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Culture, history and music are a richly intertwined tapestry in the
Margarees. |
With the settling of Cape Breton by those of Scotch and Irish heritage, and the relative isolation of Cape Breton (until the mid-fifties when the Canso Causeway was constructed), you had the reality of a traditional culture existing apart from mainstream North American culture. Although the Celtic musical revival has brought this culture into the spotlight in the last two decades, a rich oral storytelling and musical tradition had deep roots in the daily life of Cape Bretoners all along. Entertaining guests with tea, stories, chit chat, and music was the norm for the older generation. After all 'Ceilidh' (pronounced Kay-lee) usually means a musical 'party', refers |
to get-togethers which happened in kitchens all over Cape Breton.
And now, as stars like Natalie McMaster, Rita McNeil, J.P. Cormier and various members of the Rankin Family continue to interpret the traditional music in contemporary ways, younger musicians like The Cottars and Slainte Mhath are inspired to reinvent the connection again. One of the nice things about visiting Cape Breton from June to October, is the opportunity to see both stars and up-and-comers in the same venues, either in concert settings or in more informal spots, like the Barn in Margaree Valley. |
| The Barn at The Normaway Inn and Cabins | ||
| The Barn at the Normaway
Inn is not just the place to be on a cool summer evening; it's
a Cape Breton musical institution. The Barn awaits you with
a new group of Cape Breton musicians each week. As you make your way
past the grazing foals and Highland cattle, you'll see other guests
and locals gathering around a converted barn. For a really memorable
evening in Margaree, you can't go wrong here. Margaree folks love the Barn, because a concert is just the beginning; later in the evening, chairs are cleared for some serious square dancing, where everyone has a good time. At any given Concert and dance, you might hear the jigs, reels, or |
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laments of Buddy McMaster, the dean of Cape Breton fiddling, or his
neice and fiddling sensation Natalie McMaster. Things are rarely dull
with emcee/innkeeper Dave MacDonald. Dave, after all, is not just a
host - he's an enthusiast. And if it happens you can't fit
the Barn in, local musicians play in the Normaway's living room every
other night of the week, free of charge.
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Friday Night Square Dance at the Southwest Margaree Hall |
| This is a deeply embedded cultural tradition - what's called a Ceilidh ("kay-lee") and more to the point, a lot of fun. Everyone's invited to St. Joseph's Hall every Friday night from June until October. Whether or not you like to square dance, you can't help but enjoy the festivities. As fiddles, guitars, and piano's sing, local folks do 'square sets' and neighbors chat. Don't miss a chance to live a tradition. |
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'Steak & Ale' Night at the
Island Sunset Resort |
| On Tuesdays in July and August, there's fiddle music and good eating along with some of the most spectacular views of Margaree Harbour you can find anywhere. It's lovely to watch the sunset over the ocean as you enjoy a great meal and listen to local musicians play a reel or jig. |
| Community Theatre: Harrison Hill Players |
| Founded in 1995, Harrison Hill Players is an active community theatre group based in Margaree Forks. Each year productions are mounted for the Margaree Summer Festival, local fund-raising events, touring and special guest appearances in the surrounding areas. The repertoire ranges from local historical plays to full-length productions by international authors. The casts include local community residents, drawn from all age groups. Many Harrison Hill Players cast Alumni are active in the theatre scene throughout Nova Scotia, Toronto and Montreal. Please contact (902) 248-2226 for dates and locations for this year's summer productions. |
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