Songs & Tunes in the Afternoon

Dara Smith-MacDonald • Adam Young • Cathy Ann MacPhee • Màiri Chaimbeul • Rìoghnach Connolly • Ruairidh Gray

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.