St Andrew’s Ceilidh 2018

On November 24, 2018

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus St Patrick’s Basilica Council 12158 Ottawa. Guests may expect:

Scottish stew (meat and vegetarian), salad and dessert – complete with toast to the Haggis ceremony by Ron Roach and Flag march of the kids.

Concert, sing-along and set dance music by Fraser in the Celtic music tradition of the Maritime provinces and particularly that of Scotland and Cape Breton. (Fraser,pictured here, photo credit Lois Siegel.)

Ceilidh square dancing – Cape Breton Style for all to enjoy – calling by Beth MacGillivray

Sounds of the Pipes and drums of the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band of Ottawa – Canada’s oldest civilian band, under the direction of Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion.

Highland dance demonstration by the Celtic Cross Dancers of Ottawa

This is a kid-friendly event – children 12 and under have free admission.

Cash bar

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MORE INFO:

Fraser is a 3 person Celtic Music group:

Ernie Fraser is a professional fiddler and guitarist from Cape Breton island. He began his musical career as a guitarist specializing in Blues, R&B and Jazz. Upon completion of a Bachelor of Music Degree, he developed a keen interest in fiddling that was introduced to him by his famous grandfather, Little Simon Fraser from Meat Cove, Cape Breton.

Ernie is joined by Marietta Fraser on piano and guitar, and by Diane Fraser on bodhran and vocals. Marietta, a multi-instrumentalist, is from the Glengarry region of Ontario and has extensive experience in accompaniment for fiddlers playing many different styles, as well as playing fiddle, banjo and guitar. Diane is well schooled in the folk music tradition and has been active in R&B music in Ottawa and with choral music with the a cappella group The Stairwell Carollers.

This trio of musicians brings together a combination of musical nuances that highlight the Scottish and Irish Celtic music tradition of the Maritime provinces and particularly that of Scotland and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

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The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band, Ottawa Canada

“The Sons” just returned from their hugely successful 4th Royal Performance at Balmoral Castle, Scotland for Her Majesty the Queen August 22 2018.

Canada’s oldest Civilian Pipe Band, founded in 1896. They are the first Pipe Band to be heard in the Nation’s capital on Burns night, January 25,1896.
Under the direction of Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillion, the Sons of Scotland compete at all the local Highland Games and perform in some 50 concerts and parades throughout the year. We are committed to developing the talent of each of our members, producing quality music, and having a great deal of fun. More info may be found at SOSPB.com

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The Celtic Cross Dancers is a group of Ottawa dancers who perform a mix of traditional and contemporary choreographies.

With decades of experience in Highland, Irish, and Ottawa Valley Step dancing as teachers, performers, competitors, and choreographers, Celtic Cross members have performed for Irish ambassadors, British high commissioners, and members of the Royal Family; have shared the stage with the likes of Ashley MacIsaac, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, the Sons of Scotland, Ottawa Police, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipe Bands, and with countless Celtic bands including Jiggs Boson, the Lyon Street Celtic Band, Occasional Pudding, and the Rockwood Ceilidh Project; have appeared on CTV, City TV, and other networks; and have performed and competed across Europe and North America.

Celtic Cross shows are a lively blend of all three dance styles and are a mix of traditional solo and group dances as well as original choreographies. The groups repertoire is suited to any venue or event from festivals to pubs to live concerts to wedding receptions and anything in between.