Last evening's guests were John Allan Cameron, Slàinte Mhath and Alastair MacDonald. John Allan, of course, is the well known act on this bill and Slàinte Mhath the up and comer.
The doors opened at 7PM at the Holiday Inn in Halifax. There was a line up waiting since 6:30PM. Speaking to Craig and Susan at the door, it turned out the ticket sales had been great. There were 5 or 6 tickets left by the time they got to the door. Popular show.
People came in and sat down waiting for the show to start. Everyone was saying hello to their friends as they saw them. Many had been to shows last year so they all knew the routine.
As time for the show drew near, Natalie came in and went up front to put her fiddle and such away. Spontaneous applause arose from the far side of the room sweeping the whole room as she stepped up in front of the lights. Wearing a light green pant suit and cream coloured shoes, she made quite a pretty picture for the audience. Remember, this is a radio program. Still there was an audience. Tracey was there in a black miniskirt outfit and Dave was very casual.
The three performed an opening number while George Jordan introduced the show for the tape. Right away they brought out Slàinte Mhath. Comprising Bruce MacPhee, Boyd MacNeil, Bhreagh MacDonald, and Ryan MacNeil, Slàinte Mhath is an instrumental group whose first CD is out in October. They play a number of instruments with a skill that belies their ages. Average age of the group of four is probably 20.
Ryan stayed on keyboards. Bruce switched between different pipes through the act, from uillean pipes to two different Highland pipes. Bhreagh went from bodhran to fiddle and Boyd played some of the more interesting percussion on a Brazilian jug, REALLY!, and an African drum. He also swapped off onto a fiddle, playing a fiddle duet with Bhreagh. Later Bruce played on the pipe while the three others went to the very front and step-dance almost in the laps of the front row! Very poised group. There was a little talk between Natalie and Ryan covering the group's work and style of music.
Next we heard from the man who wrote the theme music of most Capers coming over the Causeway, Alastair MacDonald. Alastair, for those who may not know, lives in Dartmouth, NS with roots in Cape Breton. He's been writing songs for many years, one of which became a staple of Cape Bretoners everywhere, Headin' For Halifax. He related that he had written the song in 1979 and named a few of the people who had performed it over the years, Millers Jug and John Allan included. He and Natalie went on to perform it, with many Capers in the audience singing along! Great song. Thanks Alastair!!!!
Finally the Godfather himself, John Allan was introduced. Normally the show runs to 3 or 4 songs per act. I was too busy clapping and enjoying to count the total, but I'm sure it was MUCH MORE than 4 songs. Many of the songs are off the new Glencoe Station CD. One song which captured the people's thoughts was Getting Dark Again, which was done by McGinty (John Ferguson was in the audience). My Father's Immigrant Eyes and Four Marys were also audience requests. John Allan invited the audience to sing along with the chorus in the Four Marys. What an entertainer. His back up was Allie Bennett and Dave MacIsaac.
They brought everyone up for another number which led into the finale. There was a request for Natalie to do a bit of stepping as well. Excellent night, Glenn. Glad to see you and the CBC crew haven't forgotten how to put on a show! Thanks.
|
Get your own Free Home Page