Cape Breton's own multi-award winning singer/songwriter, Gordie Sampson returns to Strathspey Place to showcase some of his new work, in addition to many of the songs that have become favourites by audiences far and near over the last number of years.

Opening for Gordie will be David Myles. David is making fans fast, wherever he performs. David Myles has also received awards for his great singing and songwriting ability.

This show should not be missed!

Time: 7:30 pm
Admission: $20.00

About the Instructors:
Michelle Greenwell  |  MacKenzie Greenwell

July 14-17 - Dance Camp "Teddy Bear’s Picnic" (ages 3-5)
Explore dance, music and storytelling with your favourite teddy bear. With theme music, favourite songs, activities and games centred around the bears, we will add colourful ribbons, glow in the dark colours, and theatrical props to spark the children’s imaginations and whisk them into a fun-filled world of dance. Min. number of dancers 6. Max. 14.

Cost per 4 day camp: $55
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Ages: 3–5 years
Print Registration Form

July 14-17 - Dance Camp "Dance with Magic" (ages 6-8)
Enjoy dancing with your favourite storybook characters as we enjoy dance, music and storytelling to activate acting and singing skills. Using special props, black lights, pixie dust and adventure we will have a fun-filled day of dance together. Min. number of dancers 6. Max. 14.

Cost per 4 day camp: $75
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm
Ages: 6–8 years
Print Registration Form

This summer will see the long anticipated release of the new J.P.
Cormier recording, The Messenger. Just one of the things that make this recording very special is that it features 14 brand new J.P. Cormier original songs. This is the first collection of new J.P. Cormier songs since 2001’s Now That the Work is Done. In addition to brand new songs, the recording features guest vocals from Cape Breton’s queen of song, Rita MacNeil, on the duet, “Brother’s In Darkness”, (J.P. Cormier’s tribute to the coal miners) as well as Ron Hynes featured in a compelling duet capacity on “Great Harbour Deep” (J.P.’s accounting of the displacement of a small Newfoundland out port community which has already become a favourite in his live concerts).

Also featured are live favourites, “Progress Avenue”, J.P.’s sarcastic
and witty assessment of the darker side of Nashville music industry and
“The Stranger” which was recorded live in concert at Canso, Nova
Scotia’s Stanfest. The recording wraps up with a heartfelt tribute to
the late great John Allan Cameron, “The Minstrel” which leads into the
final track, “Afghanistan” which was inspired by the experience had and
the people met on J.P.’s visit to Afghanistan in spring 2007.
The recording was recorded at J.P.’s own studio and was produced by
Andre Bourgeois. It features J.P. on everything from vocals, guitar and
piano to bass, violin, percussion, mandolin and more. CD's will be
available during the concert.

Time: 7:30 pm  |  Admission: $20.00

Time: 7:00 pm  |  Admission: $10.00 (cash only, at the door)

Cost per 4 day camp: $45
Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 14 years
Print Registration Form

About the Instructor:  MacKenzie Greenwell

Fiddling, Dancing, Singing and Percussive Fun.

Teaming up with this group, will be a number of Cape Breton youth who
will sing, play fiddle and piano, and dance in the traditional Cape Breton style.

Time: 7:30 pm  |  Admission: $15.00

The Cape Breton dance tradition is close to the floor and dear to the heart. So is Mary Janet MacDonald, who is being celebrated in this concert in Mabou. Mary Janet has been dancing on stage since she was four years old. She learned the steps from her cousin Minnie as the tunes were “jigged” by her aunt Margaret Anne, Natalie MacMaster’s grandmother.

In the 1970’s she rose to the challenge over the concern that the dancing was dying out by setting up classes to teach step dancing. And the rest is history. Her influence and her love of the dance has spread from her family and community to across North America and overseas. Today she will be joined by her children, by some of the people who influenced her, and a few of the many she has lovingly taught. Hats off to Mary Janet, a Cape Breton treasure!

Come early (to Port Hood, but the concert will be held in Mabou) and
share dinner with other festival attendees. Our community groups know
how to do it right!

Roast Beef Dinner
St. Peter's Parish Hall (Port Hood) - 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: $12 Adults / $6 Children

Hot Roast Beef Dinner with all the trimmings. Includes rolls, dessert,
tea, and coffee.

Featured Artists:
Mary Janet MacDonald & family
Glenn Graham
Dawn & Margie Beaton
Colin Watson
Joey Beaton & Karen Beaton
Jean MacNeil
Buddy MacMaster
Maureen Fraser
Minnie MacMaster

Hosted by Chestico Museum & Historical Society

Time:  7:30pm |  Admission:  $25.00 (This show has reserved seating)

It is no accident that Cape Breton’s traditional music is thriving. Young people are getting the chance to learn from the masters. Four years ago Feis Mhabu started a mentorship program and many of our top fiddlers and culture bearers jumped on board.

The program uses house sessions to bring talented young performers together with the masters. This concert in Mabou, where it is all happening, will give you a sneak peak at how and why it is working. Mentors J.P. Cormier, Hilda Chiasson-Cormier, Carl MacKenzie, Theresa MacLellan and Mary Jane Lamond will share the stage with more than a dozen of the young people they have mentored over the past year. You will see how their individual styles are being nurtured under the influence of the mentors. And flying over from Benbecula in Scotland we have the young Flying Fiddles who are also perfecting their craft and have just spent the weekend at Feis Mhabu. Le Chéile (All Together) is Féis Mhàbu's motto and Féis Mhàbu would like to invite everyone to come together and share in this event.

Featured Artists:
J.P. Cormier
Mary Jane Lamond
Carl MacKenzie
Theresa MacLellan
Flying Fiddles
Feis Mhabu Youth Performers

Hosted by *Comunn Feis Mhabu*

Time:  7:30pm |  Admission:  $25.00 (This show has reserved seating)

In 1971 Ron MacInnis was worried about the future of Cape Breton fiddle music. He had come to understand the affection Cape Bretoners had for their music, but he saw that it was disappearing as television moved
into fashion. So he wrote and produced a documentary called 'The Vanishing Cape Breton Fiddler'.

Shown on CBC television, it set off a storm of indignation and disbelief. While many did not agree with his stance, others did. They began working on proving him wrong. For the
past 35 years, a joy-filled and effective grass roots movement led by
the Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association has not only revived the tradition, it has succeeded in spreading Cape Breton music to the far corners of the world. Today Ron takes delight in this follow-up and tribute to all of those who have worked hard with no reward save for the preservation of their beloved music. Ron tells their story with the help of video, photos, recordings and the 90 members of the Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association.

Featured Artists:
Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association
Ron MacInnis
Kinnon Beaton
Betty Beaton
Andrea Beaton
Glenn Graham

Hosted by *Strathspey Place*

Time:  2:00pm |  Admission:  $25.00 (This show has reserved seating)

Thank you to the following organizations and businesses
for supporting Strathspey Place ECMA Project 2007:

- Enterprise Cape Breton Corp
- Municipality of Inverness County
- InRich CBDC
- Strait Highlands Regional Development Association
- Inverness Oran
- The Old Triangle Pub
- 101.5 The Hawk Radio
- The Radisson Suites
- Doctor Piano
- Inv. Co. MLA Rodney MacDonald
- CB Choices

NOTE:  No refunds or exchanges on tickets.

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