SHOP ONLINE

Saturday March 16
12:00 pm

Gaelic Work Songs (Orain Luaidh) Workshop 
with Maeve Mackinnon & Ross Martin

“Waulking” songs - in Gaelic Scottish orain luaidh (pronounced or-ine loo-ie) - were rhythmic songs made up to accompany the communal women’s work of beating woven wool or tweed into cloth for household use. In this fascinating workshop, Scotland’s Maeve Mackinnon and Ross Martin focus on the origins and forms of these work songs. Maeve is an acclaimed vocalist with a repertoire spanning Gaelic and English-language material. Guitarist Martin is renowned for his intuitive accompaniment of Gaelic songs.

Tom Lee Music – City Stage
Lobby Level, 929 Granville St.

Free

Saturday March 16
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Irish Gaelic Trivia Quiz / Tráth na gCeist
with Scoil Gaeilge Vancouver’s Conor O’Reilly

Come participate in a Gaelic Pop Quiz! Trath na gCeist  as Gaeilge! Glac part agus bain sult!!!

Here’s a fun event for those with a special interest in Ireland’s vibrant Gaelic language and culture, as well as for folks with a thirst for learning and trivia. Come test your Gaelic knowledge, but you don’t have to speak Gaelic to attend. Happy Bliain na Gaeilge 2013! (Irish Gaelic Year, 2013.)

Presented by Scoil Gaeilge Vancouver (Irish Gaelic Language School), who have been teaching Gaeilge to a growing number of students for over 5 years.

Tom Lee Music Hall
3rd floor, 929 Granville St.

$5 at the door (only)

Saturday March 16
1:00 pm

Gaelic Dance Music (Puirt à beul) Workshop 
with Maeve Mackinnon & Brian McAlpine

This workshop focuses on the cheerful, percussive style of traditional singing known as "mouth music", or in Scottish Gaelic,puirt-à-beul (translated: tunes from the mouth). This rhythmic style of singing often accompanied Gaelic dances. While disputed, some think it arose out of a ban on musical instruments that followed the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Whenever it began, Scotland’s great singer Maeve Mackinnon and accordionist Brian McAlpine will demonstrate and discuss this elemental and influential vocal artform.

Tom Lee Music – City Stage
Lobby Level, 929 Granville St.

Free

Saturday March 16
2:00 pm

Contemporary Scottish Folk Band Workshop with Maeve Mackinnon, Ross Martin & Brian McAlpine

Scotland’s traditional music and dance have always been a focal part of Scottish cultural identity at home and abroad, influencing the music of other cultures and lands. Folk music has remained a key part of Scottish music into the modern era, with times when that popularity surged. This workshop is a reflection on the current strong and healthy contemporary Scottish folk music and song scene, with three acclaimed scene-stealers: Maeve Mackinnon (vocals), Ross Martin (guitar) and Brian McAlpine (piano, accordion).

Tom Lee Music – City Stage
Lobby Level, 929 Granville St.

Free

Saturday March 16
3:00 pm

Fiddle and Guitar for the Irish Session Workshop with Qristina & Quinn Bachand

The “session” is the heart and soul of traditional Irish music, and anyone, from beginners to professionals, can join in and play at these gatherings. Although participating can be a rewarding experience, players should be aware of some Irish session dos and don’ts. By the end of this workshop, you’ll be familiar with basic session etiquette and understand how to put tune sets together. The Bachands will also discuss tune choice, distinguishing between some overplayed session tunes and cool and hip ones. Apply what you learn at CelticFest’s Sunday Session tomorrow!

Tom Lee Music – City Stage
Lobby Level, 929 Granville St.

Free

Sunday March 17
1:00 pm

Cape Breton Fiddle Workshop
with Mairi Rankin

Join one of Nova Scotia’s musical treasures, Mairi Rankin, as she demonstrates and discusses the Cape Breton style of fiddling. In this workshop, Mairi will talk about the 3 main techniques that give Cape Breton fiddle its distinctive sound: grace notes, cuts and drones. She’ll also focus on the main types of tunes most commonly played at home, and even teach a couple of them to workshop participants. She’ll demonstrate by ear, but will have sheet music handy if folks need. Grab your fiddle and come on down!

Tom Lee Music – City Stage
Lobby Level, 929 Granville St.

Free

Sunday March 17
2:00 pm

Singing Celtic Music Workshop: From Ornamentation to Following the Narrative
with Oliver Swain

Oliver Swain has been singing in some of North America’s most loved folk and Celtic bands for 15 years, including The Bills and The Duhks. This workshop will focus on the rich traditions of Celtic singing. Great singers like Paul Brady, Dick Gaughan and Cathy Jordan seem to know exactly when to add that triplet or slur, and always save something for the climax or the refrain. Every song demands a unique approach, but Oliver will walk you through some simple ornaments you can start using in your own singing, along with strategies for how and when to apply these moves.

Tom Lee Music – City Stage
Lobby Level, 929 Granville St.

Free

Sunday March 17
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

CelticFest Sunday Session

A session or seisiún is a gathering of traditional musicians for the purpose of celebrating their common interest in the music by playing together in a relaxed, informal setting. Someone starts a tune, and those who know it join in. The music-making is most of all an experience for players to share, although non-players just wanting to listen are welcome.

Join session leaders Tim Readman and Mairi Rankin for this afternoon of warm and friendly music-making. If you’d like a primer, check out Qristina & Quinn Bachands’ "Fiddle and Guitar for the Irish Session Workshop" on March 16 at 3:00 pm.

Tom Lee Music Hall
3rd floor, 929 Granville St.

$5 at door (only)