Monday 19 February 2018

A night of Irish dance with Rhythm of the Dance, Centrepointe Theatre, 21 March 2018


Feel the beat of the bodhrán awaken your spirit as 22 Irish step-dancers take you on a 1,000 year journey of the Irish throughout history.


Featuring a live band, three tenors and performed by the National Dance Company of Ireland, Rhythm of the Dance combines traditional dance and music with the most up-to-date stage technology. This exhilarating 2-hour performance will lift you off your feet!


A fusion of the contemporary and the ancient, Rhythm of the Dance has heralded a new era in Irish entertainment, internationally rated as one of the most popular and busiest Irish step dance shows in the world.


Come out experience the energy of this international sensation at our very own Centrepointe Theatres on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.

Info Page and Tickets
 http://centrepointetheatre.ca/en/events_tickets/March2018/rhythm_of_the_dance/index.htm

Rhythm of the Dance Trailer
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaWqnHT_kaI



Saturday 10 February 2018

In concert: Genticorum -10 March 2018


Genticorum
Saturday March 10



Over the last few years, Genticorum has become one of the most sought after proponents of Québécois musical culture, having performed and toured in over 15 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Firmly rooted in the soil of their native land, the energetic and original, traditional 'power trio' also incorporates the dynamism of today's North American and European folk cultures in their music. They weave precise and intricate fiddle and flute work, gorgeous vocal harmonies, energetic foot percussion and guitar and accordion accompaniment into a big and jubilant musical feast. Their distinctive sound, sense of humour and stage presence make them a supreme crowd pleaser.

This concert celebrates the release of Genticorum's brand new CD, AVANT L'ORAGE!

When: Saturday, March 10, 8pm (doors 7:30)
Where: Rosemount Hall, 41 Rosemount Ave. Ottawa
Tickets: $25 advance, $28 at the door

Advance tickets available now at www.oldsod.ca



PASCAL GEMME is a leading light in Quebec's traditional music scene.Known as much for his  original compositions as his fine interpretation of traditional tunes, Pascal is the fiddler, singer and arranger of the band, Genticorum, whose CDs have met with critical acclaim in several countries. From a young age, the fiddle music and songs of his native province have captivated him. After graduating with a degree in composition and band arrangements at Montreal's St Laurent College, he immersed himself in the traditional music around him, playing, collecting and recording music found all over Quebec. Pascal has developed a vast knowledge and is a leading exponent of the music.

YANN FALQUET is a very active and creative acoustic guitar player on the Québécois music scene. He has explored many styles of music and completed a Bachelor's degree in Jazz. Since then, he has developed a personal guitar style for Québec folk music, inspired by the playing of the accompanists of different cultures (Brittany, Scandinavia, Ireland, North America). His involvement in the province's traditional music scene has brought Yann to perform on numerous recordings, and to tour regularly throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe and Australia with Genticorum but also with JUNO award-winning Celtic and world group The McDades, the Jean-François Bélanger Trio and with cellist Natalie Haas.

NICHOLAS WILLIAMS has developed a reputation as a versatile and sought-after musician in the traditional music scenes of Québec and New England. His rhythmic yet nuanced style of flute playing draws from Irish and Scottish traditions, as well as from his studies of classical North Indian music. After completing a BFA in world music and composition at York University, Nicholas moved to Québec in 2000, where he has enjoyed exploring the common ground of his own diverse musical experiences with the rich Québécois musical tradition. Also an accomplished accordion and piano player, he has been a member of the band Crowfoot since 2005, plays with fiddler Laura Risk, and in the Alex Kehler & Nicholas Williams duo.


...deference to the past with an ear to the current Quebecois trad scene. Matt Large - HELLO DARLIN' PRODUCTIONS
Their robust vocals & sheer energy are satisfying, but ultimately it's the sense of playfulness married to a sonic richness - and those interesting original arrangements – that makes this ... such a devilish pleasure. SONGLINES
For a three piece, Genticorum makes a very full and glorious noise, both instrumentally and vocally… Chris Nickson, SING OUT!
Their strong, expressive French vocals and lush harmonies add rich icing to an already sumptuous cake. Any fan of folk music must hear this supercharged trio at all costs. Eric Thom – EXCLAIM

Listen to Genticorum here (YouTube)

www.genticorum.com

Provided by Old Sod Folk Society of Ottawa.


Tuesday 6 February 2018

Irish Film Festival Ottawa 2018 - 23-25 March


Mark your calendars, Ottawa. Right now, just go get that pen and walk over to your calendar. The Irish Film Festival Ottawa (IFFO) is back for yet another weekend of the finest available Irish Cinema between Friday 23 and Sunday 25 March at Art Court, 2 Daly Avenue.

Festival Director, Patrick Murray, and his committee, always select an incredibly wide range of films, covering historical drama, documentary, the trials and triumphs of modern Irish society, to ludicrous comedy. In short, I have learned that a weekend at IFFO shows the rapid social evolution of Ireland over the last century, from the rural farming landscape and coastal life to the harshness of modern urban life. All issues are on the table. Nothing is off limits.


Positioned late in March, not long after the mayhem of St. Patrick's Day (and all the lead up to it), IFFO offers the festival goer with a relaxing sanctuary of Irishness, without all the fuss of green glitter, green beer, green . . . . well, everything. The lights go down and you are in your own space, absorbing an Irish story, a story about anything. It all starts with the Opening Night Gala will feature a full house of cinema goers, a great opening feature, likely an appearance by one of the film's actors, normally the Irish Ambassador to Canada introduces the opening film, and this is all followed by a live Irish music session featuring Ottawa's finest Irish musicians. 

Typically, at least one feature is shown in the Irish language (subtitled). Each movie is followed by a live Q and A with the Director and/or Producer of the film. This is a really interesting part of the festival, and something you will never get by going to the local cineplex. The Saturday matinee is tailored for the enjoyment of children (to be honest, last year's Children's feature was enjoyed immensely by every adult in the room!).

I have personally enjoyed this festival very much, every year. I'm going, regardless, but it's a weekend I pray for rain. It just makes it all the more Irish. If you haven't been, just go. You'll be delighted.

Your blogger,
Craig

Monday 5 February 2018

2018 Chris Langan Traditional Irish Music Weekend - Toronto, 2-4 March 2018


The Chris Langan Traditional Irish Music Weekend is an annual Toronto festival with concerts and workshops featuring some of the finest Irish music artists and teachers from around the world and our own great city.

TICKETS AND FURTHER INFO

The 2018 event will showcase a stellar line up of musicians from Canada, the United States and Ireland:

Siobhan Peoples, Fiddle

Martin Nolan, Uilleann Pipes & Octave Whistle

Sean Gavin, Flute

Joey Abarta, Uilleann Pipes

Patrick Ourceau, Fiddle
Pat O'Gorman, Whistle

The Chris Langan Traditional Irish Music Weekend has had 27 years of success. The namesake of our event, the late Chris Langan, was an impressive mentor, teacher, craftsman and advocate of the Irish arts in Toronto and in Ireland.


Sunday 4 February 2018

Darkness Into Light - Annual Trivia Night - 22 Feb 2018




Come join us for our Trivia Night Fundraiser!!! Spot prizes and a silent auction on the night. Get your team together and brush up on your general knowledge!

Funds raised on the night will go towards our Darkness into Light 2018 event, Pieta House Ireland and the Youth Services Bureau Ottawa.

IN THE HOUSE: Wayward Sound Saturday February 24, 2018, 7pm


The Wayward Sound

is In The House!

Saturday, February 24, 2018
7:00pm

The Wayward Sound is Doug Crump (guitar, vocals), Michael Jonz (mandolin, banjo, vocals), Olivia Pelling (violin, vocals), and Vance Trudeau (whistle, accordion). Based in Ottawa since 2010, the group has developed its traditional, acoustic sound at pubs, festivals, and kitchen parties. On stage, The Wayward Sound weaves together their original folk and east-coast style music with the ancient, traditional tunes of the UK & Ireland.





Please check out the band's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Wayward-Sound-313051505466256

Or listen to some of their music: https://thewaywardsound.bandcamp.com
Tickets $20 -- Seating is limited –
All proceeds go directly to The Wayward Sound
To reserve seats, email Graham and Suzanne at gcrate@rogers.com
145 Central Park Drive
Light refreshment will be available during intermission (BYOB).

Saturday 3 February 2018

The Mahones - St Patrick's Tour 2018 - 8 March 2018


I'm more of a Pogues fan, but they aren't touring. Yet, you can still get a bucketful of punk rock music infused with Irish themes, memes, and schemes with The Mahones upcoming gig at House of Targ on 8 March.


This is a big bad group, and I have no doubt they'll pack the place with all the energy and enthusiasm of those looking for a big night out. Finny (Fintan) leads the band, and his mother, Anne, who died tragically in October 2016, was a major influencer, organiser, leader, in the traditional Irish music community of Canada. Indeed, The Mahones lead man, comes from a family steeped in the Irish tradition, even though you might have to read the between the lines.


CD Release Party - Cape Breton Tributes, Ernie Fraser, 3 Feb 2018


Finally, this is the CD Release Party for my first CD of Cape Breton fiddle & guitar tunes - Cape Breton Tributes.

TONIGHT
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM


Free Admission, and free parking at the shopping centre on the other side of The Black Irish Pub (15 Selkirk Street, Vanier).

There is a stage and PA system in place. The format will be to have different musicians performing throughout the evening (similar to Dennis Lanctot's CD launch last year).

Hope to see many of you there!
Ernie Fraser

Visit Ernie's webpage HERE.