Upcoming events.

Songs & Tunes in the Afternoon – Celtic Colours International Festival
Oct
13

Songs & Tunes in the Afternoon – Celtic Colours International Festival

Songs & Tunes in the Afternoon
Celtic Colours International Festival

Monday is a holiday, so why not plan on going for a little drive to Leitches Creek—located just off Highway 125 between Sydney and North Sydney—and take in an afternoon of songs and tunes. This little white church is the perfect setting for these artists from Scotland, Ireland, and Cape Breton. With family roots in Inverness, Cape Breton, fiddler Dara Smith-MacDonald plays in a strong, lively, traditional style and is a regular at concerts, festivals, ceilidhs, and dances throughout the island. Dara can often be found on stage with Adam Young, a sought-after piano player from Marion Bridge. Dara and Adam released three award-nominated CDs together and we’ll see their musical chemistry on stage this afternoon. Cathy Ann MacPhee, one of the great voices in Gaelic song, was born on the Isle of Barra in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Her interpretations of traditional songs are shaped by a deep connection to language and place. Màiri Chaimbeul is a harpist and composer, originally from the Isle of Skye, whose music blends Gaelic tradition with improvisation and modern textures. Cathy Ann and Màiri have each relocated to Nova Scotia and it’s a pleasure to have them both at Celtic Colours this year. With a soulful and commanding voice, Rìoghnach Connolly draws from Irish traditional music but brings a contemporary energy that is all her own. A performer of rare charisma, her songs resonate with both power and playfulness. Ruairidh Gray is an award-winning Gàidhlig singer from the village of Daliburgh on the Island of South Uist who is making his first appearance at Celtic Colours in this concert.

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Celtic Mass for the Sea–Celtic Colours International Festival
Oct
17

Celtic Mass for the Sea–Celtic Colours International Festival

Celtic Mass for the Sea
Celtic Colours International Festival

Since its premiere over 30 years ago, Celtic Mass for the Sea has become a contemporary choral classic composed by Scott Macmillan with libretto by Jennyfer Brickenden. This unique celebration of the sea’s majesty, ferocity, and vitality—with words and music based on Celtic themes—is a powerfully-imagined work for chorus, strings, and Celtic instrumental quintet. It has been performed roughly 90 times across Canada and Europe, and twice at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Today’s performance is the culmination of a three-day event, “Water’s Flowing Together”, exploring the ecological, cultural, and economic future of the Bras d’Or Lake. The text is primarily of Celtic origin, much of which predates the 12th century, blending pre-Christian influence (Pagan, Wiccan, and Druid) with Christian and secular sources. The music embodies much that is traditionally Celtic, interwoven throughout with Macmillan’s original themes. Scott Macmillan will conduct this hour-long presentation and we are delighted that Cape Breton Chorale’s Ryan Billington has rejuvenated the Breton Chamber Choir for this concert. Joining them will be several vocal students from the Fountain School of Fine Arts at Dalhousie University, along with Mi’kmaw speaker Barbara Sylliboy and Gaelic speaker Dr. Shamus Y. MacDonald. The lineup of musicians includes Ingrid and Allan Henderson from Scotland, Brian Doyle, Glenn Coolen, Jude Pelley, Paula Jane Francis, and a string quintet lead by Shawn MacDonald, with Allie Bennett, Stewart MacDonald, Jeff-Lee Dadswell, and Ed Woodsworth. “He Who Trample the World Tramples on Himself”, used in the Mass, is a prophetic saying from late 400AD and attributed to St. Columba. It is therefore extra exciting that today’s performance is at St. Columba Church. Celtic Mass For the Sea was performed at Celtic Colours in 2007 and we’re looking forward to this encore production presented by Àros na Mara.

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Square Dance
Oct
24

Square Dance

  • Cape Breton Charitable Association of Halifax (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

w/ Dara Smith-MacDonald

presented by the Cape Breton Charitable Association of Halifax and the Fairview Legion (RCL Branch 142)

Information: 902-233-6374 or 902-443-7256

Admission: $15/person
All 19+ are welcome to attend
Door sales open at 7:30 pm
Cash bar | 50/50 draw

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The Sea Shanty Show
Aug
17

The Sea Shanty Show

Hoist the mainsail and set course for fun with The Sea Shanty Show, a charming musical review paying tribute to the wonder and majesty of the sea!

What started as a TikTok trend has become a worldwide awakening and renewed appreciation for the haunting and harmonious melodies of the sea shanty. Honouring both traditional sailing songs and more recent East Coast songwriters, you’ll gasp in awe at the beautiful harmonies in this intimate and breathtaking concert. From the musical mind of Chris Mounteer and director Marc Richard, The Sea Shanty Show makes its mainland debut in Chester after a sold-out run in Summer 2021 and an encore performance in 2023 at the Highland Arts Theatre in Cape Breton.  

Fun for the whole family, and featuring a blend of acapella harmonies, fiddle and guitar, this show pays tribute to life on the ocean, and will charm tourists and locals alike!

Featuring: Wesley J. Colford, Matt Earhart, Maverick McDougall, Dane Pedersen, & Adam Young

Tickets:

Adults – $39.00 ($35.18 + tax & $3 Building Reserve Fee)
Youth (under 20) – $19.50 ($14.48 + tax & $3 Building Reserve Fee)
$10 Community Tickets – use code 10FOR10 (limit of 10 available per performance)

Reserved Seating
Doors open half hour before show.

Runtime: 65 mins

The Chester Playhouse is wheelchair accessible. Please call the Box Office at 902-275-3933 to arrange accessible seating.

Babes in arms & children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

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The Sea Shanty Show
Aug
16

The Sea Shanty Show

Hoist the mainsail and set course for fun with The Sea Shanty Show, a charming musical review paying tribute to the wonder and majesty of the sea!

What started as a TikTok trend has become a worldwide awakening and renewed appreciation for the haunting and harmonious melodies of the sea shanty. Honouring both traditional sailing songs and more recent East Coast songwriters, you’ll gasp in awe at the beautiful harmonies in this intimate and breathtaking concert. From the musical mind of Chris Mounteer and director Marc Richard, The Sea Shanty Show makes its mainland debut in Chester after a sold-out run in Summer 2021 and an encore performance in 2023 at the Highland Arts Theatre in Cape Breton.  

Fun for the whole family, and featuring a blend of acapella harmonies, fiddle and guitar, this show pays tribute to life on the ocean, and will charm tourists and locals alike!

Featuring: Wesley J. Colford, Matt Earhart, Maverick McDougall, Dane Pedersen, & Adam Young

Tickets:

Adults – $39.00 ($35.18 + tax & $3 Building Reserve Fee)
Youth (under 20) – $19.50 ($14.48 + tax & $3 Building Reserve Fee)
$10 Community Tickets – use code 10FOR10 (limit of 10 available per performance)

Reserved Seating
Doors open half hour before show.

Runtime: 65 mins

The Chester Playhouse is wheelchair accessible. Please call the Box Office at 902-275-3933 to arrange accessible seating.

Babes in arms & children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

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The Sea Shanty Show
Aug
16

The Sea Shanty Show

Hoist the mainsail and set course for fun with The Sea Shanty Show, a charming musical review paying tribute to the wonder and majesty of the sea!

What started as a TikTok trend has become a worldwide awakening and renewed appreciation for the haunting and harmonious melodies of the sea shanty. Honouring both traditional sailing songs and more recent East Coast songwriters, you’ll gasp in awe at the beautiful harmonies in this intimate and breathtaking concert. From the musical mind of Chris Mounteer and director Marc Richard, The Sea Shanty Show makes its mainland debut in Chester after a sold-out run in Summer 2021 and an encore performance in 2023 at the Highland Arts Theatre in Cape Breton.  

Fun for the whole family, and featuring a blend of acapella harmonies, fiddle and guitar, this show pays tribute to life on the ocean, and will charm tourists and locals alike!

Featuring: Wesley J. Colford, Matt Earhart, Maverick McDougall, Dane Pedersen, & Adam Young

Tickets:

Adults – $39.00 ($35.18 + tax & $3 Building Reserve Fee)
Youth (under 20) – $19.50 ($14.48 + tax & $3 Building Reserve Fee)
$10 Community Tickets – use code 10FOR10 (limit of 10 available per performance)

Reserved Seating
Doors open half hour before show.

Runtime: 65 mins

The Chester Playhouse is wheelchair accessible. Please call the Box Office at 902-275-3933 to arrange accessible seating.

Babes in arms & children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

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The Sea Shanty Show
Aug
15

The Sea Shanty Show

Hoist the mainsail and set course for fun with The Sea Shanty Show, a charming musical review paying tribute to the wonder and majesty of the sea!

What started as a TikTok trend has become a worldwide awakening and renewed appreciation for the haunting and harmonious melodies of the sea shanty. Honouring both traditional sailing songs and more recent East Coast songwriters, you’ll gasp in awe at the beautiful harmonies in this intimate and breathtaking concert. From the musical mind of Chris Mounteer and director Marc Richard, The Sea Shanty Show makes its mainland debut in Chester after a sold-out run in Summer 2021 and an encore performance in 2023 at the Highland Arts Theatre in Cape Breton.  

Fun for the whole family, and featuring a blend of acapella harmonies, fiddle and guitar, this show pays tribute to life on the ocean, and will charm tourists and locals alike!

Featuring: Wesley J. Colford, Matt Earhart, Maverick McDougall, Dane Pedersen, & Adam Young

Tickets:

Adults – $39.00 ($35.18 + tax & $3 Building Reserve Fee)
Youth (under 20) – $19.50 ($14.48 + tax & $3 Building Reserve Fee)
$10 Community Tickets – use code 10FOR10 (limit of 10 available per performance)

Reserved Seating
Doors open half hour before show.

Runtime: 65 mins

The Chester Playhouse is wheelchair accessible. Please call the Box Office at 902-275-3933 to arrange accessible seating.

Babes in arms & children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

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Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College - Summer Adult Week 2
Aug
11
to Aug 14

Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College - Summer Adult Week 2

Come learn with us!
Immerse yourself in Cape Breton’s rich Gaelic culture for a getaway like no other. Escape the fast-paced world and spend a week (or two) among old pals and fast friends, secluded next to the beautiful bay of St. Ann’s, studying under some of the area’s finest musicians and tradition-bearers. With a variety of options in classes, instructors, levels, and accommodation needs, we hope to offer something special yet flexible for all who attend. Start planning your Cape Breton learning adventure now.

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Féis a' Chidsin! | KitchenFest! - Pub Night at MacBouche Lounge
Jul
4

Féis a' Chidsin! | KitchenFest! - Pub Night at MacBouche Lounge

Féis a' Chidsin! | KitchenFest!
Pub Night at The Old Triangle

A lively location overlooking Sydney’s waterfront, the Old Triangle is a prime spot for KitchenFest! At a pub night, you can expect lively tunes, sweet sing-alongs, a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, and lots of good cheer.

Featuring Joe MacMaster, Adam Young, Brent Chaisson, Lisa MacArthur, and Nipper MacLeod

$10 | 19+ | Pay at the Door

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Féis a' Chidsin! | KitchenFest! - Pub Night at The Old Triangle
Jul
1

Féis a' Chidsin! | KitchenFest! - Pub Night at The Old Triangle

Féis a' Chidsin! | KitchenFest!
Pub Night at The Old Triangle

A lively location overlooking Sydney’s waterfront, the Old Triangle is a prime spot for KitchenFest! At a pub night, you can expect lively tunes, sweet sing-alongs, a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, and lots of good cheer.

Featuring Joe MacMaster, Adam Young, Brent Chaisson, Lisa MacArthur, and Nipper MacLeod

$10 | 19+ | Pay at the Door

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