KitchenFest! Féis a’ Chidsin! is back for year six, running June 28 – July 7.
by WGO staff
The annual celebration of Cape Breton-based Gaelic music, gives locals and visitors alike an up close and personal insight into this distinct and vibrant living culture, bringing the kitchen-céilidh feel to the forefront.
Now 10 days, in 38 venues, with 100+ events, and over 200 performers, the festival showcases music, food, stories, and warm Cape Breton hospitality. Each of the over 80 live performances will feature a Gaelic-speaking host or hostess and happen in all corners of the island. Over 95% of the musical lineup is Nova Scotia-based and will include such performers as Howie MacDonald, Beòlach, Andrea Beaton, Shelly Campbell, Miller | MacDonald | Cormier, Còig, J.P. Cormier, Gordie Sampson, Goiridh Dòmhnullach, the Men of the Deeps, and many more.
“We are excited to once again collaborate with island partners to showcase and celebrate some of what makes this part of the world so special,” says CEO and festival-creator Rodney MacDonald. “The hope is to present a slice of what life is like here, while also creating some new opportunities for areas elsewhere on the island to connect with the local music culture.”
New to the festival in year six are more community partnerships. A pub night will take place during St. Peter’s Seaside LobsterFest, and KitchenFest! performers McGinty will perform during Festiville Baddeck’s celebrations. Dundee Resort is an additional festival locale for 2019, as well as the new Route 19 Brewery in Inverness which will hold the KitchenFest! Kick-Off event on Friday, June 28 from 7-10pm featuring powerhouse trad groups Beòlach and Còig.
Within the mix of venues, both private sector and community-run, entertainment can be found at the Admiral Lounge in Port Hood, Baddeck Legion, Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village in Iona, the Boisdale Firehall, the Broad Cove Campground in Ingonish, the Brook Village Hall, Cabot Shores Resort in Indian Brook, the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique, the Doryman Pub in Chéticamp, Dundee Reort in West Bay, the Glencoe Mills Hall, Glendale Parish Grounds, Governors Pub in Sydney, Granville Green in Port Hawkesbury, the Inverness Legion, the Iona Legion, the Keltic Lodge in Ingonish, the Louisbourg Playhouse, the Mabou Community Hall, the MacBouch Restaurant & Lounge in St. Peter’s, the Normaway Inn in Margaree Valley, the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, Route 19 Brewing in Inverness, the Lions Community Hall in St. Peter’s, the Ephraim Scott Presbyterian Church in South Haven, the Southwest Margaree Hall, TALO Cafèbar in Glace Bay, the Island Nest in Arichat, the Old Triangle Pub in Sydney, the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou, the West Mabou Hall, the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre, as well as Colaisde na Gàidhlig in St. Ann’s.
On-site events at Colaisde na Gàidhlig | the Gaelic College throughout the week include lunchtime céilidhs with guest performers, a community turkey dinner and codfish supper, a Matinee with the Men of the Deeps and NicNeil on Sunday, June 30, the Cape Breton Fiddlers’ CD Release on Wednesday, July 3, a Songwriters’ Circle with Bruce Guthro, JP Cormier, Dave Gunning, and Goiridh Dòmhnullach on Thursday, July 4, as well as a jam session afternoon pub on Friday, July 5.
Back for a second year, KitchenFest! is pleased to include the annual Glendale Outdoor Concert on Saturday, July 6, featuring a wealth of local talent and special guest headliners. This is to be followed by an adult square dance in the Parish Hall that evening with musicians Howie MacDonald, Richard Wood, Gordie Sampson, and Mac Morin.
Tickets for such are available at kitchenfest.ca, with an admission charged upon entry for many events in communities.
Sponsors include Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College, ACOA, the Province of Nova Scotia, the Chronicle Herald, Cape Breton University, Parks Canada, Victoria County, Inverness County, the Town of Port Hawkesbury, 101.5 The Hawk, The Coast Radio, Labatt, Marcato Festival, Canso Ford, and Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village. To view the complete schedule, visit www.kitchenfest.ca.
