Each day at 2:00 PM: Cape Breton University campus, various locations (see below)
Friday, October 7th: Appalachian Clogging Workshop
Anne Elise Thomas, a long-time member of the Hoorah Cloggers of Blacksburg, Virginia, will teach steps and figures from the clogging and social dance traditions of the Southern Appalachian mountains. Participants will learn the basic clogging step as well as several traditional square dance figures. No partner, experience or equipment necessary; participants may choose to wear leather-soled shoes (or single tap shoes) for best sound.
Location: Centre for Sound Communities
Saturday, October 8th: Celtic Piping Connections
Two of the most renowned pipers in the Celtic world, Carlos Núñez and Hamish Moore, share their knowledge of pipes, piping techniques, and ancient connections between the regions of Galicia, Scotland, and Cape Breton. Some interesting connections between pipes in Galicia and Scotland also concerns Cape Breton as some of the oldest chanters and drones that really look like Galician pipes were preserved there and the same applies to piping techniques long lost in Scotland that survived in Cape Breton and Galicia.
Location: Boardmore Playhouse
*Join us immediately following this session for a reception at Cape Breton University’s newly-inaugurated Centre for Sound Communities – all are welcome!
Saturday, October 9th: Squeeze This! A Cultural History of the Accordion in the Americas
This fast-paced, interactive lecture presentation will challenge the accordion-curious Celtic music aficionado alike to consider North America’s most maligned instrument in an entirely new light. Chock full of music and images of exotic accordions, Dr. Jacobson explores the origins of accordion stereotypes and shows how generations of Celtic musicians have found inspiration from the instrument. 3:00pm – Meet an Accordionist. Dr. Jacobson hosts this laid-back and entertaining discussion with Stewart MacNeil, an accomplished accordion artist. Hear the story of his amazing musical family, and find out more about the squeezebox’s nonstop travels through the world of Celtic music and beyond.
Location: Centre for Sound Communities
