Celtic Colours

It was good that Chris took the call because I got to watch his face light up with delight. It was Yvette calling to invite the guys to play at Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton.

Chris and Jonathan have been selected along with 19 other young Celtic musicians, dancers, vocalists and groups to appear on The Archie Neil Stage in the Gaelic College’s Great Hall in St. Ann’s. The gig is Monday, October 13th at 4pm. This is North America’s largest celebration of all things Celtic and it happens right here in Nova Scotia.

Celtic Colours was named the “Top Event in Canada” last year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, as well as East Coast Music Association “Event of the Year” for the fourth straight year. The festival had visitors from 25 countries and generated over $5 million in economic impact into Cape Breton Island.

Cape Breton Island is a world-class vacation destination. Travel + Leisure magazine named Cape Breton “The best island to visit in the continental United States and Canada” in the 2008 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. The turning leaves, the music and culture will make for a great family trip.

Over 9 days, this year's Festival will see a focus on the relationships between the various Celtic Cultures of the world. Celtic Colours will host artists from all over Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Wales, Denmark, France, Spain, Cuba and Scotland. Scotland’s Angus Lyon & Ruaridh Campbell will be there. Ruaridh (pronounced Rory) is the brother to Jonathan’s fiddle teacher Eilidh (pronounced Eh-Lee). Eilidh immigrated to Canada a couple of years ago after playing all over the world.

I don’t know if you’ll recognize any of these names: Rita MacNeil, J.P. Cormier, Buddy MacMaster, Jerry Holland, Beolach, Men of the Deeps, Ashley MacIsaac. Then, there’s Gordie Samson who wrote, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” for Carrie Underwood. Gordie is an amazing artist in his own right.

Even though my family name is of Irish descent and V’s family name is/was Scottish, we don’t much consider ourselves “Celtic” in any formal sense. Living in Nova Scotia though, it’s tough to deny the connection. It’s a proud heritage. I’m proud of Chris and Jonathan for working so hard and landing this opportunity. The kids play a mix of material and most of it just happens to be Celtic oriented. I think they’ll fit in just fine! Cusack Boys

Heard of the Cape Breton “5 Senses”? Sing, Play, Laugh, Party, Dance! I’m looking forward to experiencing all of that.

Celtic Colours