The Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh Blog

Summer 2011

2011-07-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings, Everyone!

Baddeck's much anticipated nightly ceilidh series has begun for yet another year!

The ceilidh lineup is full of the island's top players: Shelly Campbell and Allan Dewar, Isaac Fraser, Joel Chiasson, Mac Morin, Mike Hall and Jennifer Bowman, Melody and Derrick Cameron, Rachel Davis and Buddy MacDonald, Helen MacDonald, Susan MacLean & Scott MacKenzie, Anita MacDonald, Stan Chapman and more!

Be sure to come and check out some of the music that has put this island on the map drawing attention from all over the globe, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Ever wonder what a strathspey actually is? How can you tell the difference between a reel and a jig? What about a fiddle and a violin? Come to the BGC and find out! We will do our best to answer all your questions about Celtic and Cape Breton music, and you will enjoy a night of music and dance experience what it is all about!

The ceilidh blog will not be active this season, as we are tapping into the 'microblogging' world of Twitter and Facebook. Please follow us there to keep abreast of ceilidh news.

Follow Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs on Twitter!

See you at the ceilidh!

Last of Summer Season

2010-08-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Today will be the final ceilidh for the summer season. Mike and Jennifer will close out before our annual Labor Day holiday.

The Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh will resume indefinitely as of Sunday, September 12th and will run as long as the crowds keep filling the hall.

It's not over yet, folks! Don't worry if you are yet to make it - more to come in September!
The clock is ticking, however - don't put it off forever!

To reiterate: BGC will be closed from August 29, 2010, to September 11, 2010, reopening for the Autumn run on September 12th.

See you at the ceilidh!

"A slice of paradise"

2010-08-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Man, it was a full house here Wednesday night! We rearranged chairs and converted dancing areas into seating areas, and made do! It was a great time though! Such an appreciative and engaged crowd.

In the words of one extremely satisfied patron visiting from Toronto, "I've been travelling all around this island, and it just seems like paradise everywhere I go... but this, this was like an absolute slice of heaven. I'll remember this night as long as I live. I'm serious!"

Not much better compliment, Jennifer and Marion.

We may take our music and dance for granted (naah!!), but when we see the eyes light up in someone who is experiencing it for the first time, a simple ceilidh takes on a whole new meaning.

Fiddlers, play on!!

See you at the ceilidh!

another best? oh yes!

2010-08-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

We may sound like a broken record, but it can't be helped! It seems we've said this so many times before, but the 27th was one of the best ceilidhs ever! Lots of visitors who wonder if they'll like this music and dance - but what's not to love? They are always quick converts!

A local friend in attendance showed her steps that night, and Christy Campbell, a well-known and beloved strathspey got her on the floor a 2nd time! Weren't we happy when Frederick from Quebec City came BACK and played accordion, with Shelly on fiddle and Allan on piano.

We'll never be bored of OUR job!!

What great square dancers on the 28th! They got into the groove right away and no wonder! Jennifer and Marion make great music together, nice rhythms and tunes!

On July 29, yet another great ceilidh with Melody, Derrick and Lisa Cameron. There were lots of visitors in Baddeck and both we and they are so happy they find our music!

We had a wonderful, appreciative crowd on the 30th who were in awe of Margie and Dawn Beaton. Folks who couldn't get into the hall stood outside and listened! A few said they may be back on Sat to catch another.

August 1st we got to see some Washabuck folks, who all loved Rachel and Donnie!

Wonderful tunes tonight with Mike Hall. He continues to amaze and thrill us! After the ceilidh, Jennifer stayed late and taught a step dance lesson to a Greek ballerina! She is now a dance teacher in Florida, and she and her daughter picked up "the hop" to take back with them and add to their repertoire of dance steps.

Dark-haired Andrew from Connecticut played 2 pieces of tsugaru, a traditional Japanese music that has been adapted to the violin. What a phenomenal performance! So moving and engaging. What a treat.

You really can't afford to miss our ceilidhs- as you can see, there's always something new and different, unexpected and surprising!

See you at the ceilidh!

Grab a seat and let the music carry you away...

2010-07-27T04:25:00.000-07:00

The warm nights are adding to ceilidh excitement. Lovely, appreciative folks come through our door every single night, and dance to our great tunes. It seems they get better every night!

July 20th Ceilidh was fantastic with Shelly Campbell, Mike Hall and lots of audience participation. Simply terrific fiddle tunes from two of our finest!

July 22 sold out and we made good use of extra stools! We're happy Melody and Derrick Cameron are back from Scotland. We always enjoy hearing our friends, knowing we'll laugh once again at Derrick's stories, listen intently to Melody's fine tunes and get to see her fancy footwork! Many tickets were bought in advance. What an appreciative crowd---they learn to love our music.

The 23rd, Dawn and Margie Beaton take the stage. These young sisters have a way with the crowd. Who cannot be charmed by the chemistry of these two? Their striking red hair speaks of the fiery music within them, and their passion for our traditional music comes through their hands straight to our grateful ears!

July 24th we had a great time with Anita and Jason MacDonald. This was Jason's first Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh, but not his last. And Anita, well, we've spoken of her plenty before! This girl just knows her stuff - from playing fiddle, to stepdancing, to Gaelic singing, to expounding on the historical context of the traditions, she's quite the gal! We're so happy to have her.

July 25 Sunday, the Baddeck Gathering was tops. The hall was packed! Great music was had with Buddy and Rachel. Great dancing topped it off when Cheryl MacQuarrie dropped by and showed her steps. She can be seen at some local dances, and often teaches at the Gaelic College in St. Anne's, if you want to learn some of those great steps for yourself.

Genevieve from BC played a French Acadian tune on her fiddle. Thanks, Genevieve!

And finally for our Monday duo, Mike Hall and Jennifer Bowman, many seats were booked and sold in advance. These people were in the know, apparently, because what a night! Frederic Tremblay landed in from Quebec City with his accordion, and though there were a few others sharing their talents, he was given such literally uproarious applause after his first set, he was compelled to play more! What a talent! He brought the house down in a couple reels along with Mike and Jennifer.

Also visiting was Jacob, who shared a set of jigs on the fiddle with Mike accompanying.

And finally, Brooke Grady, a lovely young lady from Guysborough County who is taking piano lessons from Jennifer and becoming a fine accompanist in her own right, took the stage. She accompanied Jennifer on a set of strathspeys and reels. Fine work, Brooke! Keep it up!

See you at the ceilidh!

Does it get any better?

2010-07-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Shelly Campbell and Allan Dewar hold our Tuesday night slot, and if you are yet to see them, you must! They have been playing together for years, and their combined musicianship is an uncommon treasure. Shelly is the keeper of a storehouse of wonderful and interesting tunes, gleaned from years of acquiring music at the feet of masters, and to sit and listen to her is a gift. She is much more than a fiddle player, however. She possesses yet another ancient and much more rare gift: that of storytelling. In an age of text messages and email abbreviations, Shelly can transport you to another era with her tales of folklore and local anecdotes. Her ability far surpasses the majority of her peers in the younger generations, in whom this art has been all but lost. Bring a hanky, though - you just might shed a tear laughing!

Allan's knowledgeable accompaniment is the perfect complement. His lively style is reminiscent of the late great John Morris Rankin on piano, and supports our traditional music to a T: understated, yet oh so tasty. He has toured the world with many of Cape Breton's top musicians, and is sought after for performances and recordings. He now runs the Judique Interpretive Center, another hopping center of music. If you are on the Inverness side of the island, check out one of their daily afternoon ceilidhs, or Sunday afternoon concerts.

Lovers of the music were out on Wednesday the 14th - we watched - more than one grew misty-eyed as Jennifer played a slow air, and many were actually tapping their toes to the music, just like we do! Lots of folks came in because of the rain, but stayed because of the tunes!

Thursday the 15th we had a wonderful ceilidh with the one and only Dwayne Cote, accompanied by music stalwart, Doug MacPhee. There were tunes to be heard that night that we forgot existed and here played in a style in which only inimitable Dwayne is capable. The 3 standing ovations stand as undisputable testimony to that! Have a listen to his newest recording- excellence and creativity you don't often come across! It is definitely worth it.

Friday the 16th we had 2, yes 2, guest guitar players. Scott was under the watchful eyes of both as they followed along Cape Breton style. Great dancing was had by all, and such fun!

We've seen visitors from all over the globe this week, as always! Including but not limited to, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Japan; a popular spot we have here!

Saturday the 17th Douglas Cameron was back with Jennifer Bowman. Hot times again at the ceilidh - hot tunes, hot dancing, hot King Cole tea, as always! A writer for CAA Travel visited and was taking notes for an article, requested a waltz and loved it!

Mike Hall and Jennifer Bowman rocked the house Monday night. We've come to expect this from Mike. He does not disappoint! There's a reason he is booked solid all summer long!
Come check them out this coming Monday again.

See you at the ceilidh!

Are those birds I hear?

2010-07-13T04:57:00.001-07:00

Well, the BGC is certainly happy to welcome Douglas Cameron to the ceilidh clan. He joined us last night for the first time. He played wonderfully and the crowd was clearly in awe of this young gentleman demonstrating such expertise and skill. Many oohs and aahs were heard when he shared that he is only just 16!

To our surprise and pleasure, Paddy Barry and Frank Nugent were in visiting from Dublin, Ireland, and both sang songs for us. Paddy sang one in his native Irish Gaelic while accompanying himself on guitar. Frank shared a beautiful unaccompanied song in English. You could hear a pin drop in the hall while he was singing!

Douglas finished the night with a perfectly executed rendition of the Mockingbird, an interesting piece of music which begins like a normal march, but then has numerous parts that imitate the sounds of various bird calls. It is a demonstration of skillful mastery and musicality to so interpret, and Douglas did so with such seeming ease, he earned himself a standing ovation.

One couldn't ask for a better first night!

See you at the ceilidh!

Oldies and Newbies make for good ceilidhs!

2010-07-12T05:47:00.000-07:00

A lovely ceilidh was had Thursday night, though there was a smaller crowd, we had lots of fun. Eight couples wanted to dance and dance we did!

Friday we had more tunes with Helen MacDonald, Scott MacKenzie and Susan MacLean. Welcome back, folks!!

Though last year was the first year for Helen and Scott on the lineup, Susan has been a Ceilidh mainstay for probably 10 years.

Here's hoping you didn't miss Saturday night!! Wonderful music, dance and fun with Chrissy Crowley and Hilda Chiasson. And who should join us by surprise but Colin Grant and our own Rachel Davis! Colin has just formed a new group called The Colin Grant Band. You can check them out here. All our visitors leave so happy they've found us!

Sunday was Leanne Aucoin on fiddle who is old favorite from way back, and Buddy MacDonald, a singer/song-writer/story teller. It was another great spell of music, leaving all in attendance smiling, happy and wanting more, all thanks to Buddy and Leanne, as well as Rachel Davis who dropped in.

Tonight we introduce Douglas Cameron to the ceilidh stage in Baddeck; with Jennifer at the keys, we'll have a party!

See you at the ceilidh!

Standing-O

2010-07-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Another great night!

Jennifer Bowman and Joel Chiasson brought the tunes and stories tonight, and it mustn't have been too bad- they got a standing ovation!

One patron commented, "You had better watch out. These guys are hot- they're going to get stolen from you!"

Another added, "It was so enthralling. It just kept me in rapt attention. Thank you so much! You guys are amazing. "

And still another, "How do you do it? You make it look so easy!"

Adam joined in on a march/strathspey/reel set on guitar. Clearly, he has done this before! Thanks for sharing your talents, Adam!

In the crew tonight were 2 different couples from London area (one from 14 miles north of London, he was sure to specify) and a woman from India.

Maybe next time you will be among us? Come say hello if you are!

See you at the ceilidh!

Guess what?

2010-07-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

It's ceilidh season and we are having a ball!

We had a great time again Saturday night. There were lots of visitors from far and wide; many who know nothing about our wonderful Cape Breton music, but leave with big smiles and glowing, happy faces!

Usually we dance one square set in the course of the night, but Sunday night a group of 8 German folks requested instruction, so we danced a second time! Lots of good tunes and fun were at hand with Rachel Davis, a fine young fiddler from our area, and Donnie Campbell.

Great tunes and times Monday night with Mike Hall and Jennifer Bowman. Famed teacher Stan Chapman was among the crowd and played some lovely Irish jigs which were especially appreciated by a family from Ireland.

And tonight? Well! It's Tuesday, and of course that means that it's Shelly Campbell's night with Allan Dewar on piano. We can't wait. Fiddle music is so heavenly!

See you at the ceilidh!

Great Canadian Ceilidhs

2010-07-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

The Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh SOLD OUT on our opening night! Wee-hoo! Welcome, folks from around the globe! We had lots of Canadians, Americans (glad to see you all back!), and on top of that were folks from England, Switzerland and even Argentina. Imagine!

Great entertainment was provided by Melody and Derrick Cameron, a husband and wife team living in Mabou who have a number of cds to their credit as well as being continuously active in performing and educating about the Cape Breton music traditions and history.

Friday the 2nd, we welcomed the lively combo of Mike Hall and Jennifer Bowman to our well-worn ceilidh stage. Visitors from all across the USA and Canada, and beyond including London, England and Sweden were treated to Mike's driving tunes.

Kevin from Boston sat in on guitar for a couple traditional Cape Breton sets, and accompanied Mike while Jennifer danced a step solo, and while Mike and Jennifer played twin fiddles as a finale. Kevin has a background in classical, jazz and some bluegrass. He fit in wonderfully though for his first Cape Breton session! Great job, Kevin! Come back again! Keep plugging, keep listening, you're full of music. We enjoyed a bit of his solo jazz as well. Lovely stuff.

And we've only just begun...

See you at the ceilidh!

Gearin' up!

2010-06-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

I hear a fiddler in the next room polishing a few new tunes she gleaned over the winter;

I hear the *ting ting ting* of the piano tuner, making certain every string of the piano is tuned and ready for action;

I hear the clickety clickety of a dancer rehearsing a new step;

without a doubt, it is almost time for the start of the 2010 Ceilidh season!

In just a few days, Melody and Derrick Cameron will ignite the fires of this year's series in their eloquent and driving way. Thursday July 1st marks the start, and thenceforth throughout the summer, every night at St. Michael's parish hall will be packed and bouncing with different musicians, all of them recognized and beloved, locally and beyond.

It isn't an event to missed - but don't take my word for it - see for yourself!

If you are travelling through Cape Breton, you simply have to make room in your schedule for at least one of our ceilidhs. You will leave with a smile having heard toe-tapping traditional Cape Breton fiddle and piano music, received an education in Celtic culture, seen dancers, drank tea and enjoyed local baked goods.

A must-do event if this is your first time in Cape Breton.

It is definitely an evening well spent!

There is an intermission for beverages and treats, as well as a selection of cds and other crafts for sale.

Come out and see what others are talking about, and what you may have missed if you've never been!

See you at the ceilidh!

September's chilled air, St. Michael's hot tunes

2009-09-08T18:08:00.001-07:00

Well, we enjoyed our annual wee break before Labour Day.

We are back at it now though, and fired up after the rest!

Mike Hall and Jennifer Bowman got the autumn lineup started and we had a great night.

Winning the "Who Came the Farthest?" Prize was a woman from London, England. Author Glenn Gray gave us a few of his publications to use as giveaways at the ceilidh. They are full of local antics and humour.

The last week of August, we had a young lady grace us with an etude on the piano. Kira, of St. Catharine's Ontario, had just finished her Royal Conservatory exam on piano before leaving for her Nova Scotia vacation. Good job, Miss! Keep it up! You have many musical days ahead of you.
We have found music to be tremendously beneficial as well as simply pleasurable. Though it requires time and work to excel, it is well worth it, for the enjoyment it brings to ourselves and others, and the beauty it contributes to the human experience, not to mention how it strengthens mental fortitude, intellect, and muscle training and coordination.

Simply put, we love it, and couldn't imagine life without it. Judging by the sea of beaming faces we see every night, we are not alone in this estimation.

Maybe your face will soon be beaming at one of our ceilidhs?
Comment and let us know if you have been to Baddeck Ceilidh, and what were your thoughts?

See you at the ceilidh!

Out on the Ocean

2009-08-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

More stories from our visitors! We love it!

As an admiral of the Canadian Navy posted in Halifax for 25 years, Gordon learned a few maritime songs. Out on the Mira, by Allister MacGillivray, is one of those songs. He is requested to sing it regularly at a session he frequents in Halifax, and as he had just been out on the Mira in his kayak, quite literally, the day before, he saw fitting to sing it for us this Wednesday night. Marion Dewar provided her ready and able accompaniment to make the presentation of the selection.

Mike Agranoff is a character of a fellow, storyteller, and musician, who was visiting our ceilidh from New Jersey. A multi-instrumentalist, he chose from his bag of tricks to tell for us the classic Irish mythological story of the Selkie. According to traditional lore, the selkie is a part-seal, part-human creature, who occasionally sheds her seal skin to visit the land of men.

In this tale, for which Mike provided emotive and often eerie accompaniment on his English concertina, a fisherman fell in love with her. In order to keep her on land, albeit against her will, he stole her seal skin, and compelled her to make a home with him. Even after having a family with the fisherman, the poor creature was never content out of the sea. Finally the day came that she found where he had hidden her skin, and without remorse or goodbyes, she fled back to her watery home. The poor fisherman was just left to his tears.

Mike also played a song of PEI origin, the Ballad of St. Anne's Reel. As if they had rehearsed all day, Jennifer and Mike played the song together in close complement, finishing off with the popular tunes, St Anne's Reel and the Mason's Apron.

We failed to mention a phenomenal storyteller last week- Bill Carrall, from Tarbot, Cape Breton. What an amazing epic poem he had composed and recited for us! If you think poetry is boring or slow, you certainly haven't heard Bill recite one of his compositions. Such witty use of language and vocabulary, one was at once on the edge of their seat, totally captivated and engaged listening, and laughing aloud at the humble and unsuspecting humour. A real treat, and a true rarity to come across a story teller of this caliber in our modern day, where most would fail to slow down long enough to learn or even enjoy such a craft as his. They are missing out!

What next? What will be tonight? Come and see!

See you at the ceilidh!

Belfast to Istanbul!

2009-08-19T04:33:00.000-07:00

Lots of visitors have taken the stage in the last couple weeks of the ceilidh.

We've seen and heard from:

Ian Finn from Belfast. He is a lovely guitar player, who sang us a song, accompanying himself, and then finger-picked a lovely air. Very nice, indeed. As were his dear family: wife, son and 2 sweet daughters who were all travelling together in this Cape Breton holiday.

Lydia Thornton from Somerville, Massachusetts sang She Moved Through the Fair, which you can hear at her myspace page again to reminisce, if you were there, or if you weren't, find out what you missed! Lydia is focusing primarily on the singer-songwriter genre at present, though she has a strong familial heritage in traditional Celtic music and song. After listening to the other songs on her page, I recommend you having a listen as well. They were very enjoyable, and I am glad to have found this lovely gem of a songstress. Just click her name above! Find out for yourself!

Yeliz Christensen from Istanbul, Turkey. After dancing in our nightly square set, she sang one of her family's favourite traditional Turkish songs. Yeliz is a professional musician in Turkey; she sings and is a cellist.

You never know what you might miss at our ceilidhs! The musicians on the schedule may very well only be the beginning...

See you at the ceilidh!

A Welcome Judique Surprise

2009-08-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

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!

Week Four - and the tunes keep pouring in...

2009-07-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

Last night Susan MacLean came in to fill in for Marion Dewar on piano, joining Jennifer Bowman for the first time in a few years. A happy reunion! Jennifer and Susan played many Baddeck Ceilidhs together over the years, but haven't had the opportunity recently.

Susan's experience chording for many in her family, including her grandfather, Michael Anthony MacLean, and her uncles Carl and Hector MacKenzie and many many others, have given her a broad knowledge of the tradition and has armed her to sit ready, full of music, with any fiddler who finds themself in her company. Her sensitive style and solid timing provide a great support and foundation for the fiddler, and her humility allow the music to shine in its own natural beauty and worth, without flash or flaunt.

Two bright faces in the crowd turned out to be two very talented young people: sister and brother, Elizabeth and Ben Anderson, aged 15 and 11 respectively. Elizabeth and Ben were visiting Nova Scotia with their parents from Westborough, Massachusetts. Both violinists, they are regular attendees at the Boston Harbor Fiddle School, and are learning the Scottish fiddle style as well as becoming accomplished in their classical music studies. They played a medley together for the crowd, including Cape Breton tunes Dusky Meadow and Mortgage Burn, the first of which is purported to have been composed by Donald MacLellan, and the latter by local pianist Gordon MacLean. Susan accompanied them.

Also in the crowd were a couple from Dublin, Ireland, and the lady sang us a humorous song in Irish Gaelic, An Poc Ar Buile, about a cranky billy goat.
Go raibh maith agat as d'amhráin, a Bhean Uasal!

See you at the ceilidh!

Hardly a boring Wednesday at the office.

2009-07-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

What a night!

We have all heard good music, nominal music, music that is pleasant or interesting: but sometimes we are met with magical music. It is otherworldly, it moves you. It touches something deeper in you than just sound waves in your ears.

We write this having just experienced some of the magical variety at our very own ceilidh.

It makes sense that often in Celtic folklore, the best musicians were rumoured to have received their gift from the fairies. Listeners could find no natural explanation for those sounds which left them speechless and full of joy. How is it, that these waves of sound can lift my spirit and thrill me?

We seek answers in vain. Beauty, be in it a sunset, or in the strains of a violin or piano, is enigmatic and elusive to description. It is ready to be enjoyed, however, and that, Friends, we are, here in Baddeck! Cape Breton has been blessed with a multitude of wonderful musicians and a good number are featured at our ceilidh nightly. The last few nights are good testament to that. Our humble parish hall has been filled to capacity with many congregating on the step to hear whatever they can manage.

Last night Leanne and Marion were on fire! Marion was all over that piano as we have come to expect from her! Leanne, fresh from a year in Ireland, was full of good tunes and had her characteristic powerful drive in full swing.

Robbie and Jennifer were fantastic tonight- there was magic in the air, indeed! They traded places effortlessly between fiddle and piano, giving each other a turn at the lead chair. For those who arrived unsuspecting, what a treat they received!

Robbie Fraser, together with his brother Isaac, have just released their 3rd cd, Everything Old is New Again. It is hot off the presses, only coming off the truck in the last couple weeks. Based on what we heard tonight, this is not one to be missed.

If for some reason you were unable to get their recording tonight, or find it elsewhere, Robbie did leave some with us at the ceilidh, so Everything Old is New Again will be available for purchase nightly at the Baddeck Gathering along with Mike Hall's recent release, A Legacy, Not to Be Forgotten. Both are $20 each.

See you at the ceilidh!

Week 2: 2009 Season

2009-07-11T06:01:00.000-07:00

By now we've seen and heard most all of our regulars: Shelly Campbell, Rachel Davis, Buddy MacDonald, husband and wife team Melody & Derrick Cameron, Susan MacLean, Jennifer Bowman and Mike Hall, as well as Dwayne Cote, who made a wonderful appearance with Kevin Levesconte on piano of the 4th of July. Dwayne and Kevin are two great players that we don't often get the opportunity to hear.
We would also like welcome Helen MacDonald and Scott MacKenzie to our weekly lineup this year.
Every night has been great. Fantastic crowds and music to match.

Tuesday the 7th we had a tour visiting whose leader presented the Chariots of Fire theme on the piano. There was also a Quebecois fiddler visiting as well, and he cracked out a few tunes for us. It is always a treat for us to discover what talents are waiting to be enjoyed in our audience! Please don't be shy when you come to visit us!

Wednesday the 8th, we had a Baddeck Gathering first. Our square set participants got so excited, and were having so much fun, they couldn't manage to finish the square set! In all our 10 years, that has never happened! We all collapsed in our seats with eruptions of laughter, wiping a tear from the eye, we were laughing so hard. They were a fun group. Oh to be a fly on the wall of THAT bus!

We will be hearing Chrissy Crowley tonight. Chrissy counts as close blood family the renowned musical family, the Chisholms of Margaree: Archie Neil, Cameron, Maybelle, Margaret. Come out and listen to see if you can hear that famous Margaree sound.

See you at the ceilidh!

Day 1, 2009 Season

2009-07-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

Well that was certainly a good start to a new year of ceilidhs!

Jennifer Bowman and Marion Dewar were crackin' the jigs and reels all night, and there were smiles on every face! We especially enjoyed a couple toddlers who were givin' a few steps and showing their unashamed enthusiasm. What a treat!

Jennifer was fresh from playing at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique last Sunday, and was ready to get the ball rolling Wednesday night.

We enjoyed visitors from the entire length and breadth of North America: there were very few border states from the US that were not represented! We also had around 6 from Germany and a couple from Denmark.

Now that we've tasted the fun again, we are hooked. We'll have to do this every night!
Don't just take our word on it that it's good, however. Come out and join us!

See you at the ceilidh!

Are you ready? We are!

2009-06-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

The 2009 season of the Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs is about to kick off! The fiddlers are rosining their bows, dancers are tying up their shoes, and the pianos are tuned up.

In a mere 24 hours, everything will be underway as Jennifer Bowman takes the stage with her fiddle and Marion Dewar at her side, keeping time at the piano.

It is sure to be a great one, Folks! We hope you are able and planning to join us for some Scottish Cape Breton culture and refreshments, any night this summer at the St. Michael's Parish hall here in Baddeck.

We'll be letting you know how it goes here on the blog as much as we can, but a second-hand report is certainly nothing like being there! Our music and dance truly must be experienced first-hand, in person. We are certain anyone who has ever been to our ceilidhs or local dances will wholeheartedly attest to that. There's nothing like feeling the driving beat of the strathspey in your chest, the jigs and reels that compel your feet to tap (and dance!), and the sweet tenderness of the slow airs that touch the heart. There is just nothing like it in the world.

We love our music so much, we know you will too!

So come out, have a cup of tea, and take in the beauty of Baddeck, and enjoy the music that lives only here in Cape Breton.

See you at the ceilidh!

Mike Hall cd release info is here!

2009-06-04T04:17:00.000-07:00

We knew it was coming, and now Mike Hall has finished his much anticipated first release, A Legacy, Not To Be Forgotten. Congrats, Mike! Great work!

The official launch will be held:
June 13th from 2 -5 pm
at Rollie's Wharf in North Sydney.

Mike will be accompanied by piano legend Tracy Dares-MacNeil. A square dance will follow at the Westmount Legion from 9pm - 1am with music provided by Marc Boudreau, Joel Chiassion, and Mike.

The CD features Joel Chiasson on piano and Michael Hall on fiddle. Having had the privilege to hear some samples from it, I can say that it is a must-buy, and I for one will be first in line to pick up my own copy!

For more information about Mike and a list of all his other upcoming events and opportunities to hear his music live, check out his website at http://www.mikehallmusic.com/ .

See you at the ceilidh!

Dawn and Margie cd release is here!

2008-10-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

As promised, we have information on the debut cd release for Dawn and Margie Beaton! Here it is folks!

In Judique, at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, will be the official CD launch for the first CD of Dawn & Margie Beaton. It will be a day of fiddle and dance! Dawn & Margie will be appearing at the Interpretative Centre in Judique from 3-6:45 and will have the CDs available then. The girls will then perform at the annual Thanksgiving concert at the Parish Hall, Mabou from 7:30 - 10 pm.

Then the party begins, where from 11 pm -3 am, the official CD launch will take place at the Hall of the Clans, St. Ann's Cape Breton in conjunction with Celtic Colors and the Drive'ers Association. Margie and Dawn will perform beginning at midnight!

Here's the summary:
What: Debut Cd release Ceilidh
Who: Margie and Dawn Beaton
Where: Interpretive Center -787-2708 http://www.celticmusicsite.com/
How much: $7
When: Sunday, Oct 12th, from 3pm-6:45pm

See you at the ceilidh!

Farewell, 2008 Season

2008-10-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Finally taking off our dancing shoes, putting the fiddles in their cases, getting out our autumn jackets and locking up St. Michael's parish hall for the winter, as another season of Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs comes to a close.

What a great season it was! We had visitors from every corner of the globe, representing every continent except Antarctica.

We want to send out warm thanks to all who attended, all who participated and all who enjoyed! You all make the ceilidh special and different. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you, the visitors.

Also a big round of applause for all of our phenomenal performers (in no particular order):
Shelly Campbell, Marion Dewar, Allan Dewar, Melody and Derrick Cameron, Stan Chapman, Mike Hall, Jennifer Bowman, Robbie and Isaac Fraser, Rachel Davis, Buddy MacDonald, Gabrielle MacLellan and Tom Daniels, Donnie Campbell, Dara Smith, Susan MacLean, Joel Chiasson, Jacinta MacKinnon, Anita MacDonald, Bucky Carmichael, Marc Boudreau, Kolten MacDonnell and Dwayne Cote.

What a lineup! No wonder we so enjoy our ceilidhs! We are blessed with such plentiful talent in the area, and so many great players, how can one sit still?

As we always try to mention our guest performers from the audience, we can't forget a graceful lady, Renee Gibbons, originally from Dublin but now residing in San Francisco, sang us two lovely songs on September 22nd: one in English and one in Irish Gaelic. Lovely, Renee, thank you for sharing your special talent!

We were able to continue the ceilidhs until September 23rd, and the hall was packed right up to the end. Many nights were standing room, and every night smiles covered the room while the floor bounced with tapping and dancing feet, hoots and applause filled the air, and tunes new and old flowed from the fiddle and piano strings.

Check back to the ceilidh homepage and blog for the next seasons lineup and other details as they become available.

Until then, have a great autumn and winter seasons, and keep us in your plans for next year!

See you at the ceilidh!

NOTICE:

2008-09-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Baddeck Gathering is currently closed and will reopen Sunday, September 7th, continuing to host great ceilidhs every night indefinitely throughout the month of September, depending on demand and crowd size.

Thank you!

See you at the ceilidh!

Wrapping up August

2008-08-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Thursday August 28, Melody & Derrick brought along two French ladies from Quebec. One sang and played guitar. Connie played dulcimer and was joined by John on piano for St. Anne's Reel.

This same John from Virginia was back Friday the 29th to see Mike Hall and Jennifer Bowman. He obliged us to play a bit more, and he did a set of reels with Jennifer, Flowers of Edinburgh and Cooley's, and then Si Beag Si Mor, a waltz by Turlough O'Carolan. John organizes an O'Carolan festival in Virginia and plays for a contra dance band.

We also got to hear from a young performer from British Columbia. 8 year old Kye, with her bright eyes and tiny fiddle took the mic with confidence. She played the TamLin reel and St. Anne's with Jennifer's accompaniment. Keep up the good work, Dear!

Bulgaria and Iran ceilidh too!

2008-08-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

Friday the 22nd, Jennifer Bowman and Mike Hall had the stage. Some audience participation this night included Christy-Anna Iotzova, of Bulgaria, and Mae MacDonald, visiting together from Hamilton, Ontario. While Mae is originally from Harbour View, Nova Scotia, this is Christy-Anna's first visit. Christy-Anna discovered Cape Breton music just two years ago after she joined the Hamilton Fiddle Club. Although she was classically trained in Bulgaria, she now feels that Cape Breton music is her number one priority!

We know the feeling, Christy-Anna! It is contagious.

Christy-Anna and Mae got up and played a set of jigs as twin fiddles and then Mae accompanied her friend on piano. Afterwards, she also accompanied Mike while Jennifer step danced.

Another visitor from Australia commented, "You can feel the music in you even while you're sitting. It's remarkable."

We received a special treat in our email a couple days ago which we are happy to feature here on the blog. One of our patrons was taking pictures and sent us this one of his wife with Mike and Jennifer. It was a great night. Glad you enjoyed it!

Wednesday 27th, Lisa from North Carolina sang the Ballad of John Riley and Susan from New York sang Someone to Watch Over Me. What talent in the crowd! These moments would have been lost in another format where no opportunity is given for audience participation! These things are what make the ceilidh what it is.

Our regards, Ladies, and many thanks for sharing your voices with us.

See you at the ceilidh!

a Taste of Gaelic

2008-08-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 17th, what a dancing crowd we had! While Stan Chapman and Loretta MacDougall supplied the jigs and reels, ready feet in the crowd kept coming up for a Baddeck Gathering record of three square sets danced in an evening! You must have been crankin'em out, Stan!

Sunday, Buddy and Rachel were joined by Joe Peter MacLean and Kristin Shaw, a young player from Margaree. Joe Peter is a traditional player who also brings fluency in Gaelic, his first language, to his music. This is special and rare today, unfortunately. Joe Peter can regularly be seen at Rollie's Thursday session in North Sydney.

Tuesday the 19th, we can't help but mention how Shelley and Allan drove'er! Great playing, guys! Shelley hails from West Bay Road, and spent a lot of time playing with Alex Francis MacKay, another native-Gaelic speaking fiddle player, and one of the last who is still believed to ''have the Gaelic in his music.'' This old flavor, repertoire and unhurried timing seeped into Shelley's approach and beautifully colors the music she makes today.

Wednesday the 20th, what diversity of visitors again! We met and danced with people from Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, England: remarkable! While Marion Dewar kept everything rolling and grounded at the piano, Anita MacDonald danced another beautiful, spontaneous solo for us, and Jennifer Bowman danced to Anita's solid fiddle playing.

See you at the ceilidh!

From St. John & Kansas City to Baddeck

2008-08-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Mike Hall and Jennifer Bowman set the audience feet tapping again in another rousing Monday night ceilidh.

Hailing from St. John, New Brunswick, Mike Hall has become a sought-after performer in Cape Breton music, even among connoisseurs of the music. He has captured a Margaree/Cheticamp flavor, which is quite distinctive to hear in the younger generation these days. His drive and solid rhythms send your feet to dance floor and exhilarate the ears. Mike expects to be working on a debut cd this fall, so we will look forward to its release in Spring 2009.

Visitors on the 18th included individuals from the length and breadth of North America, as well as Iran and Australia! One woman so enjoyed the ceilidh, with beaming smile she declared, "I was simply in heaven!"

Is this why Cape Breton is often referred to as God's Country?

See you at the ceilidh!

From the four corners they come

2008-08-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

to hear our music and learn of the history and culture. What an honor to be an representative of this rich heritage to so many people, themselves representing so many lands and cultures.

In the last week alone we've had visitors from South Africa, China, New Caledonia (an island in the South Pacific), England, France, Switzerland and others. Remarkable!

Tuesday the 12th Shelley Campbell and Andrea Beaton shared the stage. Stan Chapman of Antigonish visited and shared some tunes, and to our surprise, a fiddler from Ireland, Liz Doherty landed in. It is not hard to look forward to something new every night!

Wednesday, while Jennifer Bowman and Marion Dewar supplied the tunes, we had a special step dancing guest: Harvey MacKinnon, of Whycocomagh. Harvey recently celebrated his 73rd birthday and can dance rings around many half his age. He has been highly respected as one of the island's best since his youth, and rightfully so. His accurate and smoothly executed steps are a pleasure to watch. Another volunteer from the audience was a lady from Ontario, who joined in on a set of reels with her spoons.

We heard from the Walkers who had nothing but praise for the Chanterelle Inn in North River. This is their 4th season to stay there. They love it. The food is all locally grown and prepared. Excellent! What better to compliment good music than good food?

Thursday, we welcomed Andrea Beaton back, this time with Jennifer Bowman. They switched back and forth from fiddle to piano seamlessly. Andrea was excited to debut her new tune book. Congrats, Andrea! It looks great! The new tune book, as well as all of Andrea's cds and more bio info are all available at her site. Just click on her name!

See you at the ceilidh!

When it rains in Cape Breton, it pours fiddlers!

2008-08-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

On Shelly's Tuesday night, a young fiddler named Megan Samm from Lawrencetown played. She is only 9 years old and takes fiddle lessons in the Halifax area. Keep up the good work, Megan!

Wednesday we had a plethora of visitors taking the stage! Our own Anita MacDonald treated the crowd to her weightless footwork again, as she is so able to do.

Getting things rolling after the break was a group of young fiddlers and Irish Dancers from New Brunswick who are travelling throughout Cape Breton. They toured the island doing several performances and participated in dance and fiddle workshops. They are part of a musical troupe called the Celtic Discovery Performing Troupe, consisting of 12 members ranging from ages 11-16 years old. They performed 3 fiddle medleys for us as well as Irish soft and hard shoe routines.

While they were around they made the most of their time, including performances at Chestico Days, Port Hood, the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter's, Strathspey Place, the Barn at the Normaway Inn, and finally The Lobster Kettle, in Louisbourg.

Then a visitor from Wales who has become a regular attendee at our ceilidhs: Robert Woodley. He has attended the Gaelic College, and shared a set of tunes on his accordion as well as a song, accompanying himself on guitar. We are sure to see you again, Robert! Cheers!

After we thought the dust had cleared from the traffic at the door (what a crowd we had! standing room only!), yet another musician came in, this time a young man from Montreal, Jacques, fiddle case thrown over his back. Well, we couldn't let him leave without a tune as well! He gracefully obliged and shared a set of Quebecois reels that set every one's feet a'tapping as well as a traditional Cape Breton set of strathspey and reels.

What does the next hold? Nobody knows- you have to come see for yourself!

See you at the ceilidh!

Highland fling, whistle and sing!

2008-08-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

Friday night Robbie and Isaac Fraser, brothers from Inverness county, entertained a large crowd. It is always great to have such a good crowd! The Frasers have 2 great traditional cds to their credit, the newest of which is available for sale any night at the Ceilidh.

Saturday a young girl from Ontario did the Highland fling to the music of Carl MacKenzie and Doug MacPhee. Carl and Doug are two living legends in their own rite and we are privileged to have them share their wealth of musical history and expertise with us. Both of them have done a lot of recording as well, so if you enjoyed this ceilidh, you can easily find much more of them!

Sunday we had another packed house, and everyone enjoyed Rachel Davis and Buddy Mac Donald. They wowed the crowd with their tunes, songs, and antics. Buddy is a seasoned performer who has entertained crowds far and wide with a natural wit and ability to tell a story with his songs. Rachel, while still a young lady, is gaining such experience, especially after her recent trip to Scotland with the Fiddler's Association.

Mike Hall and Jennifer Bowman resumed their Monday night slot as of last night, August 4th. A couple of the audience volunteers included a harmonica player from West Virginia who did a duet with Jennifer, and a tin whistle player from Conamara, in the west of Ireland. Richard is a native Irish speaker from the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area) and played an air, Sé fath mo Bhuartha, followed by a couple marches on his whistle. He is visiting Cape Breton to attend the Gaelic College and learn some of our Scots Gaelic.
Go raibh maith agat, a Richard! Tar ar ais arís!

See you at the ceilidh!

One never knows what a ceilidh holds.

2008-08-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

Shelly Campbell and Allan Dewar supplied wonderful music as usual Tuesday and we recognized a few in the crowd, locals who came to appreciate their artistry. There were enough even to finish off the night with some of our own great dancers doing part of a real Baddeck set: an unusual treat.

Of course we always ask for volunteers from the crowd to share their talents, and this evening there was a young pianist from Quebec who charmed all with her own original compositions.

Wednesday, however, was definitely a stray from routine. Due to the tragic accident on Hwy 105, Jennifer was held up almost 2 hours, and the ceilidh was left to improv!
Thankfully Bucky Carmichael was in attendance, a Gaelic singer, who entertained with stories, jokes and songs. Marion Dewar had been able to make it, and was driven'er on a few piano solos. Rachel Davis came in and played a few great tunes, to which Jennifer step danced. Hannah from the great state of Delaware in the United States, played several selections on her fiddle after her Dad went back to their room to get it! Thanks Hannah and Father! Jennifer arrived in time to do the 2nd half and played 15 extra minutes at the end to help compensate.

To close the evening, after a moment of silence, an air was played in dedication and memory to the victims of the dreadful accident.

We are still thankful and count ourselves blessed, for our own health and safety, and if a delay in our plans is all we have to complain of, we are doing quite well.

For the audience patience and good cheer with the whole evening, and all who filled in because of the delays, BGC sends out a big warm thanks!

See you at the ceilidh!

do we have to follow that?

2008-07-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

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!

Guitars, fiddles, and accordions! Oh my!

2008-07-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

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!

Into Week Four...

2008-07-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

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!

Young ladies share talents

2008-07-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

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!

Over the weekend

2008-07-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

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!

Beaton infiltration!

2008-07-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-15T04:52:00.000-07:00

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!

Blackford Fiddle Group

2008-06-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to have a coffee on June 2 with Jan, Glen and Kate from a fiddle group called the Blackford Fiddlers. They are from Perthshire, Scotland. We met and discussed the Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs. The group is planning a trip to Cape Breton in 2009. Find out more about them by clicking this link. They look like a very interesting group: do a lot of teaching and performing.

We look forward to seeing you guys at the ceilidh!

Welcome!

2008-06-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Baddeck Gathering is opening a blog to provide a forum to share some of the stories and antics from the Ceilidhs themselves. Feel free to comment with your own stories and feedback, especially if you have had the opportunity to attend a ceilidh yourself.

We look forward to this season with anticipation as we have another great lineup and a history of good times fresh in our memory.

Keep checking back for blog updates, and of course if you find yourself in Baddeck, drop in for some tunes and tea!

The Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh Blog

Summer 2011

Last of Summer Season

"A slice of paradise"

another best? oh yes!

We may sound like a broken record, but it can't be helped! It seems we've said this so many times before, but the 27th was one of the best ceilidhs ever! Lots of visitors who wonder if they'll like this music and dance - but what's not to love? They are always quick converts!

A local friend in attendance showed her steps that night, and Christy Campbell, a well-known and beloved strathspey got her on the floor a 2nd time! Weren't we happy when Frederick from Quebec City came BACK and played accordion, with Shelly on fiddle and Allan on piano.

Grab a seat and let the music carry you away...

The warm nights are adding to ceilidh excitement. Lovely, appreciative folks come through our door every single night, and dance to our great tunes. It seems they get better every night!

Also visiting was Jacob, who shared a set of jigs on the fiddle with Mike accompanying.

And finally, Brooke Grady, a lovely young lady from Guysborough County who is taking piano lessons from Jennifer and becoming a fine accompanist in her own right, took the stage. She accompanied Jennifer on a set of strathspeys and reels. Fine work, Brooke! Keep it up!

Does it get any better?

Are those birds I hear?

Oldies and Newbies make for good ceilidhs!

A lovely ceilidh was had Thursday night, though there was a smaller crowd, we had lots of fun. Eight couples wanted to dance and dance we did!Friday we had more tunes with Helen MacDonald, Scott MacKenzie and Susan MacLean. Welcome back, folks!!

Though last year was the first year for Helen and Scott on the lineup, Susan has been a Ceilidh mainstay for probably 10 years.

Sunday was Leanne Aucoin on fiddle who is old favorite from way back, and Buddy MacDonald, a singer/song-writer/story teller. It was another great spell of music, leaving all in attendance smiling, happy and wanting more, all thanks to Buddy and Leanne, as well as Rachel Davis who dropped in.

Tonight we introduce Douglas Cameron to the ceilidh stage in Baddeck; with Jennifer at the keys, we'll have a party!

See you at the ceilidh!

Standing-O

Guess what?

Great Canadian Ceilidhs

The Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh SOLD OUT on our opening night! Wee-hoo! Welcome, folks from around the globe! We had lots of Canadians, Americans (glad to see you all back!), and on top of that were folks from England, Switzerland and even Argentina. Imagine!

Great entertainment was provided by Melody and Derrick Cameron, a husband and wife team living in Mabou who have a number of cds to their credit as well as being continuously active in performing and educating about the Cape Breton music traditions and history.

Gearin' up!

September's chilled air, St. Michael's hot tunes

Out on the Ocean

Belfast to Istanbul!

A Welcome Judique Surprise

Week Four - and the tunes keep pouring in...

Hardly a boring Wednesday at the office.

Week 2: 2009 Season

Day 1, 2009 Season

Are you ready? We are!

Mike Hall cd release info is here!

Dawn and Margie cd release is here!

Farewell, 2008 Season

NOTICE:

Wrapping up August

Bulgaria and Iran ceilidh too!

a Taste of Gaelic

From St. John & Kansas City to Baddeck

From the four corners they come

When it rains in Cape Breton, it pours fiddlers!

Highland fling, whistle and sing!

One never knows what a ceilidh holds.

do we have to follow that?

Guitars, fiddles, and accordions! Oh my!

Into Week Four...

Young ladies share talents

Over the weekend

Beaton infiltration!

Blackford Fiddle Group

Welcome!

A lovely ceilidh was had Thursday night, though there was a smaller crowd, we had lots of fun. Eight couples wanted to dance and dance we did!

Friday we had more tunes with Helen MacDonald, Scott MacKenzie and Susan MacLean. Welcome back, folks!!