2024 Performers
Abby and Ella Hanson - Up with Gaelic with Kolten MacDonell
These two talented sisters share Nova Scotia Gaelic culture through music, dance, and language, including through their “Up With Gaelic” project. Mentored through the Na Gaisgich Òga program at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton, Ella and Abby have performed on stages large and small. Suas leis a' Ghàidhlig!
Adria Jackson
Adria Jackson is a Canadian classical Celtic singer/folk harpe. Her pure lyric soprano voice paired harp skillfully brings traditional songs to life. She released her debut album Troubadour which is filled with traditional Celtic, timeless originals, Canadiana and folk inspired classical songs. This past summer while touring Nova Scotia, Troubadour climbed nationally to #5 on the Earshot folk/roots/blues charts. She performed at the Ancient River Festival, the Helen Creighton Folk Club and Side Door by the Sea. Before emerging as a traditional folk singer/harper, Adria was an experienced classical performer and music educator.
Alix Sandra Speirs
Canadian-born artist, Alix Sandra {Alistríona} Huntley-Speirs, spent over a decade in Scotland in the early nineties where she discovered a profound connection with the indigenous art of Ireland and Scotland which has continued to be her inspiration ever since, specifically early Irish Christian art that is commonly recognized as "Celtic Art". Today, Alix continues to teach and produce modern works that are built with these ancient techniques and is excited to share this journey with you.
Join us today for an introductory workshop that will teach the basics of creating a simple knotwork pattern including a couple of variations on the design. This workshop is ideal for anyone, even those who profess that they 'can't draw a straight line!'… You will be amazed at how these techniques will enable anyone to draw! All materials will be provided.
If you enjoy this process, there is an opportunity to continue learning the various methods and techniques of early Irish {Celtic} art which are applicable to a wide range of arts and crafts. Be sure to ask Alix more about this at the festival or contact her directly at alix@alistriona.art.
Original Artwork by Alistríona: "An Dá Griann" {The Two Suns} - Áine & her sister Grianne, also known as the greater and the lesser suns, often associated with the Summer & Winter Solstices.
Amethyst Scottish Dancers
Founded in 1985, the Amethyst Scottish Dancers of Nova Scotia is a non-profit dance troupe composed of skilled highland dancers. We blend Scottish steps with both traditional and modern music and choreography to entertain crowds both at home and afar. Performances are our opportunity to share our love of dance and to continue to celebrate the unique Celtic heritage and culture of Nova Scotia.
An Cuan
An Cuan ('The Harbour') fuses Irish, Scottish, and Cape Breton music, blending PEI-raised Katie Sonier's dynamic fiddle playing with Katie MacDonald's County Clare-inspired flute and concertina, backed by Vince McMackin's energetic guitar. Playing a mix of modern and traditional tunes, they have a sound entirely their own.
Arise & Go
Arise & Go is an exciting Celtic trio that finds its roots in the dance music of Ireland, Scotland and Atlantic Canada. Winners of North America’s longest running live folk radio broadcast Best of Bound for Glory Award, Arise & Go has been featured in Irish Music Magazine, Roots Music Canada, The Boston Irish Reporter and the Irish American News where they have been praised for “musical complexity and colour” that is also “authentically mindful of tradition.” 2019 saw the release of the band’s first full length album Meeting Place as members Ellie Goud (fiddle), Michael Roddy (uilleann pipes, border pipes, smallpipes, whistles) and Tim Ball (guitar, foot percussion) showcase the different Celtic traditions that each brings to the group’s sound. www.ariseandgo.org
Ashé Druida
Ashé Druida is a Halifax based music group that embraces the continuity of the known but unspoken music conversations that have occurred through centuries of social evolution in Europe. Founded by Marcel Amores in 2020, this project represents the encounters between different cultures (Gaelic, Spanish, French, African) that influenced traditional music from the Celtic Nations to the Pan-Celtic diaspora in the Americas, where many rhythms evolved and showcase their voices today.
Currently, the traditional Celtic music played in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Brittany in France, and Galician/Asturias in Spain, is very different from what was played more than 200 years ago. Such traditions have been musically enriched with contemporary music trends and multi-cultural influences of today´s world. Ashé - from Yoruba´s West African culture, represents the power to make things happen and produce a change. Druida (Spanish) - Druids from ancient Celtic tribes.
Marcel Amores is a Halifax based Latin and Celtic musician with roots in Havana, Cuba. He plays several instruments and is influenced by Spanish Celtic, Cuban, Latin and African music. Marcel has performed and toured across the Maritimes, in Cuba and Chile. Ashé Druida is an interactive project that manifests the diversity of Celtic music that migrated from Europe to the Americas.
Whether it is a song of the sea, the romantic swing of a waltz, or the vitality of an Irish jig, The Big Island Trio gives great care an attention to the nuances of this strong music tradition. In 2017, they released their first studio album "Songs From The Kitchen", which is comprised traditional songs inspired by their youth and reflective of their early performances throughout the Halifax pub scene. In 2019, the boys teamed up producer and Rawlins Cross founding member, Dave Panting to produce their second studio album "Sail Away". This album is made up of completely original material written by their singer and guitarist, Gary Foley. For further insight into the groups background and focus you can visit them online at www.bigislandtrio.com
Brad Reid Trio
Playful Celtic fiddle with a modern interpretation, Brad Reid’s fresh fiddle phrases connect old traditions with modern popular music, drawing on global influences such as latin, classical, jazz, and hip hop. He’s described as a “world class fiddler” by The Bluegrass Standard, and "a true pleasure" by Fiddler Magazine. Through his arrangements with stimulating new chords, Brad Reid presents a side of the classic Cape Breton sound in a way that might be, according to Irish tradition bearer Martin Hayes, “continually growing”.
Corbies
Both originally from Scotland, long time musical friends Eilidh Campbell and Andy Webster formed their unique partnership over years playing the European festival circuit and now, by chance, live near to one another in Nova Scotia. Playing finely crafted arrangements of Scottish and original tunes and songs on fiddle, guitar, bouzouki and voice, Corbies captivates as much by their music as by the love and laughter shared onstage.
Dartmouth and District Pipe Band
The Dartmouth and District Pipe Band is based out of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, drawing members and students from throughout the Atlantic provinces.
Our organization currently consists of a grade five and grade three competition band, a parade band, and a well-established bagpipe and drumming school.
Our grade three band, lead by Pipe Major Blaise Theriault and Lead Drummer Zach Smith, is our intermediate level band. Players hone the skills they’ve learned and continue to develop their musicianship while playing great music and having fun. They are the current reigning North American Champions for Grade 4, and this year they are travelling to Scotland to compete at the World Championships.
The grade 5 band is made up of newer musicians and students who came up through our school. Lead by Pipe Major Liam Murray, and lead drummer Elizabeth McCorkell, it is our students introduction to playing in a competition band. Players learn the basic skills of their instruments, and develop an understanding of pipe band structure, drill, and performance at a competition level.
Delhaven & Friends
Born amidst a widespread longing to reawaken the gatherings for traditional music and dance that were held in stasis by the pandemic, Delhaven is a young, traditional Gaelic band hailing from rural, mainland Nova Scotia. Rapidly garnering the attention of ethnomusicologists, they have become an in-demand resource for local dance communities and grasped the intrigue of music lovers alike. Delhaven takes its’ name from the tiny fishing and farming community in Kings Co., Nova Scotia where one of the musicians, Jenny, was reared up.
Their music draws its inspiration from nature and poetry, and is fuelled by a reverence for history and passion for living tradition. Thoughtfully chosen dance tunes highlight Katie Blythe’s subtle flute and whistle playing, and a penchant for long melodic lines is undeniable in Jenny Melvin’s refined touch on the fiddle and concertina. Equally adept on both rhythm guitar, tenor banjo and fiddle, Pat Madden is the cup that holds the tea. Vocalist Morgan Davison shares timeworn stories through song, both bittersweet and whimsical, and Elizabeth MacDonalds sean nós step dancing weaves its way through, interacting with the Morgans bodhrán and rhythmically grounding the music, whilst breathing visual life into their performances.
Much of the music has been passed down by older family members and mentors, and some of it has been sourced from the collections of Nova Scotian musicologists like Helen Creighton and Carrie Spinney Grover. Several selections have been brought back from Jenny and Katie’s days studying music in Ireland, and there are some original compositions included for good measure! www.delhavenmusic.com
Diaga Irish Dance
Established in 2010 by World medalist and Riverdance cast member Zeph Caissie, Diaga Irish Dance has become renowned for excellence.
Diaga Irish Dance is connected to the rich Celtic heritage of the Maritimes, and their performances regularly feature local musicians. They have performed at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, with the Chieftains at Celtic Colours International Festival, and at the Hamburg Police Show. In 2023, Diaga Irish Dance became the first ever school from Atlantic Canada to win a Recall medal at the World Irish Dancing Championships.
The dancers love sharing their passion for Irish dance and music, and sincerely hope you enjoy their performance.
Dusty Keleher & Lukas Pearce
Dusty Keleher, based in Halifax Nova Scotia, writes songs that tell a good story and searches gems out from the past that do the same. Simply put, roots/traditional music that takes its cue from ancient Irish ballads to songs from the folk and folk/rock canon. When not playing music, Dusty leads locals and tourists alike on his Halifax Ghost Walk, a walking tour through Halifax, Nova Scotia’s historic downtown core. Tales of spectres, spirits, pirates, forerunners and the sinister collected from the folklore of Nova Scotia. From whatever genre and tradition he draws on, Dusty brings a heartfelt soul to all the songs he sings and the stories he tells.
Ekko Mindful Music Studio
Ekko Mindful Music Studio is located in the heart of Downtown Dartmouth. Ekko aims to provide inclusive, positive, and stress-free learning environments for all. Showcasing students of Adam LeBlanc and Connor Cornick, these young fiddlers enjoy playing and participating in various festivals and events in the city.
Fiddles & Feet
Fiddles & Feet had a great year in 2022 and the band continues to expand their audience and their repertoire. Adding new material and playing in new communities keeps things positive! And return engagements in 2023 to all venues played in 2022. A good sign for the future! Fiddles & Feet has the same line up as well with Laura Watson, Megan Washburn, Alycia Putnam, Randy Feener, Ben Tucker, Rob Putnam and Gordon Tucker. The most important fact is the band still puts on an exciting live show, lots of fiddling, singing and step dancing in the Celtic tradition.
Foley Family Duo
Clare is a fiddle student of recording artist Shannon Quinn: www.shannonquinnmusic.com and her dad Gary is a singer/guitarist with the Big Island Trio www.bigislandtrio.com.
Giving Celtic Context - Global Gaelic Influences
Enjoy an evening of Global Gaelic Influences where Tatsunari Watanabe will present on Irish Music in Japan and Maria Osende and Zeph Caissie discuss the crossroads where Irish and Flamenco dance interwines.
Irish Music in Japan
This presentation will look at two very distinct time periods: First, it will look at the ways in which Irish music was instrumental in the tumultuous formation of the Japanese nation-state in the 1860s, when it emerged from its centuries-long feudal isolation. Second, the presentation will look at the ways in which Irish music has evolved, from a tool of nationalistic government, to one of individual fulfilment.
Young practitioners of Irish Traditional Music often first encounter the music in university. Those that continue to practice the music beyond those years find that it provides a means to deal with the many stressors that come with “becoming an adult” in modern Japanese society. In some cases, it provides an alternative means of existence, outside of the often stifling work environment of Japanese corporate culture, as well as the often exploitative and abusive realm of mainstream Japanese entertainment.
Practices such as the Irish music pub session provide an alternate space for Japanese musicians to explore the freedom a different cultural practice from their own can offer.
Tatsunari Watanabe is a PhD candidate at Memorial University of Newfoundland, looking into the ways in which music travels. More specifically, he is looking at the ways in which Irish music has travelled to Japan and influenced its formation and development as a nation-state, and the ways in which the music and culture affect the people who play it to this day. He is also an avid fiddle player in the Irish Traditional Music tradition who has played in various venues across Halifax, such as the Old Triangle, Durty Nelly’s, New Scotland Brewery and at the Festival Club at Celtic Colours. You might also catch him busking during his lunch break on the waterfront!
Step into the rhythmic crossroads where Irish and Flamenco dance intertwine. In this captivating dialogue, you’re invited to explore the rich heritage of both cultures. Picture these stories being delivered at the Port that welcomed nearly 1 million immigrants to Canada, echoing the narratives and lived experiences of some of our ancestors.
Maria Osende, the fiery Spanish Flamenco and ballet dancer, director and choreographer, brings us her passion-fueled artistry from Spain to Halifax.
Zeph Caissie, the spirited Irish dancer, choreographer and director, shares his experiences, learnings and talents with our community.
Together, they’ll unravel the threads of history, drawing us a bigger picture of traditions, encounters and innovation. Fear not, curious souls, there will be a Q&A section after the floor comes to life with a mesmerizing dance demo—a whirlwind of stomps, twirls, and heartbeats.
Location: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 7:00 pm
Greene School of Irish Dancing
The Greene School of Irish Dancing, under the direction of Beth Greene and her daughter Sinead was established in 1989 with the objectives of fostering the development of Irish culture through dance.
The school is highly competitive, travelling to competitions across Canada and North America. The dancers have represented the school at the National Championships in North America and we have had dancers qualify for the World Irish Dancing Championships.
Our studio is in the Northwood Woodside Community Centre Pleasant Street Dartmouth. We are thrilled to appear at the Halifax Celtic Festival April 21st.
Higgins School of Highland Dance
Higgins School of Highland Dance has been offering highland dance and most recently, Cape Breton step dance, in the heart of Dartmouth for 15 years. HSHD offers classes for dancers as young as 2 up to adult, hosting one of the province’s largest adult highland dance programmes. HSHD is under the direction of Kathleen Higgins along with a highly competitively successful and accomplished team of 7 other instructors.
Jordan Chowen
Jordan Chowen is an accomplished dancer and musician from Prince Edward Island, where he found his passion for the arts from a young age. Jordan was introduced to step dancing at the age of 7, where he quickly found himself captivated by its rhythm and expression. Traditional step dancing is an old Celtic dance form and the root of Tap Dance. His parents first noticed his love for step dancing when he would be found dancing on the soccer field, rather than playing the sport itself. His natural talent and dedication to dancing propelled him to begin competing in local competitions across PEI, before expanding to other Maritime provinces.
Jordan received top solo marks in dance adjudication at the British Association Teachers of Dance, where he also received highly commended in the British Award category of the amateaur medal tests. Jordan's musical journey also blossomed early on, with violin lessons, alongside learning the intricate melodies of the bagpipes as an active member of The College of Piping Pipe Band.
In 2017, Jordan clinched first place with The College of Piping Pipe Band, with their victory at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. The College of Piping provided him with a nurturing environment to explore and flourish in music, shaping his artistic identity. Jordan's passion for performance was found during his participation in The College of Piping's production of Highland Storm.
Throughout his career, Jordan found inspiration and mentorship in figures like Gary Chipman and renowned fiddler Richard Wood, whose musical prowess and authenticity resonated deeply with him. Their influence propelled him forward, instilling in him a commitment to staying true to his craft and himself.
In 2017, Jordan founded JC Dance Academy, where he shared his expertise in traditional PEI step dancing with eager students. Although he later shifted his focus to other endeavours and relocated to Nova Scotia, the experience of teaching ignited a newfound passion for mentorship and passing on his knowledge to future generations.
Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of his father and brother, Jordan draws strength from their memory and the admiration they held for his musical and dance pursuits. Their unwavering support fuels his determination to continue striving for excellence in his artistry.
Jordan eagerly anticipates showcasing the rich tradition of step dancing at the Halifax Celtic Festival, where he aims to inspire and enchant audiences with his electrifying performances. Through his dedication and talent, Jordan Chowen continues to leave an enduring mark on the world of dance and music.
Kendra MacGillivray School of Celtic Music
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is the home base for the Kendra MacGillivray School of Celtic Music since 2017. Multi-award winning and Internationally known Celtic fiddler/piano accompanist and dancer, Kendra MacGillivray, originally from Antigonish, NS is the Director/Instructor to students of all ages, from all over the world through online and in-person private/group lessons, workshops, master classes, dances, ceilidhs, house parties/jam sessions, fundraisers, concerts and festivals! Tonight, you will be entertained by some of her most enthusiastic Nova Scotia youth fiddlers who have been studying her style of fiddle music for the past few years. This past summer, they were special guests at the 50th Anniversary of the Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association Gala Concert held at Colaisde na Gàidhlig, The Gaelic College and the 2023 Halifax Celtic Festival, Spirit of Youth Concert. They also performed on the 60th Anniversary of the Christmas Daddies Telethon on CTV TV and at Kendra’s Ceilidhs. Please enjoy our medleys of jigs and reels! We hope you feel like dancing.
Kevin Dugas, Kolten MacDonell, Cailean MacLean
Born in Inverness, Cape Breton, Kevin Dugas has been playing the great highland bagpipe for almost 30 years. Growing up he was surrounded by family and local tradition bearers who played the fiddle, piano, pipes, and step danced. Kevin was inspired musically by his Scottish and Acadian roots, and the many great traditional musicians from Inverness County. With a family history of piping and music tradition, notably among his great-grandfather’s family, Hughie Dan MacDonnell of Deepdale Road, Kevin took to the pipes early, beginning at 10 years of age. As a professional class competitive bagpiper and composer, Kevin traveled the world as a member of the 78th Highlanders Halifax Citadel Grade 1 Pipe Band for 17 years. Kevin currently competes with the Peel Regional Police grade 2 pipe band based out of Brampton, Ontario. Some of Kevin’s influential piping mentors over the years include John MacLean, Bruce Gandy, Matt MacIsaac, and Alasdair Gillies. Kevin has also performed with the traditional piping group Nuallan at festivals locally and internationally including the William Kennedy Piping Festival in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Currently, Kevin works full time as a Healthcare Social Worker at the Halifax Infirmary within the division of cardiology and cardiac surgery.
Kieran Walker
Kieran Walker was born and raised in Halifax Nova Scotia and has strong ties to Ireland. He started learning Irish during his undergraduate degree at Saint Mary’s University during which time he had the chance to study Irish in Connemara. He then went on to complete a Master’s degree at Maynooth University in Ireland, where he undertook research on identity and the Irish language in Dublin and continued to study Irish while in Ireland.
He first began learning Scottish Gaelic upon returning to Halifax in 2019, and has since taken classes and participated in the Daltachas intermediate apprenticeship program. He currently works as the Administrator of Comhairle na Gàidhlig and lives in Halifax.
Kitchen Criminals
The Kitchen Criminals music ranges from original songs, to fiddle sets and Celtic classics. This group’s musical appeal is one that extends into many stylistic tastes. They are a 4 piece band featuring Hayley MacLeod, Sandra DeCoste, Ashley George, and Jason Delorey. They were recently nominated for the Community Votes Northern NS 2023.
Kolten MacDonell with Lisa MacArthur and Cailean MacLean
Kolten, Lisa and Cailean are seasoned musicians, deeply rooted in the Cape Breton musical tradition. They have been playing together for a number of years and present Cape Breton, Scottish and Irish news in a traditional and tasteful style.
Leona Burkey - Fisherman’s Daughter
Leona Burkey makes her Halifax Celtic Festival debut with “Fisherman’s Daughter” - a set of tales and tunes weaving deep Acadian and Celtic roots into contemporary Cape Breton folk, offered up in her signature seasoned troubadour style.
Leona grew up in the small seaside village of L’Ardoise, Cape Breton and is an ECMA and Music NS nominated singer-songwriter & recording artist. Known for her versatile bell-clear voice, inventive guitar attack and easy going stage manner, Leona’s latest album “Groundrush” (November 2022) draws from these same roots while pushing the boundaries of the contemporary roots genre - early critical praise and traction for “Groundrush” finds Leona relishing a lovely 2nd act in a meandering music journey.
Maria Osende
Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, Maria began dancing at young age, soon achieving High Honors in classical ballet at the Conservatorio de Danza de Madrid under the guidance of ballet teacher Julia Estevez. Her foundational flamenco training took place at the Centro de Arte Flamenco Amor de Dios and the School of American Ballet in New York City thanks to a Fulbright Scholarship.
Maria’s professional dance career started at 19 and led her first to the Compañia Nacional de Danza in Spain and later to Berlin Ballet in Germany, where she danced for a decade as a soloist. Collaborating with renowned choreographers, she explored classical and contemporary dance.
Driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to reconnect with her Spanish roots, Maria returned to flamenco, becoming a freelance dancer in Berlin before making Halifax her home since 2003.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Marielle Lespérance School of Dance
Run by an 8-time World Champion, the Marielle Lespérance School of Dance in Dartmouth trains youth from across the Maritimes in highland dancing. Marielle’s students have won both provincial and national titles, and are passionate about performing and sharing their love of dance.
Merry Time Music co. - Fid Kidz
Merry Time Music Co’s Fid Kidz are a group of young fiddlers who explore fiddle traditions from around the world. From Irish polkas to Scottish marches to Appalachian breakdowns, their weekly jams are filled with laughter and joyful music making. They will be joined by Halifax Regional Arts fiddle students. www.merrytimemusic.com
McCorkell Academy of Highland Dance
McCorkell Highland Dancers are a performance troupe composed of competitive Highland dancers from McCorkell Academy of Highland Dance, based in Halifax, NS. McCorkell Highland Dance is a studio with students from 3 yrs to adult who dance competitively and recreationally.
Mel Farrimond
Mel Farrimond is a Scottish-born singer-songwriter, whose introspective folk songs, heartfelt, intelligent lyrics and catchy melodies are earning her a loyal following. Now a Nova Scotia resident, Mel has played shows throughout Nova Scotia and Ontario, and has performed in the US and the UK. A few performance highlights include the mainstage at Stanfest, the Harmony Bazaar Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Folk Alliance in Memphis. Mel has also produced and hosted countless song circles, including the Songbird (formerly Bluebird) North Songwriter Showcases in Halifax for the Songwriters' Association of Canada. Currently, Mel produces and hosts Songs from the Steeple, a songwriters' circle on the Eastern Shore. Mel's full-length album, Through the Darkness, is a journey from the dark to the light, full of exquisite songs both haunting and hopeful, sung in a voice at once strong and vulnerable. Mel is currently working on songs for her EP, set for release in 2024.
Old Beef Strings
The Old Beef Stringband is a three-piece acoustic band rooted in the Appalachian mountain music of the American south. Their performances include original and traditional repertoire featuring playful harmonies, compelling ballads, and driving tunes with fiddle and mandolin going head-to-head. The band weaves in the percussive rhythm of flatfoot step dancing with their tunes to create a full musical experience.
The band members met at a weekly jam in Halifax, Nova Scotia which brought together old-time musicians throughout the province. These sessions led to the formation of the Old Beef Stringband in 2017.
After a few years of drawing from traditional repertoire, 2020 led to a new phase of their connection as they were forced to collaborate in new ways during the height of the pandemic. During this time, they began to lean on one another creatively, writing songs and fiddle tunes together from afar, sending tracks back and forth for one another to build upon with new musical ideas.
In 2024, they are releasing their debut EP (“Ride Home”), featuring a collection of songs and tunes that reflects their diverse, yet common experiences expressed through their mutual love for the sounds of old-time music.
The Old Beef Stringband has treated for Nova Scotia audiences through live shows at local venues and house concerts. Notably, they have been hired to play at community events, contra/square dances, and at several festivals, including the Lunenburg Folk
Harbour Festival (2023) and Full Circle Festival (2017/2018) to audiences of over 200 people.
RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dance Troupe of Nova Scotia
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) ‘H’ Division Pipes and Drums was formed in May 2004. Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, it is one of eight RCMP volunteer pipe bands located in communities across Canada. The other seven pipe bands are based in Moncton, New Brunswick; Montreal, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Regina, Saskatchewan; Edmonton, Alberta; and Vancouver, British Columbia.
The band is comprised of volunteers from throughout Nova Scotia who come together to share and showcase their musical talent and help bring the community closer to its national police. These volunteers come from many different backgrounds, including serving or retired members of the RCMP, serving military personnel, teachers, medical and business professionals, and public servants, to name but a few.
All members take time from their chosen careers and families to volunteer their time to represent the RCMP in their communities. The band has adopted the motto “Benefiting the Community through Music and Dance”.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Rhapsody Quintet
For more than 30 years Nova Scotia’s Rhapsody Quintet has thrilled and delighted audiences with its sparkling renditions of a wide range of music, including light classical, salon, musical theatre, jazz, tango, klezmer, movie music and more. Through their performances and recordings they have reached out across Canada and the world, performed for royalty, worked with school children and helped to raise funds for many deserving causes.
RQ members are: Jennifer Jones (violin), Eileen Walsh (clarinet), Barbara Prichard (piano), Max Kasper (bass) and Shimon Walt (cello).
For this performance Anthony Rissesco, our own Master Fiddler, will replace Jennifer Jones. Rhapsody Quintet is excited to share the stage with him.
Rising Tide Irish Dance Academy
Irish dance can be percussive and powerful, and athletic and elegant. Rising Tide dancers bring that unique style to all audiences showcasing their music, fast feet and exciting energy. Rising Tide dancers have performed alongside acts including The Chieftans, Symphony Nova Scotia, Heather Rankin, Wendy MacIsaac and Shannon Quinn.
Scott Henderson & Scherene Auchterlonie
Scott Henderson has been immersed in traditional and contemporary folk and celtic music for over 30 years and has played professionally at hundreds of events and venues, sharing the stage with such luminaries of the genre as The Chieftains, Natalie MacMaster, J.P. Cormier, The Barra MacNeils and Rawlins Cross. His journey through the rich living folk traditions has led him to collaborate with various traditional and contemporary folk music ensembles and dance bands. Armed with uilleann and border pipes, flute, and whistles, his musical palette is diverse, complemented by his stirring vocal arrangements accompanied by Irish bouzouki and guitar. Scherene Auchterlonie, a fiddler newly arrived to Nova Scotia from British Columbia, embodies a lifelong devotion to music. From her early years, her fervor for melodies has fueled her journey through teaching, performing, and competing. Her musical odyssey led her to the corridors of Vancouver Island University for Jazz Studies and the tutelage of the esteemed Jacques Israelievitch at York University, where she honed her classical performance skills. Rooted in her upbringing immersed in Old Time Canadian dances, square dances, and country music, Scherene's musical palette expanded to encompass a diverse range of styles, including Scottish, Irish, American Old Time, Jazz, and Classical. With each performance, she endeavors to breathe life into the ancestral tales encapsulated within music, becoming a vessel for the narratives of the past.
Shannon & Tony Quinn
Shannon was born and raised in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia and has been performing as a fiddler/vocalist for the past 16 years. In 2016 Shannon won 'Roots Traditional Album of the Year' & 'New Artist Recording of the year' at the Music Nova Scotia Awards, and has also been nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards. She achieved her music degree from the renowned ‘Humber College’ in Toronto and then spent almost three years touring internationally with the award winning Scottish group ‘The Paul McKenna Band’. This has included many international performances in Canada, The United States, England, Scotland, Germany as well as the Netherlands. Some of Shannon’s past performances have included being featured with Cirque Du Soleil and The Chieftains in Canada as well as being a featured soloist with Symphony Nova Scotia. Shannon has performed at Walt Disney World’s ‘Epcot’ in the United Kingdom Pavilion. She has also been a featured performer at the ‘Music City Roots’ concert as well as Bluegrass Underground concert; both in Nashville and both broadcast live on WSM radio. Shannon released a solo album in 2008 entitled ‘The Irwin Lake Sessions and then in 2015 she released her second album entitled ‘If All the Young Ladies’. This album features Shannon primarily as a vocalist as well as a fiddler, and was recorded in Glasgow. In addition to being a solo artist, Shannon has also been performing with her father Tony Quinn for the past 20 years as a Celtic/folk duo, and has recently done some touring with Joel Plaskett as his fiddle player for his ‘Solidarity’ tour with his father Bill. Shannon’s third album ‘Watchmaker’ released January 2019 is a modern celtic concept album, based on the painting ‘The Watchmaker of Switzerland’ by Norman Rockwell.
SheNova
Alycia Putnam & Family, and Laura Watson have teamed up to bring you the band, SheNova. This new group features Alycia (fiddle, concertina, feet), Rob (guitar), Kelly Putnam (bagpipes, whistle), and Laura Watson (fiddle, vocals). Over the course of their solo music careers, they have amassed a deep repertoire of eclectic tunes, recorded a total of 7 albums, and have performed at thousands of events. Together, their sound is a unique blend of foot stompin’ Celtic, old-time fiddling, bagpiping, and singing. This East Coast group’s live show has something for everyone.
The Fine Tuners
The Fine Tuners create an entirely unique and beautiful sound that brings audiences to their feet. The music is inspired by traditional Scottish and Irish reels, waltzes, and jigs. Their sound is always in harmony, with the ability to transition from slow, soothing sounds to more upbeat rhythms with ease. The energetic and high-spirited nature of their performances is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face! The beauty of the Celtic fiddle combined with the rich, melodic sound of the double bass make The Fine Tuners a perfect addition to any occasion.
The Trad Ensemble - Halifax Institute of Traditional and Early Music
The Trad Ensemble offers instrumentalists from ages 13 to adult the opportunity to learn a wide variety of tunes from various cultures - Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, Balkan, Breton, Galician/Asturian, Klezmer, Cape Breton, Old Time, and more. The class also features many guest instructors from the Halifax traditional music scene and beyond.
Tatsunari Watanabe
GIVING CELTIC CONTEXT - Tatsunari Watanabe is a PhD candidate at Memorial University of Newfoundland, looking into the ways
in which music travels. More specifically, he is looking at the ways in which Irish music has traveled to
Japan and influenced its formation and development as a nation-state, and the ways in which the music
and culture affect the people who play it to this day.
He is also an avid fiddle player in the Irish Traditional Music tradition who has played in various venues
across Halifax, such as the Old Triangle, Durty Nelly’s, New Scotland Brewery and at the Festival Club at
Celtic Colours. You might also catch him busking during his lunch break on the waterfront!Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Zeph Caissie
Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, Maria began dancing at young age, soon achieving High Honors in classical ballet at the Conservatorio de Danza de Madrid under the guidance of ballet teacher Julia Estevez. Her foundational flamenco training took place at the Centro de Arte Flamenco Amor de Dios and the School of American Ballet in New York City thanks to a Fulbright Scholarship.
Maria’s professional dance career started at 19 and led her first to the Compañia Nacional de Danza in Spain and later to Berlin Ballet in Germany, where she danced for a decade as a soloist. Collaborating with renowned choreographers, she explored classical and contemporary dance.
Driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to reconnect with her Spanish roots, Maria returned to flamenco, becoming a freelance dancer in Berlin before making Halifax her home since 2003.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.