Workshops

11 AM - 12:30 PM

Songs of the People: Irish Traditional Song in Gaelic and Hiberno-English

Irish folk song was the creation of working people. When Gaelic was banned by the English, these people invented their own dialect of English and transferred the tricks of Gaelic song to this new language. Seán shows how it works! Live performance and audio-visual.

This workshop is in English.

Bistro Knowlton Pub

1:30 PM - 3 PM

Traditional Social Dances of Québec

Learn Québec square dancing, contredanse and quadrilles.

This workshop is bilingual.

Bistro Knowlton Pub

11 AM - 12:30 PM

De Belfast à Sligo: Mon apprentissage personnel de la musique traditionnelle irlandaise

Partant de mon expérience à Belfast où j'ai commencé à jouer de la musique, avec un bref détour chez les joueurs de flûte de la région de Sligo-Leitrim, je vous parlerai d'une époque importante de mon long voyage musical.

This workshop is in French.

Old Court House

11 AM - 12:30 PM

PEI Stepdancing

Richard was winning stepdancing championships long before he picked up a fiddle. Learn the basics of PEI style stepdancing from this charming and humble expert.

This workshop is in English.

Bistro Knowlton Pub

1:30 PM - 3 PM

Bodhrán Hands-On: for Beginners & Beyond

Gord will describe the parts of the Bodhrán, and teach you the basic jig and reel beat. If you’ve always wanted to try it, here’s your chance!

A limited number of bodhráns will be available.

This workshop is in English.

Bistro Knowlton Pub

1:30 PM - 3 PM

A Brief Safari Through the Rain Forest of Irish Music

Ronan will guide you through a series of Irish music field recordings. These “cultural snapshots” will offer insight into Irish music and its history. No prior knowledge required.

This workshop is in English.

Old Court House

3:30 PM - 5 PM

Why don't you sing and play like yourself?

Seán will talk about his music, his intrumental style, his approach to finding songs, phrasing, accompaniment… and the “golden notes” he leaves for the audience.

This workshop is in English.

Old Court House

3:30 PM - 5 PM

Uilleann Pipes Master Class

"One of the finest pipers of his generation. An innovator who has developed his own unique style." – Irish Times.

In Ronan's own words: "I'll waffle and encourage; I'll play and I'll chat; I'll answer all, and any, burning questions that have been keeping aspiring, enquiring, perspiring, and despairing pipers up, bees-winged-wide-eyed, through the night. My answers may be completely ineffectual but thems the knocks one takes as a piper…!"

In English; for uilleann pipers -- all levels (others may listen) / en anglais; pour cornemuseurs (uilleann) de tous les niveaux

Bistro Knowlton Pub

3:30 PM - 5 PM

DADGAD Guitar

Gord has entertained audiences in Canada and the world for over 40 years. In this workshop, he will discuss DADGAD, or Celtic tuning. Don't forget your guitar!

(for guitarists)

This workshop is in English.

Auberge Lakeview Inn

3:30 PM - 5 PM

The Art of Fiddling

A workshop on fiddling with one of Canada’s greatest fiddlers! Richard will play some tunes, share his knowledge of the PEI repertoire and fiddling style, and answer questions.

This workshop is in English.

Auberge Lakeview Inn

3:30 PM - 5 PM

Techniques and Arrangements

Timi, Erin and Louis will offer tips and techniques for an effective practise; then, together with you, will create a live arrangement of a familiar tune.

(for musicians)

This workshop is in English and French.

Auberge Lakeview Inn

3:30 PM - 5 PM

Celtic Guitar Class

Tony will show how the guitar can be both a rhythm and a melody instrument in Celtic music, how left and right hand techniques can lift your playing to a more authentic level; and how non-standard tunings can open up new harmonic possibilities.

(for guitarists: all levels)

This workshop is in English.

Auberge Lakeview Inn

11 AM - 12:30 PM

Folk Song Collecting: Preserving traditional songs in Newfoundland and New England

In the early 1900s, traditional song collectors travelled around Atlantic Canada and New England, meeting singers and transcribing their songs. Keith will share their stories and sing selections from the books they published.

This workshop is in English.

Théâtre Lac-Brome

11 AM - 12:30 PM

Mouth Music and Foot Tapping

Learn the basics of traditional Québécois foot tapping and the «mouth music»/«turlutte» style of singing. Just bring your voice, your shoes and your good humour.

This workshop is in English and French.

Bistro Knowlton Pub

1:30 PM - 3 PM

Guitar Accompaniment for Dance Tunes and Songs

For guitarists eager to try DADGAD, and experienced DADGAD players who want to further their knowledge for flat picking and accompaniment. Yann will adapt to participants’ requests.

(for guitarists)

This workshop is in English and French.

Théâtre Lac-Brome

3 PM - 5 PM

Bodhrán (Irish Drum) All-Levels

This award-winning bodhrán player will cover basic bodhrán technique and rhythms, and demonstrate more advanced playing. No experience necessary. The second half will provide advanced instruction.

A limited number of bodhráns will be available.

This workshop is in English.

Bistro Knowlton Pub

11 AM - 12:30 PM

Gaelic Song

Cathy Ann will introduce you to Gaelic song, and to the various styles used back home in Scotland – from work songs to dance songs, and more.

This workshop is in English.

Théâtre Lac-Brome

11 AM - 12:30 PM

Bones and Spoons in traditional Québécois music

Learn basic techniques of playing spoons and bones from this member of La Bottine Souriante. Beware: his joie de vivre is contagious.

Benoit will have bones and spoons with him.

This workshop is in English and French.