Sounds from the Shore – L’Ardoise School, May 20, 1998
The 4th annual Sounds from the Shore concert, held in the community of L’Ardoise, boasted an excellent list, of performers from within a thirty mile radius. Although many of the performers were young in age, all displayed a professional image and sound.
Cyril MacPhee headlined the show which is organized to raise money for local school music programs. He played several songs from his new solo release “When I Say I Do” which were very well received by the sold out crowd. MacPhee will donate a portion of the sales from each CD/cassette to Children’s Hospitals across Canada.
The house band for the evening was Moonlight Mile, comprised of musicians Arnold Sampson, Jason MacDonald, Claude Mombourquette, and “Sounds” organizer John Kennedy.
Aside from being members of the house band, Jason MacDonald and Arnold Sampson each played for the crowd. MacDonald entertained with well known favourites and an original song he had penned himself called “Change Your Mind”. Arnold Sampson played several crowd pleasing songs including a special performance of the beautiful “Angelina’s Wish” which he co-wrote with Wayne Touesnard. The ballad can be found on Cyril MacPhee’s new release.
Other highlights of the evening came from the performances of local favourite Leona Burkey and 14 year old Ellen Sampson with her stunning performance of the Celine Dion hit “My Heart Will Go On”. Melissa MacDonald dazzled the crowd with her interpretation of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One” and Corey Sampson kept them guessing with his exciting performance of Great Big Sea’s “When I’m Up (I Can’t Get Down)”. From the beginning to the electrifying finale, the show featured an impressive array of talent. As the crowd left there were only rave reviews to be heard leaving the lasting impression that the future of Cape Breton’s music scene is in very capable hands. – Dana MacPhail
