Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton

Subject: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: winniemih
Date: 09 Sep 01 - 02:21 PM

My friend and I will be attending the Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton, N.S. this October (10/6-10/13)for the first time. Is anyone in Mudcatland attending,or have you in the past? It would be great to get some tips on how to get the most out of this wonderful experience, and if anyone is going and would like to get together with us, that would be great too! You can P.M me or just add to this thread. Thanks Winnie

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 09 Sep 01 - 02:45 PM

You will enjoy it so much, I can't tell you. I was there some years ago, the highlight for me was the Celtic Guitar Summit, but there was so much other great music too.

Also the fall colors in Cape Breton are unbelievable. If I wasn't stuck in Florida I would be up there again like a shot.

Murray

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From:
Date: 09 Sep 01 - 04:00 PM

I'll be there for the whole thing. I finally picked out exactly which shows I am going to. For those interested:

Celtic Colours Web-site

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: Sorcha
Date: 09 Sep 01 - 06:01 PM

Wow! Oh, George, I am envious! Have a great time.

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: Marion
Date: 09 Sep 01 - 07:46 PM

A little shameless advertising:

I used to live and work at L'Arche Cape Breton, an intentional community for adults with learning disabilities, which is near Whycocomagh. We have a store named the Ark, which sells crafts and souvenirs made in our workshops and by other locals, as well as second-hand clothes. Drop in to the store, and tell them Marion sent you.

If you're driving on the Trans-Canada (the 105), between Port Hastings and Baddeck, close to Whycocomagh, you will see a sign for "The Ark". THe exit number is 4. The store is on the L'Arche campus only 100 metres from the highway.

Have fun at the festival too. I haven't seen this year's lineup, but if Dougie MacLean and/or Buddy MacMaster are playing again this year, keep an eye out for them.

Marion

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 07:06 AM

The line-up looks great. Of particular interest is the fact that Tony McManus is appearing as a solo artiste this year rather than backing Alasdair Fraser (when Tony's talents tend to get overshadowed,IMHO).

Anybody going should not miss the evening when Tony and JP Cormier are appearing together. Musical fireworks guaranteed the like of which you see very very rarely.

Murray

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: Willie-O
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 12:34 PM

Oh man...I just realized how empty and bleak my life is unless I cast off my shackles and get out there. It's been way too long since I was up the Cape...

For example...a modestly titled "Songwriters' Circle" concert featuring Brian McNeill AND Archie Fisher AND Ron Hynes...and a three day guitar workshop with Tony McManus...and and and...

goddamn employment...

have fun Winnie and everyone who goes.

W-O

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: O'Trasno
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 12:56 PM

Willie-o, You should see a specialist about your short term memory-oh

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 01:12 PM

I was on Cape Bretton Last October as part of my honeymoon. The main page of the web site does not seem to give the location. My wife and I went up the east coast to the Cape Bretton Highlands and stayed at 3 nights the Keltic (that's how they spell it) Lodge in Ingonish. If you get near there you should take the hike out on Middlehead penisula. We shot 8 rolls of film during the hike (about 45 min each way) The hotel is run by the province and they did a nice job. We got lucky with weather , we were late in the season, everybody was closing up after we left. The drive back down the west side was spectacular as well! Have fun! Nick

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: O'Trasno
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 01:45 PM

Also well worth checking out Claire Mclaughlin and Marianne Campbell,dynamic fiddle duo from the Scottish group "Deaf Shepherd",playing at Celtic Colours under the moniker "CMC" (made from their initial letters-geddit?) And of course the galician piper Susana Seivane will be there too,along with the Macdonald brothers from Argyll.... Piping heaven!

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From:
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 03:51 PM

Nick, they don't show a "specific" location, because the whole festival is held ALL over the Island. The various venues are at different locations all around from the Western side through the Industrial Cape Breton region, going south and back up, or going north over the top and back down.

Yes, Willie, lots of great shows. You should have been at the same show (called Bards and BAllads last year), with Tommy Makem, Buddy MacDonald, Stewart MacNeil and Dougie MacLean! Awesome show.

Allan was there the last two years, but neither of them are strangers to Cape Breton. The others you mentioned are awesome. It'll be a great #5!

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: GUEST,Ceiridwen Robbins
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 05:08 PM

Hi there, just wanted to add my two cents.

Winston's Home up in Dingwall is a fabulous evening of traditional fiddling with several different artists.

Anything with Mary Jane Lamond will probably be good. She does traditional Scottish Gaelic songs and she has a beautiful, plaintive voice which is excellent for the types of songs she sings.

JP Cormier is a dynamo, if you haven't ever been to one of his concerts, go!

Now I'm going to talk about Cape Breton Highlands National Park (I'm a warden there although currently I am on loan to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site- also a very worthy place to visit.)

The Middle Head Trail is indeed lovely, and while you're up in Ingonish, Dingwall, Cheticamp or any other place around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, you should certainly take advantage of the trails and sights. If you are not fond of walking, take a drive up the Mary Ann Falls road to a picturesque water fall with picnic tables; have your lunch there.

A very popular trail is the Skyline Trail near Cheticamp; you're sure to see a moose or two along it but don't try to get close to them!

Other favourite trails of mine are the Clyburn Brook trail which leads through a stately beech forest to an old abandoned gold mine camp, and the North Aspy trail which is quite a vigorous walk.

For a great view, (and a strenuous climb) go up the Broad Cove Mountain Trail.

This has been a very long message, and I apologize! Even though I'm "from away" I'm very proud of Cape Breton!

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: O'Trasno
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 05:25 PM

Thanks for that,Ceiridwen. I'll be in the cape for the first time next month,so with a bit of luck i'll get to the new MEC store in Halifax first,and kit myself out to explore some of your territory.Cheers!

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: winniemih
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 09:47 AM

I wanted to refresh tis thread, since my friend and I are still going to the festival. A few changes in our layovers, but our flights are still scheduled. Will anyone else of the Mudcat persuasion be there?

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: GUEST,PeteBoom (at work)
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 10:23 AM

I'd like to, but not this year...

Pete

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: sian, west wales
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 10:43 AM

I bumped into a friend in Aberystwyth last week - Robin Huw Bowen, the triple harp harper ... and I think he said he was as Celtic Colours this year (lucky sod.) Robin is tremendous fun and knows pretty well all there is to know about the Welsh harp tradition ... if I'm right, and he's there, don't miss him! (And say hello from Sian Toronto!)

Sian

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: O'Trasno
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 06:04 PM

Sadly,Winnie,it doesn't look like i'll be making it there after all.... the tour that was taking me there was due to start on the 13th in New York so,well,you know the story.

Damn shame 'tis too;i was looking forward to getting there.

Have a ball,y'all!

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From:
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 08:40 PM

Winnie. E-mail me! I'll be there. Festival Club for sure every night, until close, but every night will be something.

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: winniemih
Date: 28 Sep 01 - 10:07 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From:
Date: 28 Sep 01 - 11:13 AM

Winnie, here's the ones I have tickets for:

Gala Opening

Songs and Lore - Tuesday night - Gaelic College

From Glenuig to Glendale - Wednesday night - Glendale

McGinty's Gathering - Friday night - Brookhaven Hall

Final Square Dance - Saturday night Oct 13th - Baddeck

The others I WANT to get to are:Saturday Oct 6th, Giant's Ceilidh

Sunday - Music for the Angels

Monday - Gaelic Airs

Thursday - Waters of Iona

Somehow!!! We'll see.

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From:
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 06:22 AM

Well! I went and I came back. It was one heck of a grand party. Didn't get to meet Winniemih.

The only concert of my list which I didn't make was Giant's Ceilidh, but I got to go to the Gaelic Roots on the first Saturday night instead. Actually I spent the whole day in Mabou, went to the Red Shoe Pub that afternoon and over to Strathspey Place, a great new venue, as well.

Wednesday I got interviewed along with a fellow who came to Celtic Colours for the first time.

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: Willie-O
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 11:27 AM

Still insanely jealous. But I'll only say it once this time.

Marriage counselor has recommended I try taking some master classes as a "personal recharging" thing. What brilliant counsel. Three days in the Cape studying with Tony M or, say, J.P. would be highly therapeutic. Gotta get better at planning ahead. Maybe next year.

Willie-O
Just one of me.

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: winniemih
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 12:19 PM

I just arrived home last night (spent a few days after the festival in Halifax before returning to Oregon). The whole week in Cape Breton was "brilliant"! The music, the countryside and mountains,the sea, the people, the weather! I ran into the trail coordinator for the Cape Mabou Highlands (at the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou, one of my favorite venues) and he helped point me in the direction of some lovely hikes. My friend and I went to a performance each night; the highlights for me were Tony McManus, who played with Liz Doherty, Dave McIsaac, and Archie Fisher and a brilliant fiddler/cornet player named Daniel Lapp; Danu,from Ireland; and a group from P.E.I. called Celtitude. Suroit, a group from the Magdalene Islands, was also tremendous. I didn't get to hear Mary Jane Lamond in person, but brought back a CD which I am listening to at this moment and greatly enjoying. I'm sorry I didn't connect with George Seto, but it was an overwhelming experience and I might have seemed a bit irrational and frantic.It was almost too much to take in. I wasn't able to work in any workshops, since I wanted to tour the island. I advise anyone interested in attending to contact the Celtic Colours Festival Society well in advance and plan carefully. (P.O. box 9, Baddeck, Nova Scotia, BOE 1BO ; or www.celtic-colours.com).

Subject: RE: Celtic Colours/ Cape Breton
From: GUEST,bill
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 12:02 AM

Hi Folks,
I am looking for 4 tickets to HOME SHE'LL BE. Anyone got some tickets they can't use.
Thanks
Bill