St. Ann's, Cape Breton - July 22, 2010 - Fiddles are heard at times of celebration and sorrow.  The very make-up of a good piece of fiddle music can take you through many emotions, it is one of the reasons Cape Breton fiddle music has been popularized around the globe.  Thousands of tunes composed by past and present Cape Breton fiddle composers are played in Germany to the homeland in Scotland, PEI and Ontario and across Nova Scotia, for music knows no boundaries.

Witness the magic of Cape Breton fiddle music when the Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association hosts the 37th annual Festival of Fiddling on Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22, 2010, on the grounds of the iconic Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts in St. Ann's, Victoria County.

The Fiddle festival kicks off with youth day on August 21st.  A series of Fiddle, Piano, and Stepdance workshops will be held from 2 - 5pm under the direction of some of the Association's finest performers/instructors.  An evening Ceilidh focusing on the younger members of the Association begins at 6 p.m. in MacKenzie Hall.  The concert will feature both solo and group fiddle numbers along with piano, guitar and song from the talented next generation.

"The youth component of the association has always been important to us" says musical director Eddie Rogers.  "We purposely highlight their talent, it's exciting to see them shine in front of an audience."

The youth concert will be followed by a family square dance open to all.

The big concert is the highlight of August 22nd.  Musicians from across Cape Breton Island, throughout mainland Nova Scotia as well as Prince Edward Island and other parts of Canada and the U.S will converge on the Gaelic College to participate in this annual tradition.  The concert begins at 2 p.m. on the outdoor stage on the grounds of the Gaelic College.  The concert features a rich line-up of fiddlers, piano players, bagpipers, singers, etc.

Lead organizer, stepdancer Betty Matheson says, "This concert enables the Association to spotlight some of the tunes the group of fiddlers have been working on throughout the year.  It is a real showcase for our members and a tribute to the rich music and culture of the Island."

The concert will take place, rain or shine, as the historic Hall of the Clans is available in case of inclement weather.

Full concession facilities will be available throughout the weekend with plenty of free parking.  For further information, contact: 902-849-8476.

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