Colin Grant was accompanied by Jennifer Bowman for our Monday the 28th ceilidh. You wouldn't know it had been 2 years since they had played together!
Rachel Davis and Anita MacDonald did some great fiddling and step dancing, respectively.
A surprise from the crowd, however, was Moshe Weidenfeld, who played some mean jazz piano, and left Jennifer saying, "Do I have to follow that??" Moshe is from Brooklyn, New York and is here with wife on holidays. He said he was wishing for more time in Cape Breton.
It's a big job getting the word out that Cape Breton is, in fact, God's country. One visitor at a time is converted as they have the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful little corner of the world.
See you at the ceilidh!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Guitars, fiddles, and accordions! Oh my!
Friday night, we enjoyed some great tunes with Robbie and Isaac Fraser. Visiting from Ottawa, we met Patrick, who played along on his button accordion. He seemed familiar with many Cape Breton tunes; I don't think this was his first ceilidh!
Carl MacKenzie and Pat Chafe, daughter of renowned violinist Winnie Chafe, came down to replace Kolten MacDonell and Susan MacLean on short notice Saturday night. Carl and Pat have played together for years and compliment each other's playing nicely. Carl is known for his tremendous repertoire of traditional tunes and he plays with such finesse! It makes for great listening music, and he has 11 cds to his credit, so if you missed him Saturday, you can always hear more in the comfort of your own home! His latest recording is available from Cranford Publications here. Anita Mac Donald couldn't help but step'er off to some of his lively strathspeys and reels. Anita also played some fine fiddle tunes herself.
Buddy Mac Donald and Rachel Davis are back for their Sunday night sessions. This Sunday we saw a young fiddler from St.Peter's, Megan Burke, play a group number with Rachel.
See you at the ceilidh!
Carl MacKenzie and Pat Chafe, daughter of renowned violinist Winnie Chafe, came down to replace Kolten MacDonell and Susan MacLean on short notice Saturday night. Carl and Pat have played together for years and compliment each other's playing nicely. Carl is known for his tremendous repertoire of traditional tunes and he plays with such finesse! It makes for great listening music, and he has 11 cds to his credit, so if you missed him Saturday, you can always hear more in the comfort of your own home! His latest recording is available from Cranford Publications here. Anita Mac Donald couldn't help but step'er off to some of his lively strathspeys and reels. Anita also played some fine fiddle tunes herself.
Buddy Mac Donald and Rachel Davis are back for their Sunday night sessions. This Sunday we saw a young fiddler from St.Peter's, Megan Burke, play a group number with Rachel.
See you at the ceilidh!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Into Week Four...
On Tuesday the 22nd, we had another great ceilidh with Shelly Campbell and Allan Dewar who were joined on some numbers by Chris who played bodhran, the Irish frame drum. Rachel Davis, a local fiddler, played some for us while Shelly step danced.
Some visitors who had been at the Highland Village recommended it, and said they saw a video that included a fiddle number called the "Gael", as played, they thought, by Dougie MacLean.
Look for a tune in this coming week's Victoria Standard which makes mention of our ceilidh. Paul Cranford, who's site can be seen here, includes original compositions regularly, and this week's will be from one the the Ceilidh's own, Jennifer Bowman.
She was at the Ceilidh with Marion Dewar Wednesday the 23rd. We at the ceilidh consider it lucky that she has come to stay in Nova Scotia from Kansas, and plays the Cape Breton style. Jennifer and Marion were joined by quite a goodly collection of volunteers from the audience. Robin Hazeslip of Independence, Missouri, danced an Irish reel for us. Burton MacIntyre, who "lives 30 minutes from every dance in Cape Breton" and attends most of them, danced a solo despite his recent knee surgery. In a beautiful, strong voice, Jennifer's mother, Judy Collins, visiting from Kansas, sang My God is Real. 9 year old Kate played Heart and Soul for us on the piano, first solo, then as a duet with Jennifer. John of Belleville, Ontario came up for a rendition of Chariots of Fire.
Thursday the 24th Melody and Derrick Cameron were joined by Melody's sister, Kelly. Melody and Kelly have danced together for years, renowned locally as the Warner Sisters. They are known for their interesting steps, tight unison, and clean execution. Kelly's children Mikayla, Sachelle and Stephen were in attendance and you can see more of them at the Broad Cove concert on Sunday. We had fiddle tunes from Jane Young from Ontario and heard some Cajun fiddle style by Tom Norman from Lafayette, Louisiana.
Always surprises, always treats awaiting at St. Michael's parish hall upon a summer's eve.
See you at the ceilidh!
Some visitors who had been at the Highland Village recommended it, and said they saw a video that included a fiddle number called the "Gael", as played, they thought, by Dougie MacLean.
Look for a tune in this coming week's Victoria Standard which makes mention of our ceilidh. Paul Cranford, who's site can be seen here, includes original compositions regularly, and this week's will be from one the the Ceilidh's own, Jennifer Bowman.
She was at the Ceilidh with Marion Dewar Wednesday the 23rd. We at the ceilidh consider it lucky that she has come to stay in Nova Scotia from Kansas, and plays the Cape Breton style. Jennifer and Marion were joined by quite a goodly collection of volunteers from the audience. Robin Hazeslip of Independence, Missouri, danced an Irish reel for us. Burton MacIntyre, who "lives 30 minutes from every dance in Cape Breton" and attends most of them, danced a solo despite his recent knee surgery. In a beautiful, strong voice, Jennifer's mother, Judy Collins, visiting from Kansas, sang My God is Real. 9 year old Kate played Heart and Soul for us on the piano, first solo, then as a duet with Jennifer. John of Belleville, Ontario came up for a rendition of Chariots of Fire.
Thursday the 24th Melody and Derrick Cameron were joined by Melody's sister, Kelly. Melody and Kelly have danced together for years, renowned locally as the Warner Sisters. They are known for their interesting steps, tight unison, and clean execution. Kelly's children Mikayla, Sachelle and Stephen were in attendance and you can see more of them at the Broad Cove concert on Sunday. We had fiddle tunes from Jane Young from Ontario and heard some Cajun fiddle style by Tom Norman from Lafayette, Louisiana.
Always surprises, always treats awaiting at St. Michael's parish hall upon a summer's eve.
See you at the ceilidh!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Young ladies share talents
Though it was a rainy day and a rainy night, we found sunny, cheering atmosphere in the ceilidh Monday night!
Another simply phenomenal pianist took the stage Monday: Joel Chiasson. Hailing originally from Cheticamp, Joel has played over the years with nearly every great fiddler the island has seen, and his harmonic wonders make even the best sound better.
After the break we were delighted to welcome a couple of young ladies from the audience to share their talents with us. First, 8 year old Morgan from Ontario played a dandy rendering of O Canada for us on her recorder.
Then an international constituent : Iona MacDonald, a mere 10 years old, from Aberdeen, Scotland, sang Fagail Lismor (Leaving Lismore), a Gaelic song she learned in her Gaelic medium school in Aberdeen. What a treat to hear the ancient tongue so fluently out of the mouth of the younger generation. Bha sin gle-mhath, a Iona!
There was fantastic step dancing to be seen as well, care of Anita MacDonald who has been visiting us a number of times, and giving audiences a superb example of traditional Cape Breton dance. Thanks, Anita!
See you at the ceilidh!
Another simply phenomenal pianist took the stage Monday: Joel Chiasson. Hailing originally from Cheticamp, Joel has played over the years with nearly every great fiddler the island has seen, and his harmonic wonders make even the best sound better.
After the break we were delighted to welcome a couple of young ladies from the audience to share their talents with us. First, 8 year old Morgan from Ontario played a dandy rendering of O Canada for us on her recorder.
Then an international constituent : Iona MacDonald, a mere 10 years old, from Aberdeen, Scotland, sang Fagail Lismor (Leaving Lismore), a Gaelic song she learned in her Gaelic medium school in Aberdeen. What a treat to hear the ancient tongue so fluently out of the mouth of the younger generation. Bha sin gle-mhath, a Iona!
There was fantastic step dancing to be seen as well, care of Anita MacDonald who has been visiting us a number of times, and giving audiences a superb example of traditional Cape Breton dance. Thanks, Anita!
See you at the ceilidh!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Over the weekend
Robbie and Isaac Fraser returned for our Friday night ceilidh. They were joined by a bongo drummer from Florida who said playing at the ceilidh made his trip! Thanks!
Stan Chapman and Donnie Campbell played Saturday, and Mairi Thom dropped by and played beautiful Cape Breton tunes as well as some Scottish jigs. Originally from Scotland, Mairi is currently living in Baddeck working as a veterinarian.
Sunday was Andrew McFayden's CD release. Congrats, Andrew! Andrew has learned the Gaelic language ,songs and history from attending the Gaelic College at St.Ann's .
Dara Smith and Susan MacLean also played.
Andrew's web site http://www.grianmcbuttons.ca/ can be accessed for further dates and info.
One couple mentioned dining at the Baddeck Lobster Suppers, and they thoroughly enjoyed their meal.
See you at the ceilidh!
Stan Chapman and Donnie Campbell played Saturday, and Mairi Thom dropped by and played beautiful Cape Breton tunes as well as some Scottish jigs. Originally from Scotland, Mairi is currently living in Baddeck working as a veterinarian.
Sunday was Andrew McFayden's CD release. Congrats, Andrew! Andrew has learned the Gaelic language ,songs and history from attending the Gaelic College at St.Ann's .
Dara Smith and Susan MacLean also played.
Andrew's web site http://www.grianmcbuttons.ca/ can be accessed for further dates and info.
One couple mentioned dining at the Baddeck Lobster Suppers, and they thoroughly enjoyed their meal.
See you at the ceilidh!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday the 17th, Melody and Derrick Cameron were joined by Joel Chiasson on piano. Melody and Derrick have a lot of experience educating about Scottish and Cape Breton musical traditions with their group Triskele, as well as a couple recordings available for sale at their website which you can access by clicking here.
We had the surprise treat of seeing Melody's niece, Mikayla, demonstrate some step-dancing.
Emma From Scotland sang a Scottish song and Henry from BC lead the audience in a folk song.
Good diversity, good audience participation, good ceilidh!
See you at the ceilidh!
We had the surprise treat of seeing Melody's niece, Mikayla, demonstrate some step-dancing.
Emma From Scotland sang a Scottish song and Henry from BC lead the audience in a folk song.
Good diversity, good audience participation, good ceilidh!
See you at the ceilidh!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Another good ceilidh Wednesday the 16th with a selection of really great visitors sharing their talents as well!
One pianist who has become a regular at Baddeck in the last couple years is Marion Dewar. A seasoned accompanist, she has toured Europe and parts of the States with Jerry Holland and now is very in-demand locally. She will be around most every Wednesday over July and August, and let me say, she was on fire this evening! Great chording, Marion!
Becky and John (hope I remember those names right!) from London, Ontario shared some Irish session tunes with us on the fiddle and concertina and Bill from Tarbot, Nova Scotia told a humorous story in Gaelic and English.
We also had 2 visitors from Scotland and one from Liverpool, in addition to our normal mix of Canadians and Americans. One of the Scottish folks was able to educate us on the geographical origin of the term 'strathspey.' It is apparently from a valley (not a town) in the northeast of Scotland. We can all learn from each other.
See you at the ceilidh!
One pianist who has become a regular at Baddeck in the last couple years is Marion Dewar. A seasoned accompanist, she has toured Europe and parts of the States with Jerry Holland and now is very in-demand locally. She will be around most every Wednesday over July and August, and let me say, she was on fire this evening! Great chording, Marion!
Becky and John (hope I remember those names right!) from London, Ontario shared some Irish session tunes with us on the fiddle and concertina and Bill from Tarbot, Nova Scotia told a humorous story in Gaelic and English.
We also had 2 visitors from Scotland and one from Liverpool, in addition to our normal mix of Canadians and Americans. One of the Scottish folks was able to educate us on the geographical origin of the term 'strathspey.' It is apparently from a valley (not a town) in the northeast of Scotland. We can all learn from each other.
See you at the ceilidh!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Beaton infiltration!
Margie and Dawn Beaton graced our stage last night. They are in the process of recording their first cd, so we have that to look forward to after this taste! This was the first time they played the Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh; hopefully they'll be back.
Watch our blog to get news of their cd release.
Tom from Dayton, Ohio was visiting the ceilidh here after having seen Natalie MacMaster in concert.
As is usual at all our ceilidhs, we saw visitors from many parts of Canada and the US. One couple in particular had dinner at the Bell Buoy Restaurant and recommends the "Haddock Au Gratin."
See you at the Ceilidh!
Watch our blog to get news of their cd release.
Tom from Dayton, Ohio was visiting the ceilidh here after having seen Natalie MacMaster in concert.
As is usual at all our ceilidhs, we saw visitors from many parts of Canada and the US. One couple in particular had dinner at the Bell Buoy Restaurant and recommends the "Haddock Au Gratin."
See you at the Ceilidh!
Lots of news since we last posted!
We've had a lot of great visitors, not to mention the host of musicians and singers sharing their talents with us as well. It's looking like we are off to a rollicking start of another great season.
Wednesday, July 9th we had TWO tour groups come in! A full house indeed! The Millennium Choir group from Kitchener, Ontario, shared their vocal talents with us (as well as the director's sense of humor!), as did the Anne D'Cruz tour group. We enjoyed their enthusiasm for the music and great dancing too!
Thursday night a young Irish dancer from Aurora showed off her jig steps. Excellent!
Friday night a mandolin player from New Hampshire dropped in and joined Robbie and Isaac Fraser on stage for a couple numbers.
Let us take this opportunity to make sure all musicians know they are welcome to join us on stage for a number or two! That's part of what makes it a ceilidh! Just let one of us know beforehand or at the break, and we will call you up!
A delegate of Ross clan members from Ontario visited us Sunday, July 13th and enjoyed the music of Gabrielle MacLellan and Tom Daniels. They partook in an afternoon sail on the Amoeba, had a fine dinner at Lynwood Inn and recommended you ask for Barb to be your server. Great serving, Barb!
Sounds like they took full advantage of a number of the great opportunities in Baddeck!
Hope you can too!
See you at the Ceilidh!
We've had a lot of great visitors, not to mention the host of musicians and singers sharing their talents with us as well. It's looking like we are off to a rollicking start of another great season.
Wednesday, July 9th we had TWO tour groups come in! A full house indeed! The Millennium Choir group from Kitchener, Ontario, shared their vocal talents with us (as well as the director's sense of humor!), as did the Anne D'Cruz tour group. We enjoyed their enthusiasm for the music and great dancing too!
Thursday night a young Irish dancer from Aurora showed off her jig steps. Excellent!
Friday night a mandolin player from New Hampshire dropped in and joined Robbie and Isaac Fraser on stage for a couple numbers.
Let us take this opportunity to make sure all musicians know they are welcome to join us on stage for a number or two! That's part of what makes it a ceilidh! Just let one of us know beforehand or at the break, and we will call you up!
A delegate of Ross clan members from Ontario visited us Sunday, July 13th and enjoyed the music of Gabrielle MacLellan and Tom Daniels. They partook in an afternoon sail on the Amoeba, had a fine dinner at Lynwood Inn and recommended you ask for Barb to be your server. Great serving, Barb!
Sounds like they took full advantage of a number of the great opportunities in Baddeck!
Hope you can too!
See you at the Ceilidh!
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