Due to the disruptions in the Newfoundland ferry service, Mike Hall was stranded on the Rock, having made a trip over on the weekend, and he was unable to return to play our Monday night ceilidh. Thankfully, we got a hold of Glenn Graham of Judique originally, and he was able to come and grace us with his driving fiddle style, with Jennifer Bowman accompanying him on piano.
Glenn is a strong proponent of Cape Breton music. His playing and knowledge of the music and related history make him an asset to the tradition, and his scholarship is readily evident in his informed explanations and demonstrations.
We also enjoyed some visitors- Ceilidh regulars, Rachel Davis, Anna MacDonald and Anita MacDonald. Anita gave a demonstration of the Cape Breton step dancing tradition for the visitors. Anita is one of the best dancers around, and is a tradition bearer well beyond her years, being still in her teens. Anna MacDonald, whose great dancing and dance instruction you might remember if you attended the ceilidhs last year, was visiting the area again and gave us a few of her dandy steps! Welcome back, Anna! You've been missed!
Then for a rollicking finale number, Rachel, Anita, Jennifer and Glenn played a group fiddle number with Buddy MacDonald accompanying on guitar.
If you missed the chance to buy some of Glenn's music directly from him at the ceilidh, don't fret! You can visit his website with one click on his name above. His music can be purchased under the Recordings tab here. He also has a 2 books in print: a tune collection of his own musical compositions, as well as a book exploring the roots of the Cape Breton style.
See you at the ceilidh!
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