If you love gaelic songs and all things Celtic harp, this will be an afternoon you shouldn't miss!!

Ernie Fraser (fiddle, guitar), Marietta Fraser (piano, guitar), and Diane Fraser (bodhran) will start the afternoon off at 1:30 pm with Cape Breton fiddling, celtic guitar and piano accompaniment. Ellen and Susan will take over and entertain from 2 - 2:45 pm. The afternoon will wrap up with all of us playing a few tunes together; Celtic harp is new for us, so this will be interesting! Come on down to Kat & Kraken (formerly Woody's Pub) for a cold one or two, some lively tunes, and some lovely, warm Celtic songs and harp music. Make sure to bring your friends and family, too!

Sunday, December 17 at 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Kat & Kraken, 330 Elgin Street Ottawa, Ottawa

Ottawa Gaels Awards Banquet - 25 Nov 2017

The Ottawa Gaels (the GAA affiliate in Ottawa) are having the Annual Awards Banquet this weekend, Saturday November 25th, 2017, at The Heart & Crown in the Byward Market.

There are still some tickets available online, so please take a look and consider joining us for dinner, pints, laughs, some hilarious photos & videos, and all of the awards presentations.

Tickets can be purchased by following this registration link: http://ottawagaels.ca/save-date-2017-awards-banquet-saturday-november-25th/

Cocktails at 6 PM 

Dinner at 7 PM

Tickets Cost: $50

Vanessa McLean
Chairperson, Ottawa Gaels GAA

Ireland's National Card Game, "25", play in Ottawa!

Bit late posting this, with apologies, but you too can play, or learn to play the Irish card game "25". The games are currently held once a month, 3rd Sunday, at Brigid's Well Pub, a pub that is quickly becoming synonymous with all authentic things and events that are Irish in Ottawa.

The 25 Game days are organised by Austin Comerton, of Irish Radio Canada. Keep abreast of the schedule, or changes to, by visiting Irish Radio Canada's Event page. Another key resource for Irish events in Ottawa.


"The Gaelic Hour," formerly a fixture on Ottawa's multilingual community CHIN Radio, and hosted by Austin Comerton, has now gone global with a 24/7 livestream of music and a variety of interesting shows to please many tastes. So please give it a listen!

"Noel Nouvelet" - a Christmas concert by The Ottawa Youth Harp Ensemble: 25 Nov 2017 (Pakenham)

The Ottawa Youth Harp Ensemble, under the direction of Mary Muckle is giving a Christmas concert, entitled "Noel Nouvelet" on Saturday, Nov. 25, 3.00 PM at St. Andrew's United Church, Pakenham.

Admission is by donation.

Their guest soloist is soprano Marilyn Jenkins. Come and enjoy a seasonal concert and drop in on Pakenham's Christmas craft fair, taking place Nov. 25. Festivities include the craft fair, meeting Santa and Christmas carolers and the Ottawa Youth Harp Ensemble at St. Andrew's.

Ottawa Celtic Choir upcoming Christmas concerts - December 2017

Speed thyself to the Ottawa Celtic Choir Facebook page, and get excited for the two terrific concerts they have on offer for this Christmas season.

(click on image to enlarge)

The Ottawa Celtic Choir should be on your annual Christmas concert circuit. Their repertoire will include melodies you know, some you don't, and sometimes the original melody of songs that over the centuries have been modernised. The choir sings songs from the seven Celtic nations, as well as from strongly Celtic-influenced areas (such as the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, Ontario, etc.). We sing in the six Celtic languages as well as English, French, and Galician-dialect Spanish.

(click on image to enlarge)

A more unique choral experience will not be found than hearing this choir, now a mainstay in the Ottawa Celtic scene.

Visit their webpage as well. Ottawa Celtic Choir

See you out!

Cape Cod Ceili Weekend XV - Jan 2018

For those needing an excuse to travel for some Irish dancing in late January . . .

We are pleased to announce that that dates for the 2018 Cape Cod Ceili Weekend are confirmed: January 26-28.

Venue will be the Cape Cod Irish Village, host band will be the Northeast Ceili Band, and dancing activities will be in the capable hands of Barry and Pat Callahan (setdance.man@verizon.net).

Copy of the flyer (including the weekend schedule) is at www.capeirish.com/news/ci_supp/cccw15_flyer.pdf.

Many thanks for passing this info to your members!

Bill Black
Northeast Ceili Band
www.capeirish.com/necb/

Film: In the Name of Peace: John Hume in America - 26 Nov 2017

In the Name of Peace: John Hume in America

Dir. Maurice Fitzpatrick

Ireland, 2017, 90 minutes

English

European Union Film Festival

National Gallery of Canada, Sunday, November 26, 2017, 4:45 pm

Irish politician and civil rights leader John Hume saw that by harnessing the political influence of the Irish American diaspora, it was possible to achieve peace in Northern Ireland. Narrated by Liam Neeson, In The Name Of Peace is a compelling feature documentary about ending "the Troubles", with dramatic footage from the conflict and stirring accounts by Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Tony Blair, Bono, and many others. A stirring tale of how one man with courage and charisma who found inspiration in Martin Luther King Jr. mobilized Irish Americans and America to bring an end to years of bloody violence. It is also serves as a useful reminder of the redemptive powers of politics to overcome hatred and division. 

Ottawa Irish Arts Slow Session tune list

Ottawa Irish Arts hosts a monthly Irish music slow session at the St Brigid's Centre for the Arts, in Brigid's Well Pub.

The following is an updated list of tunes which we will be playing at the St. Brigid’s Irish music SLOW session at Brigid's Well Pub, Cumberland St (corner with Murray). The next dates are: DEC 17, JAN 14, FEB 11, March TBD (because March is just mad with stuff going on).

The Dawning of the Day -march (YouTube link)
The Minstrel Boy - march (YouTube link, melody)
Out On The Ocean - jig (YouTube link)
Cliffs of Moher - jig (YouTube link)
Rolling in the Rye Grass - reel (YouTube link)
The Wind that Shakes the Barley - reel (YT link, starts slow and speeds up)
Off to California - hornpipe (YouTube link)
The Boys of Bluehill - hornpipe (YouTube link)
The Blackthorn Stick - jig (YouTube Link)
Banish Misfortune - jig (YouTube link)

The slow session will be held from 2 pm until 3pm and followed by a regular session from 3 pm until 5pm.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Concert of Irish music featuring Gerry O'Connor of the Irish Rovers, on fiddle - Tues 14 Nov 207

The Newpoint Players will be holding a concert of traditional Irish music on Tuesday November 14th, 2017 @ 7pm at Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts!

(CLICK ON POSTER for larger view)

Joining them will be Gerry O'Connor of the Irish Rovers, on fiddle. Come on down after work so you can sit back and enjoy a great evening of music, friends, and a cold pint.

Admission is Pay-What-You-Can, with a suggested donation.

Theatre: The Trial of the Orange Order, Wed 15 Nov 2017, Saint Brigid's Centre

Limelight Theatre Group is delighted to announce that The Newpoint Players will be back in Ottawa for their latest production: The Trial of the Orange Order, by Anthony Russell.

(CLICK ON POSTER for larger view)

The Newry-based drama group will be touring in Canada this November and will be bringing their production to Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts on Wednesday November 15th, 2017.

This is an interactive play, featuring the Newpoint Players from Ireland and local actors from some of our Ottawa/Irish community partners!

Tickets are $20 and are available online via the Eventbrite link below, or by emailing: limelighttheatregroup@gmail.com

Eventbrite HERE

https://www.facebook.com/LimelightTheatreGroupOttawa/posts/917863695045833

Flute & Harp duo CD release concert - 18 Nov 2017

Sheila and Lucile are celebrating their shared love of Christmas with this collection of original arrangements of traditional melodies such as The Cherry Tree Carol, Gloucester Wassail, I Wonder as I Wander, and Noël nouvelet.

(CLICK ON POSTER for larger view)

Lucile and I invite you to like us on Facebook — and help spread the word about our upcoming concert on November 18th at 7:30, at St. Luke's Church in Ottawa.

New Sessions at Brigid's Well Pub, Ottawa!

Ottawa Irish Arts is starting a new Slow Session from 2-3 PM on Sunday Nov 12 at Brigid's Well Pub. From 3-5 PM. The slow session provides an opportunity for participants to learn how to play Irish Traditional Music in a group setting (and all that entails) at a slower pace, in a learning environment. 

Starting out, the session will generally occur on the 2nd Sunday of the month (10th or 17th December, January 14th, Feb. 11th, March 11th, April 15th, May 13th).

For the Slow Session from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm the tune selection will include:

Rolling in the Rye Grass, The Wind that Shakes the Barley, Off to California, The Boys of Bluehill, The Blackthorn Stick and Banish misfortune. 

The slow session is followed by a Regular session. All musicians are welcome.

Each session will be lead by Frank Cassidy, well known in the Ottawa region for his decades of playing, arranging and recording of Irish Traditional Music. Most recently as a founding member of the D'Arcy McGee Band. Frank plays tune whistle, banjo and flute.

(CLICK ON POSTER for larger view)

Ottawa Irish Arts is the local branch of the international organisation Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE), which is dedicated to the preservation of the Irish traditional arts, primarily music, dance, and language. As such these sessions will stay focussed on session tunes that are considered common in the Irish repertoire. 

November CB Session Events with Dara Smith-MacDonald and Adam Young

Cape Breton artists bring the sounds of the east coast, and a new album to Ottawa.

A little bit of Cape Breton's famous Celtic Colours International festival can be found in Ottawa over the Nov. 10-12 weekend as fiddler Dara Smith-MacDonald and Adam Young bring their music and their newly released album, The Lake Sessions, to the area.

Ottawa is home to a large community of Nova Scotians, and other Maritimers who work hard to preserve their original Scottish/Irish culture and traditions, and share them with the local community at regular biweekly events as well as special concert and dance events. This weekend celebration will have something for everyone, whether you like it loud and lively, quiet and intimate, or educational.

The Cape Breton square dance is the mainstay of summer fun on the east coast, Dara and Adam will recreate that at the Montgomery Legion Hall on Friday Nov. 10. Cape Breton square sets aren't actually square and they're not complicated. As long as you know your right hand from your left and can count as high as four you'll have a grand time, and there's always someone willing to help you stay on course.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door for adults, kids/youth $10 anytime. 

For those who prefer a quieter listening atmosphere Dara and Adam will perform at two house concerts, in Kanata and east central Ottawa. Dara and Adam are both sought after instructors in the Gaelic arts and will also be teaching fiddle, piano and dance workshops at various skill levels over the weekend.

More information about the events, and online ticket purchase is available at www.cbsession.com or www.ocbs.brownpapertickets.com.

The Lake Sessions is Dara's second release following the success of her debut album Connections in 2011. For this recording she teamed up with local Cape Breton piano and entertainment veteran Adam Young and PEI sound engineer and musician Brent Chaisson. The result is a nice cross-section of old and new tunes and styles, with an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary composers. This includes tunes from both Dara and Adam, mixed generously with writers such as Kinnon and Andrea Beaton, Paul Cranford, Dan Hughie MacEachern, Ewen Henderson, Wendy MacIsaac and Glenn Graham.

Dara Smith-MacDonald, born and raised in Antigonish, has been playing the fiddle for more than 20 years and now resides in Port Hawkesbury. With deep family roots in Inverness, she very quickly began to develop a style that is strong, lively and traditional. Dara has played for concerts, ceilidhs, and dances throughout Cape Breton, mainland Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario and the USA. Dara can often be found on stage with Adam Young, a sought after piano player from Marion Bridge. Dara and Adam released their first CD together, The Lake Sessions, in June.

Adam Young is a sought-after pianist from the tiny community of French Road. His unique style adds depth, solidity, and a joyful forward motion to the music, and a certain joy is evident on his face. Adam created and directed the Louisbourg Playhouse's popular music and comedy revue, Cape Breton Lyrics & Laughter, which has seen more than 350 performances since it began 15 years ago. He regularly plays at concerts, ceilidhs, square dances and sessions throughout Cape Breton, and has showcased his talents in Scotland and Ireland, across Canada and in the United States.

25 - Ireland's National Card Game, resumes 19 Nov 2017

Following some consultation, the 3rd Sunday seems to be the preferred day for 25.

After the initial get together this may extend to the 1st and 3rd Sunday.

So far the planned dates are:
NOV 18
DEC 3
DEC  17
JAN  7
JAN 21

- Austin Comerton

Canadian Folk Music Awards 2017 - Ottawa - Celtic Jams - 18-19 Nov

This year the Canadian Folk Music Awards are being held in Ottawa. Details and schedule are available here: https://folkawards.ca/events/ottawa-2017/

For the Celtic-inclined, there are two music jams on the weekend:
12-3pm Celtic Jam Session Deacon Brodie’s Pub (247 Elgin St.)
1-4pm Celtic Jam Session Patty’s Pub (1186 Bank St.)

Go have a listen. Expect experienced musicians, I'd venture to guess.

Sons of Scotland present "Scotland Tonight" - 18 November 2017

An afternoon of Scottish excellence featuring the pipes, drums, song and dance in a showcase of local Celtic talent. With something for everyone, Scotland Tonight is a wonderful way to enjoy the Celtic arts in a grand variety show!

Link for info and tickets

CD Launch for performers Susan Toman and Hibernia - 4 November 2017, Nepean

Dear friends,


The first is a Christmas CD for Celtic harp. I made all of the arrangements on the album; it features lots of traditional Christmas carols, and a few jigs for fun! A few of the carols work really well as lullabies for babies - inspired by my youngest of course, now just 1yr old. The album's called "Angels on High."

The 2nd CD is by my group Hibernia. Ellen MacIsaac joins me (singing) on this album entitled "Wide Waters." It's an album of traditional Irish and Scottish songs that tell great stories! Some are more melancholy, while others are spirited and catchy. Two fabulous guest artists join us on this our debut album: Ross Davison (whistles & uilleann pipes), and Ken Harper (bodhran). (sample clip)


The official joint CD launch for these albums will be on Saturday November 4th at 7:30pm. Location: Nepean Creative Arts Centre (35 Stafford Rd), in the Rehearsal Studio in Bldg.5. There is lots of free parking.

Admission to the event is $15, payable at the door. CDs will be $20/each, or 2 for $35. Light refreshments will be served, as we celebrate the release of these albums!


Thanks, and please do tell your friends.
All best,
Susan

WEB: http://www.susantoman.com/

p.s. For anyone who would like a CD or two but can't come to the launch, please let me know and I'll find a way to get it to you!

Trial of the Orange Order presented by The Newpoint Players and Limelight Theatre Group - 14-15 Nov 2017

The Newpoint Players drama group from Newry, Ireland will be back in Ottawa for a concert and play in November.  They will be presenting their 2017 production of The Trial of the Orange Order  by Anthony Russell.  

The group will be in Ottawa on Tuesday November 14th for a concert of traditional Irish music, and will be showcasing the play on Wednesday November 15th. Both concert and play will be held at St Brigid's.

Tickets are available via the following methods:

1. Online, via our Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/limelight-theatre-presents-the-trial-of-the-orange-order-tickets-39092434524

2. At the doors on the night of the play ( limited amount of tickets will be available, based on online sales).

3. For pickup, by emailing Limelight directly at  limelighttheatregroup@gmail.com

Vanessa McLean, Pat Kelly, Damien Fannon, and Kay O'Hegarty will have hard tickets available for sale as well, and we will be making the rounds at many of the Ottawa-Irish events in the next few weeks.

Detailed information about the concert and play are below.

Concert of Traditional Irish Music - Newpoint Players, Gerry O'Connor of the Irish rovers and  local Ottawa musicians

When: Tuesday November 14th, 2017  7pm

Where: St Brigid's Centre for the Arts

Cost: Pay-What-You-Can / Donation

The Trial of the Orange Order - a play by Anthony Russel with the  Newpoint Players

When: Wednesday November 15th, 2017

Where: St Brigid's Centre for the Arts    Doors: 6pm    Show: 7pm

Cost: $20

Newpoint Players and Limelight Theatre Ottawa present:The Trial of the Orange Order before the Court of History, by Anthony Russell.

This play is an exciting two act historical and political fantasy; a drama that as objectively as possible seeks to examine the role of the Orange Order in the formation of modern Ireland as well as The Canadian Confederation. 

The premise is that James Craig (1871 – 1940), the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, is called from beyond the grave to answer the charge, that in rejecting Home Rule, the Orange Order committed treason against Ireland and Britain!

A creative twist: The audience is the jury! This is one of the most fascinating aspects of the play:  At the end of the trial, members of the audience participate in an unscripted jury room discussion and then cast their vote on the guilt or innocence of the accused.

Join us at St Brigid's Centre for the Arts for a brilliant evening of  political and historical drama!

Upcoming concerts at National Arts Centre

10 Strings and a Goatskin, from Prince Edward Island, 25 Nov., at the Fourth Stage:
https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/16667

and

The Next Generation Leahy Christmas Concert, 18-19 December, Azrieli Studio:

https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/17121

St Andrew's Dinner and Dance - 25 Nov 2017

There will be a St Andrews dinner/dance at St Patrick's Church, Kent St, on Sat Nov 25, 5:30 p.m.
tickets  from standrew.brownpapertickets.com 

Brian Armstrong

Concert: Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman Duo - Thursday 26 October 2017 (7:30 PM)

A must-not-miss concert!

This celebrated partnership of “one of the UK’s most staggering and influential acoustic guitarists” (fROOTS) with “the doyenne of Irish harpers” (SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY) and sole harper recipient to date of Irish music’s most prestigious award, Traditional Musician of the Year (Gradam Cheoil TG4), has presented its unique musical vision in twenty-two countries on five continents to venues ranging from the tiniest of village halls to palaces in Kyoto and Istanbul, London’s Barbican, Sydney Town Hall and the Philharmonie in Cologne - a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, spiced with striking new compositions - and what The West Australian calls “Chris’s delightfully subversive wit”! 

Máire Ní Chathasaigh

“Music of fire and brilliance from the high-wire act in traditional music” THE IRISH TIMES

“Blazing guitar and dancing harp” DIRTY LINEN (USA)  

”Brilliant, innovative harping and guitar-playing of astonishing virtuosity and versatility”  SONGLINES

“Remarquables de virtuosité et de grâce” TRAD Magazine (France)

"Máire is the greatest Celtic harpist of our age" Live Ireland

"The most interesting & original player of our Irish harp today" Derek Bell (harper of The Chieftans)

Máire is “the doyenne of Irish harp players” (Scotland on Sunday) and one of Ireland’s most important and influential traditional musicians: she was described by the late Derek Bell as “the most interesting and original player of the Irish harp today”. As a teenager in the 1970s she invented a whole new style of harping that quickly became the norm amongst both her contemporaries and the younger generation of Irish players. In 2001 she received Irish music’s most prestigious award, that of Traditional Musician of the Year – Gradam Cheoil TG4 – “for the excellence and pioneering force of her music, the remarkable growth she has brought to the music of the harp and for the positive influence she has had on the young generation of harpers”. A busy international touring schedule has brought her to twenty-two countries on five continents. 

Chris Newman

“An eclecticism and spirit of adventure that is quite thrilling”
THE TIMES

“Dazzling virtuosity”
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

“Chris is amazing... one of our greatest musicians”
BBC RADIO 2

Chris is a “brilliant English master of the acoustic guitar” (THE DAILY TELEGRAPH), a “dazzling player” (ACOUSTIC GUITAR, USA) whose work is “nothing short of brilliant” (DIRTY LINEN, USA). He began to play guitar at the age of four and at fourteen played his first paid gig in a folk club. A prolific composer, arranger and record producer, he’s played with luminaries of many musical worlds: folk (harper Máire Ní Chathasaigh, Boys of the Lough, Aly Bain, Kathryn Tickell, Danny Thompson), jazz (Stéphane Grappelli, Diz Disley and Danny Thompson again) and comedy (Fred Wedlock, the Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra) – receiving a silver disc for producing Fred’s international hit The Oldest Swinger in Town, to which he also composed the tune and which reached No 2 in the charts in the UK and No 1 in several other countries.

Reviews of live performances

For more information and how to obtain tickets, please click the link to Saint Brigid's Centre:

http://saintbrigidscentre.com/events/event/maire-ni-chathasaigh-chris-newmans-duo/

Ottawa Irish Arts, Ceili (social dance) - 14 October 2017

The Ottawa Irish Arts October ceili (social dance) is Saturday 14 October in the church hall of Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 Fourth Ave (at Percy St.), in the Glebe. Start at 7PM.

Kids 12 and under are free, and students are $5 admission. Non-members $15. Expect wonderful live Irish music from the award winning ceili band, a cash bar, laughs and giggles as you make your way through the dance steps, Irish food, tea and snacks, 50/50 draw, and entertainment!

All abilities welcome. no experience is necessary. You will be guided through the dance steps by their excellent dance callers.

If you are keen, they ask that you try out your Halloween costume out!

More information at http://www.ottawacomhaltas.com

Concert: Soulwood, 14 Oct 2017

Old Sod presents 3 great Quebec-based singers and multi instrumentalists in Soulwood, on Oct 14th.  

Soulwood individually Daniel Haché, Alex Kehler and Willy LeMaistre, present a remarkable mixture of songs and tunes from Louisiana to Acadia to Scandinavia and many points between, on a variety of acoustic instruments. 

When: Saturday, October 14, 8pm (doors 7:30)

Where: Rosemount Hall, 41 Rosemount Ave., Ottawa

Tickets: $20 advance, $23 at door (under 16 $10)

Tickets and info at www.oldsod.ca

Aerialists launch CD in Ottawa - 3 Oct 2017

Instrumental prog-trad band Aerialists have released their first full-length album Group Manoeuvre (September 19th) on BC indie label Fiddlehead Records.  They are playing in Ottawa on October 3rd at Bar Robo (Somerset west, Chinatown).

You can Listen Here:
Group Manoeuvre

Tracks 3 and 9 feature guest vocals from Emily Millard.

Aerialists meld their ferociously creative harmonic sensibilities and deep love for folk traditions into a post-rock coloured sound called prog-trad.

Featuring guitarist Adam Iredale-Gray (Fish & Bird), Scottish harpist Màiri Chaimbeul (Darol Anger & The Furies), and fiddler Elise Boeur (Jenny Ritter), the quintet draws from the wells of Nordic and Gaelic music, adding expansive textures and meticulously sculpted arrangements to create captivating, genre-defying new music.

Videos:
https://youtu.be/7EOK6MKm3fk live in studio at Berklee
https://youtu.be/WNmg1k3o9Uw live on a Mayne Island clifftop


www.aerialistsmusic.com
aerialistsmusic@gmail.com

Old Sod Concert: UK artists Rosie Hood & Ollie King Sep 30th

The Old Sod Society Concert Series News                                 

September 2017

Friends:

A quick reminder that our 2017-18 season starts on September 30th, with a concert by two brilliant young English folk artists, singer guitarist Rosie Hood and melodeon whiz, singer and multi-instrumentalist Ollie King. We hope you can make it to what should be a great night at the Rosemount Hall.

Where: Rosemount Hall, 41 Rosemount Ave Google map link
When: Saturday Sep 30th, 8pm (doors 7:30)
Admission: $23 advance/$25 at door (HST incl)
Tickets and info: www.oldsod.ca

Rosie Hood

A BBC Performing Arts Fellow in 2015 and a 2016 Horizon Award nominee at the Radio 2 Folk Awards, Rosie has become more than purely a traditional singer. Having started learning folk songs at an early age from her family, Rosie has a keen interest in the history of traditional songs, particularly those of her native Wiltshire, where she has spent time researching in the local archives and developing a broad repertoire of local songs.

"I have tried to depict the beautiful and the actual", wrote Alfred Williams in 1923 in the introduction to his book Folk Songs of the Upper Thames. Williams not only provided the title for Rosie's debut solo album but also the starting point for Rosie's research into Wiltshire song. Williams did not collect melodies which further inspired Rosie to write her own tunes and, more recently, whole new songs that balance perfectly with the old material to make up The Beautiful and The Actual.

"She has a magical voice, an awareness of her roots, a sense of fun on stage, and of course, makes the most marvellous music" Radio 2

Ollie King

Firmly rooted in the English tradition, Ollie King's playing explores the emotive side of the melodeon which he showcases expertly through his selection of material from both within and without the folk canon.

On his most recent solo album, as well as melodeon and voice, Ollie contributes electric guitar, piano, and duet concertina to further expand the sonic pallet and help to explore the nature of the folk process - how the music morphs and changes as it passes from person to person - and how this process affects other music.

Described by Andy Cutting as "one of the finest… up and coming young melodeon players in England", Ollie King pushes the boundaries and expectations of the humble squeezebox and continues to augment that Instrument's settings.

"For a young musician, he is astonishingly mature and fluent, with a lyrical, flowing style all his own. He produces a rich, mellow sound, perhaps not unconnected to his use of vintage Hohner melodeons. Whatever difference that makes, he is a real delight to listen to." – fRoots Magazine

Listen to/watch Rosie at:
https://youtu.be/oiSiVVmu8VA
https://youtu.be/_pP2ecLM4qM
https://youtu.be/-EpK14O0h-M

Listen to/watch Ollie at:
https://www.olliekingmusic.com/music
https://youtu.be/4RbQsq1XcIc

The Ottawa Celtic Choir wants YOU !

Do you like Celtic music? Always liked singing in choir, or always wanted to sing in one? The Ottawa Celtic Choir is always happy to welcome new members.

In particular, the choir is looking for tenors and basses, but all are welcome regardless of which part you sing!

Join us for our first rehearsal on September 5th at 7:15 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church on the corner of Elgin and Somerset.

Contact Ellen MacIsaac at ellen @ laughingbrook.ca for more details (and other rehearsal opportunities).

Daniel O'Donnell in Concert - Montreal 21 September 2017

See Daniel O’Donnell, on his return to Canada to support the Back Home Again album tour in September.  The tour will see the record breaking singer blaze a trail to 10 provinces across Canada.

The nearest show to Ottawa is Montreal,  on Thursday 21 September at the beautiful and famous Saint Denis Theatre, on rue St. Denis.

Contest!

YOU can win two tickets for the Montreal show from Irish Music Ottawa and Strut Entertainment!

The winners will be selected on September 4 by random draw (each entry will have  ticket assigned here at I.M.O. world headquarters). The contest is for 2 tickets only and does not include any travel or accommodations (Retail value for each ticket is about $100). Duplicate entries ignored.

NOTE: please enter the contest only if you genuinely plan to attend the concert in Montreal.

How to enter: Check the Irish Music Ottawa webpage and the Irish Music Ottawa Facebook Group for details on how to enter. May the luck of the Irish be with you!

The Story so Far...

Daniel burst into superstardom in the USA & Canada back in 2002 with his first ever PBS special – The Daniel O’Donnell Show. That began a special relationship between Daniel and PBS and since then, he has recorded a further thirteen specials, with ‘Back Home Again’ being his fourteenth one in 2016. This fantastic selection of songs is presented on this 2 CD / 37-track DVD set recorded and filmed in Ireland, on this new US TV Special.

The Irish singer made record-breaking chart history earlier this year by becoming the first recording artist in the history of the UK Artist Album Chart to have charted at least one new album every year since 1988, an unprecedented and unbroken 30-year span, surpassing everyone from Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones, Madonna and Irish strongholds U2.  Along with this, Daniel makes regular appearances in the Billboard World Music Chart.

Listen to Daniel’s new album Back Home Again (Soundcloud)

For complete tour dates and ticket information, please visit www.danielodonnell.org/tour-dates/.
(Link for direct ticket purchase https://secure.ticketpro.ca/#achat_DO21IS17)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielODonnellOfficial/

www.strutentertainment.com
Twitter: @strutent
Instagram: @strutent

Kyle Burghout CD Release Concert - Sat 23 Sept 2017

Hosted by Mill Road Community Space/ Espace Communautaire du chemin Mill

Saturday, September 23 at 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Mill Road Community Space - 8 ch Mill, Chelsea QC

Ticket Information:

kyleburghout.brownpapertickets.com

A Celtic Celebration with Anna Ludlow - 10 Sept 2017

Anna Ludlow Music and Tyson Chen Music are headlining an East Coast Celtic Kitchen Party benefit concert for Faith Ottawa Lutheran Church.

This church has supported Ottawa Cape Breton Session over the years by providing their facilities for many workshops, performances and rehearsals for free. It's time to give back by supporting this event which will pay for renovations that have significantly improved the performance space. Without this venue the learning opportunities that OCBS provides would not be possible. Please come out for a good time and to support a good cause. Doors open at 3:45 for the 4pm concert. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under at http://faithottawa.bpt.me/

Ontario Festival of Small Halls - Ashley MacIsaac - Friday 29 Sept 2017 (Maxville)

What else needs to be said about Ashley MacIsaac? Not much, he's a popular performer! More info here at the Ontario Festival of Small Halls website.

Internationally acclaimed Canadian fiddling sensation, Ashley MacIsaac, constantly pushes the boundaries of traditional Celtic music, incorporating rock, pop, and everything imaginable in between to the delight of audiences of all ages. He has also performed at prestigious events such as the opening ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, along with Phillip Glass and The Chieftains. He has made appearances on the Conan O’Brian show, the Today Show, and has been a spotlight at international festivals, theatres and halls all over the world.

Also, many other fantastic performers playing all over the place in these halls. Check out the lineup!

Fwd: Eastern Canada GAA Championships

The local club of the GAA, the Ottawa Gaels, are pleased to be hosting the Eastern Canadian Championships in Ottawa - in celebration of Canada's 150th - on the weekend of September 1-3, 2017 and will be welcoming GAA Clubs from PEI, Halifax, Quebec City and Montreal. The Irish Ambassador to Canada, Jim Kelly, will be hosting our group at his residence on the Friday evening and our Gaelic games will run all day on Saturday the 2nd culminating in a banquet that evening.

Itinerary for the weekend:

Friday, September 1– 7:00-8:30pm

· Reception at Irish Ambassador Jim Kelly's residence

Saturday, September 2 – 9:00 am to 5:00pm

· Games at Twin Elm Rugby Park (4075 Twin Elm Road, North Gower, Ontario K0A 2Z0)

Saturday, September 2 – 6:30pm (cocktails), 7:00pm (dinner) to 1:00 am

· Banquet at St Brigid's Centre for the Arts

Sunday, September 3 – 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

· Breakfast and viewing of Hurling Championship Final at Heart & Crown (Byward Market)

Please plan to enjoy some, or all, of this event!

More information:

Ottawa Gaels Gaelic Football Club

Phone Kerry M.: (613) 884-1335
web: ottawagaels.ca
email: chairperson@ottawagaels.ca

The Irish Diaspora in Canada: A History 17-27 August 2017

Ireland and Canada have long enjoyed strong and deep bonds of friendship. In this year of celebration for Canada, we are proud to commemorate the important and positive contribution that the Irish in Canada have made to the fabric of Canadian life as we know it today.

Visitors will explore the history and vibrancy of the Irish community in Canada—from the time of early European settlement, through the Irish famine emigration, to the extensive diaspora of the present day.

Follow the Embassy of Ireland on Twitter.

When?
August 17 to 27, 2017

Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm

Where?
The International Pavilion, 7 Clarence Street, Ottawa

Original source:
http://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/our-projects/canada-150/confederation-pavilions/international-pavilion-at-7-clarence-street/the-irish-diaspora-in-canada-a-history

Sent from my iPhone

Celtic Dance and Music Festival - 16 Set 2017 (Toronto)

Save the date for #Toronto's first Celtic dance and music festival on Sept. 16, 2017, at Centre Island!

More info:
https://stpatrickstoronto.com/  and Follow @StPatricksTo on Twitter.

Traditional Fiddle Festival Sutton - 17-20 August 2017

A festival dedicated to the violin repertoire of Quebec as well as national and international styles, takes place in the center of our magnificent village. Sutton is ranked among the 10 best tourist destinations in Quebec.

Yves Bernard of the newspaper “Le Devoir” ranked it among the four principle folklore festivals in Quebec in 2016!

This year:

• 10 hours of workshop, showcase evening concerts under the tent, morning concerts for early birds, traditional dances, a children’s festival, musical chairs and master classes.
• A new presentation this year will be our thematic concerts: dance, accordion, plucked strings and festival violins
• On the 19th and 20th of August, Veteran’s park will come alive with traditional music, local caterers, a craftsmen’s village and local artisan breweries, all waiting to tap feet to the beat with you.
• Don’t miss the furious sessions of music to end the evenings and the Tradorchestre performing around the village

All info:
http://violontraditionnelsutton.com/en/

Irish Singer Nathan Carter in Kingston at Grand Theatre - 9 Sept 2017

Irish singer Nathan Carter is performing at the Grand Theatre on Saturday, September 9 at 3 pm as part of his debut North American tour.

Nathan Carter performing at The Grand Theatre on Saturday, September 9, 3 PM

For tour dates, tickets, and more information
glatzconcerts.com/Nathan-Carter


Irish singer Nathan Carter has catapulted into stardom, charming audiences on guitar, piano, and accordion. At age 26, he boasts three number-one albums, two number-one singles, and two number-one live performance DVDs.

Now he's embarking on his debut North American tour, alongside his Irish band, for a show-stopping mix of songs from standards like "Bridge Over Troubled Water," to his hits "Livin' the Dream" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE36CCMXu20) and "Temple Bar" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njnEMHSidN4)

With 12 concerts throughout Canada and the United States, Nathan is also performing at Kingston's Grand Theatre. Stand aside Johnny Reid and Michael Bublé: make room for Nathan Carter as he woos hearts and fans with his brogue, boyish good looks and boot-tapping, chart-topping shows.

See Nathan Carter at the Grand Theatre in Kingston on Saturday, September 9th at 3 pm. Former Celtic Woman singing sensation Chloë Agnew joins Nathan for this special performance. Tickets at www.kingstongrand.ca or call 613-530-2050.

About Nathan Carter
After growing up in a household filled with both Ireland's Celtic sounds and country western music, Nathan started performing at a young age, picking up the accordion, piano, and guitar, in addition to singing. He gained success in Ireland playing in smaller venues, and had his big break when his cover of Bob Dylan's "Wagon Wheel" went to number one on the Irish charts.

His next two albums also hit the number one spot on the Irish Album Chart, and Nathan signed with Decca Records. His first album with a major label, Beautiful Life, went four times platinum in Ireland, and became the first of his albums to chart on the UK Albums Chart. His latest album, Stayin' Up All Night, also rose to number one in Ireland, and he spent much of 2016 touring the country supporting it.

Fellow popular Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell has praised Nathan, calling him the new generation: "He has taken the Irish music scene by storm. Now it's time we shared him with the rest of the world."

Benefit Concert: Acclaimed Canadian-Irish trio 3TíR - Wed. 2 August 2017

[ed. THIS IS THE IRISH GIG OF THE SUMMER! DO NOT MISS! LET"S SELL IT OUT!]

Acclaimed Canadian-Irish trio 3TíR (Pierre Schryer, Dermot Byrne and Adam Dobres) plays Aug 2nd benefit concert for fire victims.

Friends:

One of the great things about the Canadian music community is its willingness to help out when one of its members is in need. Our old friend, Valley fiddler Dan Schryer, recently lost his family's house in Deep River to a fire, and his musician brother Pierre suggested that we at Old Sod should co-produce a benefit concert featuring Pierre's internationally acclaimed Celtic trio 3TíR (pronounced "three-tier"). St Brigid's Centre for the Arts has donated the venue, and our co-producers Ottawa Irish Arts and Brigid's Well are pitching in to make this event a success. Proceeds from the concert will go to help Dan and Laura rebuild their house and get life back to normal. We hope you will turn out to see what promises to be a great concert by three brilliant musicians and at the same time support a good cause.

Where: St Brigid's Centre for the Arts, 310 Saint Patrick Street, Ottawa, (access from Cumberland St) Google Maps link

When: Wed Aug 2nd 2017 at 7:30pm. Doors open at 7.

Admission: $20, $15 youth/children.

Tickets and Info: www.oldsod.ca

Please put this very special concert on your calendar and help support Dan and his family!

Thanks,
The Old Sod Crew

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, The East Pointers, July 2017

Two great gigs coming up!

https://nac-cna.ca/en/canadascene/discover/music

Natalie MacMaster

A Canadian Fiddle Celebration

Saturday, July 8, 2017, 7:30 pm 

NAC SOUTHAM HALL

https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/16338

And a FREE concert by a great East coast (Canada) traditional music band who have been touring the world make their second ever (I think...) stop in Ottawa:

East Pointers Jul 5 https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/16340

Wednesday, July 5, 2017, 6:00 pm 

In the new NAC ATRIUM

Web: http://eastpointers.ca/

Greenbridge Celtic Folk Fest - 25-26 August 2017

Being held just this side of Peterborough, this is a pretty serious looking festival, with top talent on the playbill including Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (Cape Breton, need no further introduction), Dervish (world famous from Sligo Co., Ireland), Rhonda Vincent ("bluegrass queen"), and others as listed on the above promotional image.

Information and tickets:
https://www.facebook.com/GreenbridgeCelticFolkFest/

Almonte Celtfest 7-9 July 2017

Another great year for the Almonte Celtfest is nearly upon us. An affordable outing for families (donations for entry), a full days of musical entertainment await you in a natural setting, not too far from Ottawa.

See the schedule here:

http://almonteceltfest.com/schedule/

A celebration of Ireland in Canada as part of Ottawa 2017: Press Release

  

A celebration of Ireland in Canada as part of Ottawa 2017

Ottawa Welcomes the World: Ireland

Friday, 16 June 2017; Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa; 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

In this landmark year for Canada, the Embassy of Ireland, together with Irish community organisations across Canada, is proud to present a celebration of the deep and strong bonds of friendship that Ireland and Canada have long enjoyed as part of the "Ottawa Welcomes the World" series of free events at Lansdowne Park.

Ireland is delighted to showcase a day-long programme of Irish music, dance, and theatre. A warm Irish welcome awaits visitors as they take an exciting journey through Ireland's stunning scenery, and explore the vibrancy of the Irish community in Canada, taking in Gaelic sports, film, and crafts along the way. 

June 16 is Bloomsday, the day on which James Joyce's celebrated novel Ulysses is set and which is observed annually around the world. Visitors are invited to meet some of his characters, find out more about Joyce and his work, and enjoy some Joycean music and excerpts.

The children's programme includes a wide range of interactive activities for all ages. Families will have the opportunity to listen to our resident story‑tellers, learn about some traditional crafts, and try some Gaelic football and hurling, as well as to learn some phrases in Irish and some dance steps, or how to play some Irish music.

OTTAWA WELCOMES THE WORLD Series

Embassies and high commissions will showcase their country's culture in a series of world‑class free events at Lansdowne Park. As part of the Ottawa 2017 signature event series, more than 75 countries and international partners will celebrate their culture through food tasting, musical celebrations, artistic performances and more! This celebration of Canada's diversity and rich multicultural heritage will promote and strengthen ties between nations on the occasion of Canada's 150th anniversary. For more information, visit www.ottawa2017.ca.

Follow us @IrlEmbCanada, #Ottawa2017

Contact: Elizabeth.Keogh @ dfa.ie

Irish Ceili at St. Mark's, Aylmer - Saturday 27 May 2017

There will be an Irish social dance (ceili) on Saturday, May 27, 7:30pm, at St. Mark's Parish, 160 rue Principale, Aylmer, QC.

The Ottawa Irish Arts award winning céilí band will take to the stage for your dancing pleasure. Carol Ann will be calling dances. A dance performance featuring the Ottawa Irish Arts' solo dancers will also be presented.

Proceeds from tickets ($10 adults, $5 youth aged 12-18, free under 12) will go to the St. Mark's reparations fund and the St. Mark's refugee sponsorship scheme.

Bring your own beverages (there will be a liquor licence but no alcohol for sale).

Contact Carol Ann (819-595-1094) or Esperanza (819-695-0391) for more information.

Parish webpage link

Concert: Maja Kjær Jacobsen & David Boulanger: Wed 10 May 2017

A superb concert coming up with Maja Kjær Jacobsen & David Boulanger at the Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave. (Bank St. at the canal)

Tickets and info can be found at http://www.ottawacontra.ca/view/?concert

Doors open 7:30, music at 8PM.

A concert with Maja & David is a powerful performance of pure fearlessness, virtuosity and musical personality.

Maja & David are known for their phenomenal contact on stage, and they possess the ability to create an intense atmosphere around their music. The soundscape moves from only one fiddle, to sounding like a whole fiddle quartet with percussion and a lead singer.

The duo’s most recent CD “CPH-Café-YUL” came out in May 2015, and two years after the debut “NORD”, released in June 2013, time and touring have added more layers to the soundscape. They both sing more; David plays Jaw Harp to Maja’s composition “Après Apéro” and harmonica on his own Québécois song “Quel Triste Sort”; Maja appears more on the Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle as well as adding foot stomping on several tracks. The result is a wholehearted and well-matured unity between Maja Kjær Jacobsen’s and David Boulanger’s musical backgrounds.

Maja Kjær Jacobsen | Denmark
Fiddle (GDAE), Hardanger Fiddle ( BEBF#, 8-stringed fiddle from Norway), and song.
As the daughter of a singer and guitarist, the path to becoming a musician herself lay very close. At age 14 she took up the fiddle, with great inspiration from the fiddlers performing at festivals such as Tønder Festival (Denmark) where Maja has been coming since she was 8 years old.

David Boulanger | Québec
Fiddles (AEAE/ADA E/GDAE), jaw harp, harmonica, percussive foot-tapping, song.
David is best known as a member of the legendary Québécois folk  big band "La Bottine Souriante", which has been touring the world for almost 40 years now.

Lecture: The Irish in Latin America, Prof. Dermot Keogh, U of Ottawa, 2 May 2017

I know I cannot make this lecture, but this is sure to be fascinating. The subject matter appears to be in excellent hands with Prof Keogh. If you cannot make this lecture, I recommend the following RTE radio documentary (RTE Doc on One is a fabulous series) on the Argentina Connection with Ireland.

(click on poster for larger image)

Atlantic Voices Concert: Sea of Love, Sunday 28 May 2017

Atlantic Voices celebrates spring, the season of romance, with a concert of East Coast love songs entitled Sea of Love. Join the choir Sunday, May 28 at Centretown United Church, as they trace the ‘course of true love’ through folk melodies and contemporary Atlantic classics, with songs of courtship and star-crossed lovers, and even the odd wedding thrown in for good measure. The concert starts at 3:00 p.m., with pre-show entertainment from The Fumblin’ Fingers at 2:15. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door. Children 12 and under free. Silent auction and reception to follow.

Advance tickets available at the Leading Note or call 613-722-9240. I will also have tickets until Friday May 26.

Visit www.atlanticvoices.ca for more information.

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

Check out our concert poster at: http://www.atlanticvoices.ca/musicformembers/

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlanticVoices/

See you at the show!

Catherine Semple

Cape Breton Ceilidh Concert and Dance, Friday 5 May 2017

(with text shamelessly stolen from this Facebook event)

An evening of Cape Breton-style fun for everyone. Fiddles, pipes, pianos; square dancing and step dancing all in one big blast. Part concert and part dance, there will be something everyone can enjoy. If you're planning to visit Cape Breton this event will give you a good taste of the culture you can expect to see. If you've already been there and love the island this will warm your heart. If you are from Cape Breton this will be a taste of home, bring your children/grandchildren to connect with their Cape Breton roots. All ages welcome, cash bar.

If you're not sure about the square dancing, don't worry! Square dance instruction will be provided by Beth MacGillivray as needed.

Friday at 8 PM - 11 PM
Montgomery Centretown Legion
330 Kent St.
Adult: $15 in advance. Same day tickets $20.
Youth: (16 and under accompanied by an adult) $10
Purchase Online: http://capebreton.bpt.me/
Tickets may also be purchased in person from Beth, Calum or Alexis - coming soon!

KENNETH MACKENZIE is a piper and fiddler from Mabou Coal Mines, Cape Breton Island. He grew up speaking Gaelic and surrounded by Gaelic culture and tradition bearers and is well-known for his lively traditional style and for the strong Gaelic flavour to his playing. His piping is well-known for its irresistible drive and lively, traditional feel. In 2010, Kenneth was the recipient of the Celtic Colours Driveers Award and released the ECMA-nominated album Pìob is Fidheall (Pipes and Fiddle) with his brother Angus. Kenneth has also recorded with Natalie MacMaster, Brenda Stubbert, Dawn and Margie Beaton, Chrissy Crowley, Kinnon Beaton and others. He tours with his brothers Angus and Calum and also as a member of the Beaton Sisters Band and his music has taken him through Canada and the US, Ireland, Scotland and the UK, Australia and Central America. More recently he has teamed up with Keith MacDonald and Kevin Dugas in the exciting new traditional piping group Nuallan.

Kenneth's brother CALUM MACKENZIE lives in Ottawa but was born and raised in Mabou, Cape Breton. He grew up in a home where Gaelic was the language of choice and where he was surrounded by traditional music. Calum took up the piano and the fiddle at a young age. His father hails from South Uist in Scotland and his mother from Back Street in Mabou, and both cultures influence his playing. Calum counts Mac Morin and Troy MacGillivray among his piano idols and many Cape Breton fiddlers influenced his playing greatly, from John Morris Rankin, Iain MacDougall, Buddy MacMaster to Shelly Campbell. Calum has been fortunate to play with many Cape Breton artists both at home and abroad as well with many well-known international musicians at festivals in Canada, Scotland and the Caribbean.

ALEXIS MACISAAC and Calum MacKenzie are a wife and husband duo who have established a unique musical partnership that combines Cape Breton piano playing with a modern approach to Celtic fiddle. Alexis playing is a multi-faceted harmonization of Irish, Scottish, and Cape Breton styles. Though their respective approaches to music are distinct, together they create a clean and seamless sound that is nonetheless grounded in tradition.They have recently recorded and produced their debut album, The Bay Street Sessions.

Shreem - Celtic Remixing, Debut Album

Here is something perhaps for the younger crowd? It's still dance music, but something you'd be more accustomed to hearing in a modern dance club. You can hear the reels, the jigs, polkas, the fiddle and the uilleann pipes! This is fun music.

With his current project, Shreem - Celtic Remixing, (Jason) Andrews’ musical journey has come full circle and brought him back to his traditional East Coast roots.  For Shreem, Andrews has developed a new sound, blending Celtic, electronic, and hip-hop music with hard-hitting drums and powerful, warm melodies.  Shreem - Celtic Remixing breathes new life into traditional Celtic music, infusing it with a fresh,  modern feel.  In Shreem we hear the influence of Celtic artists such as Slainte, Mhath and Flook, paired with electronic and hip-hop artists like Diplo, Grandtheft, and Keys N Krates.

Andrews’ style can best be described as a sonic “tour de force”, incorporating looping, vocal sampling, electronic percussion, beat boxing, and live musicianship.  Shreem - Celtic Remixing showcases each of these elements, while allowing the earthiness of traditional Celtic music to shine through.

On spotify: tinyurl.com/celticremixing

Audio samples available on the Shreem website:
http://shreemmusic.com