Andrea Beaton live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2026-09-23 | Andrea Beaton live at Celtic Colours International Festival
Inspired Places: Adam Young Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-16 | Episode 9:For the past two decades, Adam Young has been bringing his particular style of Cape Breton piano accompaniment to audiences around the world. Deeply-rooted within the fiddle and bagpipe music tradition of the Island’s Scottish settlers, the Cape Breton piano style has evolved over the past century, incorporating subtle elements of jazz and popular music, while still maintaining that unique “Cape Breton” sound. Adam’s music continues that stylistic evolution. His award-winning latest album, Yearbook, features original compositions and arrangements inspired by everything from bluegrass to doo-wop, New Orleans jazz to 8-bit video games, and modern disco to classical music. Primarily known as an accompanist, Adam first stepped out of that role with Cape Breton Lyrics & Laughter, a popular music and comedy revue that he created and directed, which has seen close to 400 performances since 2002. He still plays regularly at concerts, ceilidhs, square dances, and sessions throughout Cape Breton, and has showcased his talents across Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia, with the likes of Colin Grant, Còig, Dara Smith-MacDonald, Anita MacDonald, and Jennifer Roland. Adam can be heard on recordings with Dara Smith-MacDonald and Colin Grant, Cape Breton Lyrics & Laughter, Eric Angus Whyte, Jason MacDonald, Marilyn MacDonald-MacKinnon, and the Scottish/Austrian fiddle and bagpipe duo Jamie MacDonald and Christian Gamauf, and Scottish fiddler Isla Ratcliff.
Adam Young performs with Dara Smith MacDonald, Chrissy Crowley, and Colin Grant Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-16 | Fuller's Bridge / The Longest Night / The Last Market / The Plan (Adam Young)For the past two decades, Adam Young has been bringing his particular style of Cape Breton piano accompaniment to audiences around the world. Deeply-rooted within the fiddle and bagpipe music tradition of the Island’s Scottish settlers, the Cape Breton piano style has evolved over the past century, incorporating subtle elements of jazz and popular music, while still maintaining that unique “Cape Breton” sound. Adam’s music continues that stylistic evolution. His award-winning latest album, Yearbook, features original compositions and arrangements inspired by everything from bluegrass to doo-wop, New Orleans jazz to 8-bit video games, and modern disco to classical music. Primarily known as an accompanist, Adam first stepped out of that role with Cape Breton Lyrics & Laughter, a popular music and comedy revue that he created and directed, which has seen close to 400 performances since 2002. He still plays regularly at concerts, ceilidhs, square dances, and sessions throughout Cape Breton, and has showcased his talents across Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia, with the likes of Colin Grant, Còig, Dara Smith-MacDonald, Anita MacDonald, and Jennifer Roland. Adam can be heard on recordings with Dara Smith-MacDonald and Colin Grant, Cape Breton Lyrics & Laughter, Eric Angus Whyte, Jason MacDonald, Marilyn MacDonald-MacKinnon, and the Scottish/Austrian fiddle and bagpipe duo Jamie MacDonald and Christian Gamauf, and Scottish fiddler Isla Ratcliff.
Morgan Toney performs with Keith Mullins Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-14 | Ko’juaMi’kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney brings together the fiery fiddling of Cape Breton Island and the old songs of the Mi’kmaq with brilliance and heart. Since his Celtic Colours debut, performing with Ashley MacIsaac during the opening concert of 2020, the 22-year-old Mi’kmaw performer’s career has really taken off. He released his debut album, First Flight, which was nominated for three East Coast Music Awards and won two—Indigenous Artist of the Year and Inspirational Performance of the Year, has been featured on CBC radio, and had a mini documentary made about his music at the International Indigenous Summit. Combining his Mi’kmaq roots with his love for Cape Breton Celtic tunes, Morgan has made a fresh new connection between the two traditions.
Inspired Places: Morgan Toney Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-14 | Episode 8:Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney brings together the fiery fiddling of Cape Breton Island and the old songs of the Mi’kmaq with brilliance and heart. Since his Celtic Colours debut, performing with Ashley MacIsaac during the opening concert of 2020, the 22-year-old Mi’kmaw performer’s career has really taken off. He released his debut album, First Flight, which was nominated for three East Coast Music Awards and won two—Indigenous Artist of the Year and Inspirational Performance of the Year, has been featured on CBC radio, and had a mini documentary made about his music at the International Indigenous Summit. Combining his Mi’kmaq roots with his love for Cape Breton Celtic tunes, Morgan has made a fresh new connection between the two traditions.
Inspired Places: Chester Delaney Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-13 | Episode 7:Chester Delaney is no stranger to the stages, halls, and kitchens of Chéticamp. He was the life-long violin accompanist for the late Gérard Romard, one of Chéticamp’s best-known song bearers, until his sudden passing in 2007. Together, they performed in Toronto, Halifax, the Magdalen Islands, and of course at the Doryman Tavern in Chéticamp where they hosted Talent Night for many years. Chester still frequents that stage in Gerard’s memory with Claude Bourgeois and Tommy Poirier. Growing up in St-Joseph-du-Moine, Chester was the son of well-known local personality Joe Delaney who prompted square sets and tended a famous garden of scarecrows known as Joe’s Scarecrows. Chester appeared in a documentary by Sir William Connolly (a.k.a. “the Big Yin”), and also appeared with his violin on the television program The Nature of Things. At the time of his retirement from Le Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial, Chester was the School Board’s longest serving custodian. He went the extra mile for students and staff, participating in many school concerts, sometimes spending recess at the chalk board explaining various methods of long division. He often brought his violin to school, and that was always a special occasion.
Chester Delaney performs with Nicole Deveau Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-13 | L'ivrogne grondé par sa femme jalouse by Chester Delaney with Nicole DeveauChester Delaney is no stranger to the stages, halls, and kitchens of Chéticamp. He was the life-long violin accompanist for the late Gérard Romard, one of Chéticamp’s best-known song bearers, until his sudden passing in 2007. Together, they performed in Toronto, Halifax, the Magdalen Islands, and of course at the Doryman Tavern in Chéticamp where they hosted Talent Night for many years. Chester still frequents that stage in Gerard’s memory with Claude Bourgeois and Tommy Poirier. Growing up in St-Joseph-du-Moine, Chester was the son of well-known local personality Joe Delaney who prompted square sets and tended a famous garden of scarecrows known as Joe’s Scarecrows. Chester appeared in a documentary by Sir William Connolly (a.k.a. “the Big Yin”), and also appeared with his violin on the television program The Nature of Things. At the time of his retirement from Le Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial, Chester was the School Board’s longest serving custodian. He went the extra mile for students and staff, participating in many school concerts, sometimes spending recess at the chalk board explaining various methods of long division. He often brought his violin to school, and that was always a special occasion.
Kenneth MacKenzie performs with Tracey MacNeil Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-12 | Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque (John MacColl) / Rothiemurchus Rant The Braes of Tullymet / The Black Haired Lad Pretty MarionKenneth MacKenzie is a piper and fiddler, raised in a Gaelic-speaking and musical family in Mabou, Cape Breton. Kenneth’s music makes him an in-demand performer at dances, concerts, and festivals at home and further afield. He is an accomplished recording artist and, along with his brother Angus (Dàimh, Seudan), recorded and released the album Pìob is Fìdheall, nominated for both Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Awards. Kenneth is the Director of Education and VP of Beinn Mhàbu, Colaisde na Gàidhlig and a founding Director of the first Gaelic immersion school outwith Scotland, Taigh Sgoile na Drochaide. Kenneth currently lives in Mabou with his wife Jenny and their three young children.
Inspired Places: Kenneth MacKenzie • Mabou Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-12 | Episode 6:Kenneth MacKenzie is a piper and fiddler, raised in a Gaelic-speaking and musical family in Mabou, Cape Breton. Kenneth’s music makes him an in-demand performer at dances, concerts, and festivals at home and further afield. He is an accomplished recording artist and, along with his brother Angus (Dàimh, Seudan), recorded and released the album Pìob is Fìdheall, nominated for both Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Awards. Kenneth is the Director of Education and VP of Beinn Mhàbu, Colaisde na Gàidhlig and a founding Director of the first Gaelic immersion school outwith Scotland, Taigh Sgoile na Drochaide. Kenneth currently lives in Mabou with his wife Jenny and their three young children.
Inspired Places: Joanne MacIntyre Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-11 | Episode 5:Joanne MacIntyre comes from Mabou Coal Mines, Inverness County where she was raised in a culture-rich environment of Gaelic music, dance, and language. She has sung on stages around Cape Breton since her teen years, bringing the Island’s distinct style and “swing” to appreciative listening audiences. Joanne continues to be a regular performer at Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village as a Gaelic singer, step dancer and story interpreter. She teaches Gaelic language and Gaelic Studies at Dalbrae Academy in Mabou, passing on her knowledge and passion for the language and its attendant culture to younger generations. A Lochaber descendant, Joanne continues to expand her repertoire of songs from the Cape Breton and Inverness County Gaelic tradition. In recent years, she has often been joined on the stage by her four sons James, Stephen, Niall, and Cameron, in keeping with the intergenerational transmission tradition of Cape Breton’s Gaelic culture. These young men have been learning Gaelic songs since their early years through programs like Féis Mhàbu and Brìgh, in addition to learning at home.
Joanne MacIntyre performs with her sons Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-11 | Falt Trom Trom Dualach / Ciamar a nì mi dannsa dìreach / Cuir ‘sa chiste mhór mi / Seallaibh curaidh EòghainnJoanne MacIntyre comes from Mabou Coal Mines, Inverness County where she was raised in a culture-rich environment of Gaelic music, dance, and language. She has sung on stages around Cape Breton since her teen years, bringing the Island’s distinct style and “swing” to appreciative listening audiences. Joanne continues to be a regular performer at Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village as a Gaelic singer, step dancer and story interpreter. She teaches Gaelic language and Gaelic Studies at Dalbrae Academy in Mabou, passing on her knowledge and passion for the language and its attendant culture to younger generations. A Lochaber descendant, Joanne continues to expand her repertoire of songs from the Cape Breton and Inverness County Gaelic tradition. In recent years, she has often been joined on the stage by her four sons James, Stephen, Niall, and Cameron, in keeping with the intergenerational transmission tradition of Cape Breton’s Gaelic culture. These young men have been learning Gaelic songs since their early years through programs like Féis Mhàbu and Brìgh, in addition to learning at home.
Inspired Places: Kalolin Johnson Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-10 | Episode 4:Kalolin Johnson is a singer and musician from Eskasoni First Nation who has been singing in both Mi’kmaq and English since she was young. From traditional songs to new compositions, Kalolin’s music looks to the future even as she honours the past.
Kalolin Johnson performs with Carter Chiasson Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-10 | Kalolin Johnson is a singer and musician from Eskasoni First Nation who has been singing in both Mi’kmaq and English since she was young. From traditional songs to new compositions, Kalolin’s music looks to the future even as she honours the past.
Inspired Places: Brenda Stubbert Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-10 | Episode 3:Brenda Stubbert is an extraordinary fiddler, pianist, and composer whose name has become synonymous with Cape Breton fiddle music. Deeply rooted in the distinctive music of Industrial Cape Breton’s Northside, she grew up surrounded by wonderful musicians, including her father, a highly-respected fiddler and composer who was strongly influenced by the Irish tradition, and folks like Winston Scotty Fitzgerald, Johnny Wilmot and Joe Confiant. Known as one of Cape Breton’s leading composers, two books of Brenda’s compositions are in print, and her tunes are in repertoires everywhere Celtic fiddle music can be heard. Brenda is in constant demand throughout Cape Breton. Her dances are lively and well-attended. Since 1986, Brenda has released seven albums, including Endless Memories (2008) which won the East Coast Music Award for Traditional Recording of the Year, and her most recent, Different Strokes with Different Folks (2011).
Brenda Stubbert performs with Mac Morin Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-10 | Brenda Stubbert is an extraordinary fiddler, pianist, and composer whose name has become synonymous with Cape Breton fiddle music. Deeply rooted in the distinctive music of Industrial Cape Breton’s Northside, she grew up surrounded by wonderful musicians, including her father, a highly-respected fiddler and composer who was strongly influenced by the Irish tradition, and folks like Winston Scotty Fitzgerald, Johnny Wilmot and Joe Confiant. Known as one of Cape Breton’s leading composers, two books of Brenda’s compositions are in print, and her tunes are in repertoires everywhere Celtic fiddle music can be heard. Brenda is in constant demand throughout Cape Breton. Her dances are lively and well-attended. Since 1986, Brenda has released seven albums, including Endless Memories (2008) which won the East Coast Music Award for Traditional Recording of the Year, and her most recent, Different Strokes with Different Folks (2011).
Rose Morrison performs with Brian Doyle Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-08 | Rose Morrison performs Let our Love with Brian DoyleRose Morrison has been a professional musician for more than 20 years, touring and teaching internationally. She first came onto the scene at age 11 as an original member of The Cottars. She has since recorded and performed with Oscar and Grammy Award-winner Glen Hansard and Brendan Begley, among others, and continues to tour with many well-known artists in North America and internationally. This performance was recorded at Vicar’s View Venue (formerly St. Andrew’s United Church) in Big Baddeck, Cape Breton Island as part of Celtic Colours International Festival's Inspired Places video series.
Inspired Places: Rose Morrison with Brian Doyle Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-08 | Episode 2:Rose Morrison has been a professional musician for more than 20 years, touring and teaching internationally. She first came onto the scene at age 11 as an original member of The Cottars. She has since recorded and performed with Oscar and Grammy Award-winner Glen Hansard and Brendan Begley, among others, and continues to tour with many well-known artists in North America and internationally. In this video Rose, along with Brian Doyle, brings us to her place of inspiration, Vicar’s View Venue (formerly St. Andrew’s United Church) in Big Baddeck, Cape Breton Island.
Nipper MacLeod performs at The Miners Museum Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-08 | Nipper MacLead performing These Coal Town DaysFormer coal miner Nipper MacLeod hails from New Waterford and is a lead singer with the Men of the Deeps coal miners choir. He also plays guitar and is known for his many mining and Cape Breton songs, including his much loved rendition of Rita MacNeil’s “Working Man”. Nipper performs regularly at house parties, concerts and clubs on Cape Breton Island.This performance was recorded at The Miners Museum in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia as part of Celtic Colours International Festival's Inspired Places video series.
Inspired Places: Nipper MacLeod Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-10-08 | Episode One: Former coal miner Nipper MacLeod hails from New Waterford and is a lead singer with the Men of the Deeps coal miners choir. He also plays guitar and is known for his many mining and Cape Breton songs, including his much loved rendition of Rita MacNeil’s “Working Man”. Nipper performs regularly at house parties, concerts and clubs on Cape Breton Island.In this video Nipper brings us to his place of inspiration, The Miners Museum in Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island.
Cassie & Maggie live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-09-17 | Roses Around the Bend (Cassie and Maggie MacDonald)On this track, recorded for Celtic Colours 2021, you get to experience for yourself why Cassie and Maggie have been enchanting audiences across North America, the UK, and Europe. “Roses Around the Bend” is a catchy song about being hopeful that good things are around the corner “when we start and begin again”, featuring the sisters on guitar and fiddle with beautiful vocal harmonies. Recorded July 28, 2021 at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Baddeck
Troy MacGillivray with Mac Morin and Patrick Gillis live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-09-15 | Befuddled: The Star Irish Jig aka Traditional Jig in G / When Mud Gets in Your Eyes / Moll in the Wad / Thursday Night in the Caley (Allan Henderson) / Pat and Al's Jig (Liz Carroll) This set of tunes is sure to get your toes tapping, and with Mac’s piano drivin’er behind Troy’s fiddle, it’s just as likely to get you up on your feet for some steps before it’s over!Recorded August 11, 2021 at St. Matthew's Church, Inverness
Adam Young live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-08-31 | Forever Young: Reel for Dad [Doug Young's] (Adam Young) / Reel for Mom and Dad [Doug and Freda Young's] (Adam Young) / Reel for Mom [Freda Young's] (Adam Young) Featuring Adam Young with Thomas Allen, Emily Dingwall, Colin Grant, Jason MacDonald, Zach MacLean, Boyd MacNeil, and Brad Reid.This set of tunes—recorded for the matinee presentation An Afternoon in Ingonish—was composed by Cape Breton piano-player Adam Young as part of a year-long project in 2018 to write a tune every day. That commitment led to the recording—and release in 2021—of Yearbook, a double album and a 160-page book of tunes, which has been nominated for a 2022 Canadian Folk Music Award in the Instrumental Solo category. Adam was joined by a top-notch collection of players for this concert, some of whom played on the album. This recording perfectly captures the excitement felt in the room during this concert.Recorded August 25, 2021 at St. Peter's Church, Ingonish Beach
Rose Morrison, Margie Beaton, and Patrick Gillis live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-08-22 | The Broomstick Set: The Broomstick / Tonn Chliodhna (Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich) / Man of the House / Matt Peoples' Although Rose (MacKenzie) Morrison (fiddle), Margie Beaton (piano), and Patrick Gillis (guitar) don’t typically play together as a trio, they do play with one another from time to time. In this set—recorded for the Sunday, October 10 matinee An Afternoon in Lower River Inhabitants—they blend together seamlessly, with each instrument doing its part to contribute to a much bigger sound. Of course, it’s not really the instruments but the players that make the music, and this unique combination brings to mind the best of the Festival Club where any number of folks who don’t usually play together end up onstage, sounding as if they’ve been playing together their whole lives. Recorded August 13, 2021 at Riverdale Community Centre, Lower River Inhabitants
The Gilberts live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-08-22 | Frame by Frame (Maisie, Frieden, and Reuben Gilbert) Family harmonies are front and centre with The Gilberts, an exciting young brothers and sister trio who have been attracting a lot of attention over the past few years, from their adopted home province of Nova Scotia to the national folk music scene. This performance of their song “Frame by Frame”, from the siblings’ award-winning second album Tell Me, was recorded during The Gilberts’ Celtic Colours debut in the Friends and Family concert, streamed October 10 from the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.
Celtic Colours International Festival 2022 Celtic Colours International Festival 2022-07-28 | 48 Concerts • 200+ Community Events • One Unforgettable ExperienceJoin us on Cape Breton Island this October 7-15 for the return of Celtic Colours International Festival. Can't be on the Island? Join us online!We'll be streaming one concert live each night of the Festival right here on our YouTube channel.
Celtic Colours LIVE - Festival Founders Q & A Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-10-16 | Join Max MacDonald and Joella Foulds, co-founders of the Celtic Colours International Festival, as they chat about the early days and how the Festival came to be as well as answer your questions live. If you would like to submit a question in advance please
Celtic Colours presents Dance Dialects Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-10-15 | Join Melody Cameron, Nicole Deveau, and Nic Gareiss as they discuss and demonstrate their unique percussive dance styles with music provided by Kimberley Fraser and Allison de Groot.
Mec Lir performing for Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-10-07 | Due to restrictions at the time, the members of Mec Lir weren’t able to perform in the same place. This track was recorded in separate locations in Scotland and the Isle of Man and brought together as a video especially for the Celtic Colours International Festival at Home 2020. This set of tunes embodies all that Celtic Colours audiences have come to love about Mec Lir since first seeing them at the Festival in 2015— catchy tunes, energetic playing, and a solid beat holding it all together and driving it on.Earthbound: Lewis & Molly’s (Tomas Callister) / Gigue à Pierre / Cashen’s Gap (Tomas Callister)
Howie MacDonald, Mary Beth Carty, and Mac Morin live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-10-06 | In the Cape Breton tradition, tunes are typically played on fiddle with piano and/or guitar accompaniment—although picking out tunes on the guitar has become more common in recent years. There are also a number of piano players well-known for taking the lead on tunes, and a history of the pipes being played for dances, but with very few exceptions, other instruments usually used in traditional Scottish and Irish music aren’t as popular here. In this number, recorded Saturday, October 17, 2020 during the On The Bright Side concert, the usual fiddle-piano pairing is shaken up just a bit with Howie MacDonald and Mac Morin being joined, to great effect, by Mary Beth Carty on accordion.Quarter Moon (Jerry Holland and Lew Alpaugh; arranged by Howie MacDonald, Mary Beth Carty, and Mac Morin)
The Barra MacNeils live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-10-05 | Taking the stage on Saturday, October 17—in the not so coincidentally named concert On The Bright Side—the Barra MacNeils confirmed that after more than 30 years on stages all over the world, the venerable family band from Sydney Mines is as fresh and culturally-rooted as they have been since the day they started. This rendition of the traditional Gaelic song “Ribhinn Donn” [“Brown Haired Girl”], from their 2018 album On The Bright Side, was one of many highlights from their set on that closing night of the 2020 Festival.Ribhinn Donn
Andrea Beaton, Troy MacGillivray, and Tracey Dares MacNeil live at Celtic Colours Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-10-04 | During Celtic Colours International Festival 2020, Troy MacGillivray got together with long-time musical pals Andrea Beaton on fiddle and Tracey Dares MacNeil on piano, resulting in an engaging and energetic set that included this joyful set of tunes. Troy and Andrea have a long history of playing concerts, dances, touring, and recording together, and Tracey’s deft touch on the keyboards brought this musical reunion to a whole new level.Mike to the Rescue (Andrea Beaton) / Pigeon on the Gate / A Bright May Morning
Cathy Ann MacPhee live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-10-03 | Widely regarded as one of the most respected and beloved Gaelic singers of her generation, Cathy Ann MacPhee performed in the Tuesday, October 13 concert, A Woman’s Heart. Inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2017, Cathy Ann sang at Celtic Colours for the first time 20 years earlier—during the Festival’s first year in 1997—and she’s returned six times since to captivate audiences with her beautiful, powerful voice. The power and beauty of Cathy Ann’s voice are in full effect here as she sings about “the place of the most beautiful voices, where I learned as a child my mother’s tongue, the Gaelic of Barra” in this traditional Gaelic song.Cainnt Mo Mhàthair, Gàidhlig Bharraigh
Vishtèn live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-10-02 | In their first appearance at Celtic Colours since 2012, Vishtèn’s signature blend of Celtic and Acadian tradition with modern rock sensibilities and indie-folk influences shines through in this mellow, dreamy, uplifting tune. Recorded Saturday, October 17, 2020 during Celtic Colours International Festival, their performance reminds us of why this powerhouse trio from Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands has remained one of the most respected bands on the international touring scene since they started out more than a decade ago.Les Sirènes à Roméo (Pastelle LeBlanc; arranged by Vishtèn)
Ryan J. MacNeil & Trevor Kellock with Boyd MacNeil live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-10-01 | In 2019, the newly-crowned Grade 5 North American Champion Cape Breton University Pipe Band took the stage in the opening concert of Celtic Colours at Centre 200. While it wasn’t possible to have the whole group back in 2020, the band’s organizing pipers, Trevor Kellock and Ryan J. MacNeil, were featured along with Boyd MacNeil from the Barra MacNeils, in the Friday, October 9 concert Celtic Colours Right at Home. Here they perform “Heavy is my Fate”, a traditional lament also known as “This Gloom on my Soul” from The Fraser Collection.
Nuala Kennedy, Tara Breen, Tony Byrne & Siobhán Butler performing for Celtic Colours Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-10-01 | Accompanied by Tara Breen on fiddle and Tony Byrne on guitar, Artist in Residence Nuala Kennedy sings “Tá ’na Lá”, a popular Irish language drinking song from the Oriel region of Ireland. They’re joined by Irish dancer Siobhán Butler with some steps and Nuala switches to flute for the traditional Scottish Reel “Harris Dance” to close the set, recorded at glór Arts Centre in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland for the Tuesday, October 13 concert A Woman’s Heart.Tá ’na Lá / Harris Dance (arranged by Nuala Kennedy, Tara Breen, and Tony Byrne)
Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-09-29 | Rachel Davis, an award-winning fiddler and singer from Baddeck, and multi-instrumentalist Darren McMullen make up half of celebrated Cape Breton band Còig. Good luck keeping your feet still during this ripping set of tunes recorded October 13, 2020 during Celtic Colours International Festival. The Earl’s Chair / Cranking Out (Jerry Holland) / Jenny Dang the Weaver / Feis Inbhir Narainn (Mike Vass)
Nicole LeBlanc, Emma Stevens, and Carter Chiasson live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-09-28 | Opening with a steady beating drum, Nicole LeBlanc’s warm, distinctive voice joins in to tell the age-old tale of lost love in this haunting version of the traditional French song “À la claire fontaine” [“By the Clear Fountain”]. When Emma Stevens adds her voice to the mix, they blend beautifully with the gentle accompaniment of Carter Chiasson on guitar. Recorded Tuesday, October 13, 2020 during Celtic Colours International Festival, you’ll find yourself humming this one long after you’ve listened to it.À la claire fontaine
Corrina Hewat and David Milligan performing for Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-09-27 | Past Celtic Colours Artists in Residence, and frequent performers at the Festival over the years, Corrina Hewat and David Milligan are featured in this video which aired during Celtic Colours International Festival in 2020. The duo’s uncanny ability to blend the harp and piano so seamlessly, as they move effortlessly through the different tunes in this set, makes this a joy to watch to again and again. Recorded at Castlesound Studio in Pencaitland, Scotland.Alan Friendly (Corrina Hewat) / Alick C. McGregor (Pipe Major G.S. MacLennan) / The Balnain Reel (Corrina Hewat)
Nuala Kennedy, Tara Breen, Tony Byrne & Troy MacGillivray performing for Celtic Colours Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-09-26 | This performance brought 2020 Artists in Residence Nuala Kennedy and Troy MacGillivray together across the Atlantic Ocean. Flautist and singer Nuala Kennedy, fiddler Tara Breen, and guitarist Tony Byrne were recorded together in Ireland, at glór Arts Centre in Ennis, County Clare, while Troy was recorded at his sister Sabra’s house in Creignish, Inverness County, Cape Breton, proving that wherever artists reside, they can always manage to come together in music. This video aired in October 2020 as part of Celtic Colours International Festival. Downtown Troy (Nuala Kennedy) / Haul Away the Hawser / Distant Colours (Nuala Kennedy)
Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-09-25 | In this video Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier offer up their own version of the well-known country classic “I Never Picked Cotton” from their 2017 award-winning album “Two”. You can hear both of their individual styles in this arrangement as they take turns singing the verses and harmonizing on the chorus, supported by tasteful, intertwining guitar work throughout. Recorded October 2020 during Celtic Colours International Festival.I Never Picked Cotton (Bobby George and Charles Williams)
Kendra and Troy MacGillivray live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-09-24 | Honouring their family’s Scottish heritage—where fiddle playing and Gaelic traditions run in the blood—Troy MacGillivray and his sister Kendra team up for a lively set of familiar tunes. Recorded during Celtic Colours 2020 and featured on Celtic Colours Live • Volume Eight. Father John Angus Rankin’s March (Jerry Holland) / Ca’ the Wethers to the Hills Strathspey / Editor’s Favourite Strathspey / Traditional Reel / Locheil’s Away to France Reel / The Gladstone Reel (James Scott Skinner)
Chartrand Babineau live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-08-09 | Chartrand Babineau, a young Québécois duo who made their first appearance at Celtic Colours in 2019, features Alexis Chartrand on fiddle and Nicolas Babineau on guitar. Their passion for traditional music and intricate arrangements shines through in this set, which starts with Alexis and Nicolas playing two different tunes at the same time. We hope you enjoy this performance which was recorded during the "Close to the Floor" concert at Strathspey Performing Arts Centre in Mabou. Benoît / Boudreault: Roaming Scott (Émile Benoît) and Dans les Prisons de Nantes / Set carré / Welcome to Holiday Inn (Émile Benoît) / Gigue à ma marraine Alfreda (arranged by Nicolas Babineau and Alexis Chartrand)
The Dardanelles live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-07-20 | Since getting together more than 10 years ago, The Dardanelles have become one of the most exciting traditional bands to ever come out of Newfoundland and Labrador. This set was recorded during the Old Souls concert at Inverness Education Centre/Academy on October 18, 2019 during Celtic Colours International Festival. Accordion player Aaron Collis learned these traditional tunes from Brendan (Bren) Newman, a 90-year-old accordion player in Boyd’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. The names of the individual tunes may have been lost to time, but the music lives on in the lively medley now known as “Boyd’s Cove Singles”.
April Verch Band live at Celtic Colours Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-07-09 | Spider Bit the Baby (Kenny Baker) / Durangs Hornpipe (arranged by April Verch) Always a crowd favourite with Celtic Colours audiences, Ottawa Valley fiddler and dancer April Verch has played at the Festival five times in the last ten years. This energetic performance, featuring April step dancing with her bandmates Alex Rubin on guitar and Cody Waters on clawhammer banjo, was captured during Celtic Colours International Festival at the Highland Arts Theatre in 2019.
Scotch Four Set live at Celtic Colours 2019 Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-06-25 | Recorded during the Close to the Floor concert at Strathspey Performing Arts Centre in Mabou on October 16, Kenneth MacKenzie (fiddle), Kolten MacDonell (piano), and Orianna MacNeil (guitar) show us the tight connection between the music and dancing on Cape Breton Island as they play a Scotch Four set for dancers John and Bill Pellerin, Dawn-MacDonald Gillis, and Helen MacDonald.Scotch Four Set: Cairistiona Chaimbeul / Bodach Fodair / Bridge of Bamore / Roddy MacDonald’s Fancy (Pipe Major Donald MacLeod)
These Hands recorded live at Celtic Colours International Festival Celtic Colours International Festival 2021-05-31 | This version of the song “These Hands”, written by Dave Gunning and George Canyon, was recorded during Celtic Colours International Festival 2020 and features the powerful lyrics sung in English, Mi’kmaw, Gaelic, and French by Dave Gunning, Darren Stevens, Mary Jane Lamond, Nicole LeBlanc, and Kaia Kater. ---------------------------------------Some hands have held the world togetherSome hands have fought in wars foreverTell me what shall I do with these hands of mineSome hands have blessed a million peopleSome hands helped free the world from evilTell me what shall I do with these hands of mineWhat shall I do with these hands of mineWhat shall I do with these hands of mineThe world could use a hero of the human kindSo tell me what shall I do with these hands of mineSome hands can stop a life from dyingSome hands comfort a baby cryingSo tell me what shall I do with these hands of mineWhat shall I do with these hands of mineWhat shall I do with these hands of mineThe world could use a hero of the human kindSo tell me what shall I do with these hands of mineI want to sing it from my heart, I want to hear it in the wind 'Til it blows around the world, and comes back again All that we can ask, is for ours to be free To use them when we want, for whatever the needSome hands give voice to a nationSome hands wrote "The Times They Are a-Changin'"So tell me what shall I do with these hands of mineWhat shall I do with these hands of mineWhat shall I do with these hands of mineThe world could use a hero of the human kindSo tell me what shall I do with these hands of mineWhat shall I do with these hands of mineWhat shall I do with these hands of mineThe world could use a hero of the human kindSo tell me what shall I do with these hands of mineSo tell me what shall I do with these hands of mine
A Road Trip with Yvette Rogers • Episode Nine - Heading Down North Celtic Colours International Festival 2020-10-18 | Make your way around the artisans’ loop, along the North Shore and up into the Highlands, exploring this inspiring and beautiful part of Victoria County. This episode features a stop in the community of Bay St. Lawrence, and a conversation with composer, author, and former lighthouse keeper Paul Cranford.
Tour Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College Celtic Colours International Festival 2020-10-17 | Join Rodney MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, and Kenneth MacKenzie, Director of Education, as they give you an overview of this educational institution and its contribution to the preservation and promotion of Gaelic culture.
A Road Trip with Yvette Rogers • Episode Eight - The Bras d’Or Lake Celtic Colours International Festival 2020-10-17 | The Bras d’Or Lake could be called the heart of the Island. This deep, vast, saltwater lake is surrounded by rich culture and beauty, and touches all four counties of the Island. Learn about two-eyed seeing and spend some time on Eskasoni’s Goat Island Trail with Kieran Johnson, in this episode.
Céilidh Beag - A Little Visit Celtic Colours International Festival 2020-10-17 | Who doesn’t love stopping by to see friends on a Saturday afternoon? When you hear the word céilidh you often think of a performance but it really means a visit. Join Ed, Hannah, Amber, and Colin at Baile nan Gàidheal / Highland Village for a song and some stories.
A’ Phìob Mhòr / The Bagpipes Celtic Colours International Festival 2020-10-16 | Kenneth MacKenzie offers this demonstration on the Highland Bagpipes including how they’re constructed, how to play them, and the role they have played in Gaelic culture. Filmed at Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College
