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History of the Baddeck Gathering
Ceilidhs |
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As a fan of Cape Breton music long before it gained
fame internationally, I knew exactly what to do when tiny St. Michael’s
Hall in Baddeck became available. I would see to it that the location
would be used to promote the music and the musicians that make Cape
Breton Island and its music unique.
The village of Baddeck springs to life each summer when tourists and
summer residents come to experience the beauty and to enjoy the culture
in an area that holds tight to its Scottish roots.
In 1999, with the encouragement of like-minded friends, and with a lot
of trepidation, I rented the hall. Then I found local up-and-coming
musicians and hired them to perform. Established musician friends often
dropped by to entertain as well. The Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh was an
immediate success
A ceilidh is a kitchen party where everyone is welcome to perform if
they wish. From the very beginning, teachers and students from the
nearby Gaelic College dropped by to play the fiddle or the bagpipes, to
dance or to tell stories. Visitors from as far away as Australia have
come back night after night to enjoy the music and to perform. Tourists
who never thought they could, have found themselves mastering the art of
the square dance or sharing a particular talent with the audience.
The name “The Baddeck Gathering” Ceilidh came from a popular fiddle tune
of the same name that was recorded by many Cape Breton musicians
including Winston Fitzgerald, Howie MacDonald, Johnnie Wilmot and the
late Charlie MacCuspic to whose memory the Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh is
dedicated. |
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