MEDIA RELEASE

 Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association celebrates 50 years with an action-packed weekend at the Gaelic College, August 19 and 20, 2023

St Ann’s, Cape Breton:   An exciting weekend of workshops and concerts is planned at the Gaelic College on Saturday, August 19th and Sunday, August 20th to commemorate the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association 50th Anniversary.

 All events during this time are open to the public and will take place rain or shine.  Cash only.  

Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association Board member and step dancer, Betty Matheson says “We’ve been offering Celtic Cultural Experiences around Cape Breton Island to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Glendale Concert of 1973 and the creation of the Fiddlers’ Association.   The legacy of 1973 continues. It’s very exciting to be celebrating this special Fifty year milestone.  We have some original members still participating” says Matheson.  “We’re delighted to bring a weekend of festivities for visitors from all over to enjoy and grateful to our sponsors and members who help us in delivery of a variety of events over these two days.”

Events over the weekend include:

11:00am-12:30pm Showing of the “Vanishing Cape Breton Fiddler” Documentary.  A question and answer period will follow with former CBC Producer Ron MacInnis and senior members of the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association.  Free Admission

Workshops will take place in the afternoon from 2:00pm to 5:00pm and will run concurrently.  Pre-registration is encouraged and can be completed by calling (902)849-8476 or emailing capebretonfiddlers@gmail.com.  Fee is $25 per person.  Cash only.

Workshops as follows:  (read details about the instructors here)

Beginner Fiddle – Rose Morrison

Intermediate Fiddle – Dara Smith MacDonald

Advanced Fiddle – Kyle MacNeil

Intermediate Piano Accompaniment – Mac Morin and Susan MacLean assisting

Advanced Piano Accompaniment – Sheumas MacNeil and Susan MacLean

Beginner/Intermediate Stepdance – Harvey Beaton

Intermediate/Advanced Stepdance – John Pellerin

An indoor concert will take place 7:00-10:00pm with square dance to follow.  Admission is $10.00.  MC’s are Kolten MacDonell and Alisha MacNeil.

On Sunday, August 20th 11am to 12:30pm “Fiddle Tunes from Around the World”, hosted by Howie MacDonald will be an informal jam session of Fiddler Association members and musicians from around the world.

The Gala Concert will be held 2:00pm to 7:00pm featuring the best of local, national and international talent.  Admission is $20.00.  Please bring a chair or blanket for this outdoor concert.  MC’s are Bob MacEachern and Wendy Bergfeldt.

There will be full concession facilities available and plenty of free parking.

Gaelic College President Rodney MacDonald says “We are always glad to work with Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association and promote our unique Celtic heritage.  The two organizations have enjoyed a long-standing partnership. We’re glad to be a part of their special milestone.  The 50th anniversary weekend will showcase the amazing amount of Celtic talent we have on Cape Breton Island and around the world.”

In 1973, over one hundred fiddlers played at Glendale concert, under the direction of Father John Angus Rankin.  The Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association was created. Fifty years later, the legacy continues. Our renowned Cape Breton hospitality and culture will create a unique experience for all age family fun.

For Further Information, please contact:

TEL:   Cape Breton Fiddlers Association:  902-849-8476

EMAIL:   capebretonfiddlers@gmail.com/www.capebretonfiddlers.com

TEL:  Gaelic College:  902-295-3411

EMAIL:  info@gaeliccollege.edu/www.gaeliccollege.edu

Nova Scotia Tourism:  www.tourismnovascotia.com