Anyone else going to the CCE Convention in Ottawa, Canada this weekend?
www.cceottawa.com
Tom
PS - here’s a nice intro to the convention I lifted from
http://www.irishsocietyncr.com/CCEconvention.htm :
Not a musician, not a dancer? not a CCE member? The CCE Convention in Ottawa
has lots to offer.
For those of you who have never before been to a North American Comhaltas
Ceoltóirí Éireann Convention, let us tell you a little of what goes on.
Firstly it is a great gathering of North America’s and Ireland’s finest
musicians and dancers and also some of the finest academic minds, learned
folklorists, anthropologists, ethnomusicologists, lecturers and researchers.
All of that translates quite simply, whether or not you can play a note of
music or dance a merry step, into a great opportunity to have a wonderful
time.
Dr. Gearóid Ó’hAllmhuráin, MBA, Ph.D. Musician, author and historian will
give lectures on “Irish Women and Traditional Music” a fascinating and
thought provoking subject of wide interest.
Dr. P.J. Gannon will present a talk on the art of recitation, which will
show you how to turn the spoken word into an art form. In my childhood
everybody had to have a “party piece” ready for parties and gatherings;
songs, poems, recitations - some good, some great and some terrible, but
everyone did their bit to entertain.
Frank Cassidy will offer a witty lecture on “How to Appreciate Irish Music”
which will explore the simplicities and complexities of our wonderful
musical heritage.
Dennis Alexander will present a workshop specifically for fiddle owners that
will show you musicians how to care for your fiddle and love it like you
should.
Marieann O’Gallagher will talk to us about the heroic French who risked -
and often lost - their lives in caring for the diseased and dying Irish
fleeing their famine-ridden country in fever ships.
Padraigh Findley will offer a one-man presentation on the life and times of
Thomas D’Arcy McGee, with slides and original music and text especially
written for this convention.
Now, so far you haven’t played a note nor danced a merry step and see what
entertainment you’ve already had!!
Then, there’s the language and the singing and the music that will fill the
hotel for the entire weekend. Ah now, ye wouldn’t want to miss all that now,
would ye?
Check out the details on our website www.cceottawa.com
