FEBRUARY 2002
www.celtic-connection.com
Page 5
BASED IN COCHRANE, ALBERTA, Ceilidh Revue has presented their interpretation of the emigration of Scottish music and dance from the homeland to the New World.
'FROM THE ROCKIES TO THE ROOTS'
COCHRANE, Alberta - Ceilidh Revue is a non-profit Celtic performing group based in Cochrane, Alberta, whose aim is to preserve and promote Celtic culture through dance and music.
For more than five years the group has been entertaining audiences of all ages throughout southern Alberta with their special brand of homespun entertainment - no small feat in an area better known for cowboys than kilts!
Ceilidh Revue was formed in the fall of 1996 as a fundraising effort to offset the costs of Highland dance competitions, workshops and costumes.
The group is made up of about 50 people - mostly families - who share a common love of all things Celtic. Membership is informal, and includes a diverse group of dancers, musicians, singers and others from all walks of life.
Spokesperson Melody Williamson said, "most of us had never even been on a stage prior to joining the group. Since then, we've all been bitten by the performing bug, and now we have as much fun performing as our audiences have watching. Since our Inception, we have hosted nine traditional ceilidhs, three Celtic conceits with Natalie MacMaster, J.P. Cormier and Seanachie."
The group has also established western Canada's only annual Celtic performing arts festival -Festival in the Rockies. Funds raised by these events have allowed Ceilidh Revue to take their show on the road.
Tours of Nova Scotia in the summers of 1997 and 1998 further enhanced their appreciation for Celtic music and dance, while members met some of Canada's most talented performers.
Their success of the Nova Scotia trips encouraged them to develop a show which they took to Scotland in the summer of 1999. The show entitled "From The Rockies To The Roots" allowed the group to present their interpretation of
the emigration of Scottish music and dance across the Atlantic to Cape Breton, then across the Prairies to their home in Alberta.
Four successful stage productions were presented to the Grampian Region Arts Council and four outdoor performances at historic castles, including Scone Palace. Williamson said, "throughout Scotland for the National Trust provided us with experiences we haven't yet fully comprehended."
She continued, "As successful as our events have been however, the social benefits have been far more rewarding. Indeed, Ceilidh Re-
vue's most lasting accomplishments have been the friendship and camaraderie which has developed among our members, as well as reintroducing people of all ages to a culture and way of life that is in danger of being lost forever. To that end, Ceilidh Revue is always in search of new members, sponsorships and fundraising opportunities."
For more information about Ceilidh Revue, E-mail: claysinc@ cadvision.com, call (403) 851-5151, fax (403) 851-5120. Visit their website at: www.telusplanet. net/public/greenwel/
Tartan for the Material Girl
A new tartan named "Romantic Scotland" has been created by the Highlands and Islands Tourist Board to honour pop star Madonna-who gave such a boost to tourism in the north of Scotland with her wedding atSkibo Castle to Guy Ritchie in December 2000. The main colour in the tartan is blue - to reflect an early Madonna album "True Blue" and has references to the Ritchie tartan as well. The design has been registered with the Scottish Tartans Society and a length of the tartan has been sent to Madonna.
Memorial for late Big Country Singer
More than 600 family, fans and friends from the music Industry attended a memorial service foliate rock singer Stuart Adamson in his home town in Scotland. Bruce Springsteen, U2 guitarist The Edge and veteran rocker David Bowie were among those to send messages of condolence.
The service, took place in Dunfermline, and featured a musical tribute from the former Big Country singer's teenage daughters along with prayers, hymns and video footage of Adamson.
Fans flew from Germany, Holland, Belgium, the United States and even Thailand, according to Adamson's former manager, Ian
Grant. Adamson, who was 43, committed suicide in a Hawaii hotel in December after a battle with alcohol and personal problems.
Adamson was born in Manchester but grew up in Crossgates near Dunfermline in Fife. He became a member ol The Skids in the late Seventies but was most famous after he formed the band Big Country in 1982.
A string of hits included Look Away, Wonderland, In a Hie/ ('<>un-Iry and Fields of Fire. The band were massive stars throughout the eighties, with two Grammy nominations and total sales of more than 10 million albums.
Seattle Symphony
c\1 Bcrwovcx Hc\H>2001-2002 Season Gerard Sehwarz, Music Director
A Celtic Celebration: The Music of the Emerald Isle
Thurs., April 25 at 7:30pm Fri., April 26 at 8pm Sat., April 27 at 2pm & 8pm Sun., April 28 at 2pm
SEATTLE POPS Jack Everly, conductor Lafayette Bagpippers O'Hare Irish Dancers Seattle Symphony Travel to the Emerald Isle for the story of a young Irishman and his mother during the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s, and the son's journey to America to establish a new life and home. Enjoy Irish favorites When Irish Eyes are Smiling, Danny Boy Too-La-Oo-La-Loo-Rah, and music from Lord of the Dance, Braveheart and Titanic. TICKETS: $18-$56
'Receive up to a 20% discount with groups of 10+. Call (206) 215-4784 for group rates.
206*215*4747
Ticketmcxster 206*292-ARTS
Seattle Symphony Ticket Office at Benaroya Hall: Mon-Fri, 10am~6pm Sat, lpm-6pm Tickets subject to availability. Programs subject to change.
wwwsccxt 1 lesvmphonv.orq
f LIVE IN CONCERT
2001 World Pipe Band Champions
IMON FRASER UNIVERSITY PIPE BAND
Featuring the SFU pipe band and soloists, the SFU Dance Team, and Celtic musicians in a concert that includes selections from the critically acclaimed concert CD "Down Under".
For more information: www.sfupipeband.com