Two of a Kind
There’s nothing better than watching two musicians who just love playing music together. When they make that connection it seems they’re just playing for each other—trading licks and looks, hitting the harmonies, and fitting all the right notes in. Each member of these duos is a well-established artist, but watch the magic when they pair up.
Jig to Reel: Kelly Peck’s (Mairi Rankin) / Cregg’s Pipes (Traditional)
Cape Breton fiddler and dancer Mairi Rankin—well-known on her own and with groups like Beòlach and The Outside Track—joined forces with cellist Eric Wright of the Juno Award-winning group The Fretless for Celtic Colours in 2018. This performance of “Jig to Reel”, from their Canadian Folk Music Award-winning album The Cabin Sessions, was recorded during Òrain: The Connecting Thread at Strathspey Performing Arts Centre in Mabou (10/10/18).
Featuring: Mairi Rankin and Eric Wright
Canadian and American Old Time Medley: Back Up and Push (Ward Allen) / Carleton County Breakdown (Earl Mitton) / John Brown’s Dream (Traditional) / Angus Campbell (Traditional)
April Verch and Joe Newberry are masters of their traditions. Coming from distinct traditions and parts of the world—April from the Ottawa Valley and Joe from the Missouri Ozarks—the duo is fuelled by a kindred passion for bringing people together to celebrate traditional music. This performance during Celtic Cabaret at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre (10/16/16) has it all—singing, dancing, and some tasteful tunes on fiddle and banjo
Featuring: Newberry and Verch
Kate O’ The Gowrie (Traditional, arranged by Dave Gunning, J.P. Cormier)
More than 20 years after Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier’s first musical meeting, they finally got around to releasing an album together in 2017 which went on to win an ECMA for Folk Recording of the Year. As much family as they are friends, this Gunning and Cormier arrangement of the traditional song “Kate O’ The Gowrie” was fittingly recorded during the Friends and Family concert at Inverness Education Centre/Academy (10/12/18).
Featuring: J.P. Cormier and Dave Gunning
Locals Know
The World Women's Curling Championships: Cape Breton Island Welcomes the Best in Curling
Get ready, curling enthusiasts and sports fans alike! This month, the World Women's Curling Championships are hitting the ice in Sydney, Cape Breton Island.
Continue Reading
While there are countless places on Cape Breton Island to get away from it all, Sydney and area offers a different experience—urban amenities and downtown vibes with a waterfront feel.
Continue Reading
No matter the time of year, for my wife and I, the weekend means heading to the Cabot Trail for an adventure.
Continue Reading
Don't put that camera away just because it's cold! Winter on Cape Breton Island is an Instagrammer's wonderland.
Continue Reading
Join Ashley MacDonald, one of our Adventure Ambassadors, on an outdoor adventure along the Cabot Trail. If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or just the sound of nature, you'll enjoy this blog!
Continue Reading