CONNECTING PEI CEILIDHS Come join in the music and find a

Thank you to our title sponsor
CONNECTING PEI CEILIDHS
Come join in the music
and find a kitchen party
and ceilidh near you.
Copyright 2016 Eastern Media
All Rights Reserved. Cover photo courtesy of Lorne Miller
PEI’s Official Ceilidh Directory!
CEILIDHS.CA
Welcome to the official PEI Ceilidh booklet;
Eastern Media is pleased to present this free directory
of ceilidhs and festivals across Prince Edward Island.
What is a ceilidh you ask? The word “ceilidh” is the Gaelic
word for gathering. It is understood to have originated from
Ireland but ceilidhs have now spread across the globe where
both Irish, Scottish and English roots have taken hold. So
simply put, a ceilidh is a gathering of people where traditional Celtic music is celebrated.
Here on PEI, ceilidhs have been happening for generations
and are a part of island life. We hope that you find this PEI
ceilidh directory useful with finding a ceilidh near you.
Enjoy your time on our Island! Visit Ceilidhs.ca
PEI INFORMATION
Festivals PEI
www.FestivalsPEI.com
Tourism PEI
www.TourismPEI.com 1.800.463.4734
Points East Coastal Drive
www.PointsEastCoastalDrive.com
Central Coastal Drive
www.CentralCoastalDrive.com
North Cape Coastal Drive
www.NorthCapeDrive.com
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IN MEMORY OF PETER CHAISSON
Dad was raised in the small community of Bear
River along with his 2 brothers and 7 sisters.
He was the oldest son of Joe Pete and Margaret
Chaisson and was brought up in a household
filled with music. Dad started playing the fiddle
around the age of 14, learning all his tunes by
ear. One of Dad’s regrets was never learning how to read music but it
never held him back. If he liked a tune, he could listen to it a few times
and before long he’d have it. I would often call him up to see if he
recognized a tune I was trying to learn in one of the old books. More
often than not he would pick up his fiddle on the other end of the
phone and play the tune for me, saying afterwards he hadn’t played that
tune in 20 years. Really, I would say jokingly, are you sure it hasn’t been
30? Dad forgot more tunes than I’ll ever know. He definitely had a gift.
1942-2015
Dad married my Mom Doreen Manning in 1971 and five years later they
were expecting twins. Sadly my twin brother Joseph did not survive but
Mom and Dad were blessed with their only daughter Melanie the
following year and three more sons, Stanley, Bradley and Andrew over
the next 9 years. We woke up to the sound of Dad’s fiddle playing many
mornings and although as children we didn’t always appreciate it, I know
now it was Dad’s way of making sure fiddle music would always be a part
of us regardless if we decided to play or not.
The preservation of traditional fiddle music was very important to Dad.
Although organizing the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival was of great
importance to him personally, I believe it was the time he took to share
his gift at benefit concerts, weddings and even funerals throughout PEI
that touched the most people. It was only after his death that I gained a
true appreciation for how many people Dad moved through his music.
The outpouring of sympathy and support our family received from the
community still brings me to tears when I think of it.
This will be the first Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival without Dad. It will be
hard at first. There will no doubt be some tears and I know Dad will be
looking down wondering what all the fuss is about. Put your tears away
and grab your fiddle and bow he would say. This is the 40th Annual
Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival and the show must go on!
Stephen Chaisson
CEILIDHS & EVENTS
Page 4-5
Western PEI
Page 6-9
Central PEI
Page 10-12
Eastern PEI
Page 13
40th Rollo
Bay Fiddle
Festival
Page 14
In Memory
of Peter
Chaisson
Page 15
PEI
Information
Page 16
Richard Wood
Kitchen Party
We have taken every effort to ensure that the information in this booklet is correct
and provides you with full details on ceilidhs across the Island. However, we are not
responsible for ceilidh cancellations, changes in venue or incorrect information provided by ceilidh organizers. We suggest that you use the contact information under
each ceilidh listing to make sure that the event is indeed on that date, time and in
that location. Please note that we are not ceilidh organizers but rather a promoter of
ceilidhs across Prince Edward Island. For an online version of this booklet, go to
www.Ceilidhs.ca and click on “Find a Ceilidh”
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WESTERN PEI
Summerside - Kitchen Party at the Summerside Legion on 340
Notre Dame St. every Saturday from 3—6pm. Enjoy fiddling
and country music.
Summerside - College of
Piping & Celtic Performing
of Arts Canada (619 Water
St. East) Mini Concerts are
held Monday - Friday
throughout July and August
at 11am, 12 noon, 1pm,
2pm, and 3pm. Enjoy a
demonstration and explanation of the Great Highland Bagpipes.
Our performers will showcase their talents in piping, drumming,
highland dance and step. Admission is $7.00. For more
information call 902-436-5377.
Kensington - Sunday Night Ceilidhs run from July 17 - Sept. 4
starting at 7:30pm at the Murray Centre on 17 School St. A
family oriented, entertaining evening with Celtic and folk music
and dancing. Members - Pete Blanding, Gayle Murphy, Gary
Arsenault, Cindy Blanding, Jaimie Wood- stepdancer and
Darlene Harding - sound technician, will be sure to provide and
entertaining evening. For more information call 902-432-0180.
Mont-Carmel - Summer Concert Series at the Mont-Carmel
Parish Centre, 5786, Rte. 1, every Sunday from July 3 – August
28 at 7 pm. Discover excellence in Acadian, Traditional, Folk,
Maritime and Contemporary music by the finest artists from PEI
and across Canada. This Concert Series features extremely
talented artists and high-energy step dancers. An authentic
experience not to be missed! For more info call 902-439-0126
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July 15 – 17. 2016
961 Veteran’s Memorial Hwy Souris, PE
RolloBayFiddleFest.ca
Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival was created to preserve Prince Edward
Island’s tradition of music. Today it celebrates a history of
successful growth for 3 decades. Our festival draws fans both
young and old from around the world. July 15-17, 2016 will
mark our 40th anniversary.
Every year during the 3rd weekend of July, our festival continues
to feature top Atlantic Canadian performers. Over the years
musicians like Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, Richard
Wood, Troy MacGillivray, Jerry Holland, The Chaisson Family,
The East Pointers & many others have performed on our stage.
If you’re planning your summer’s get-a-way in eastern Canada
you won’t want to miss our festival and music camp. It is the
perfect spot for the whole family. We have modern on-site
facilities and the best traditional music you’ll find anywhere.
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EASTERN PEI
Sturgeon - Sturgeon Ceilidhs at St. Paul's Parish Hall every
second Sunday night from 6:30 - 8:30 starting June 5 September 25. For more information call 902-962-2705.
Lorne Valley - Lorne Valley Square Dance & Old Time Waltz
held every Wednesday starting at 8pm at the Lorne Valley
Community Centre, 922 Lorne Valley Rd. Admission is $5.00.
For more information call 902-838-4160.
Poole's Corner - Close to the Ground every Thursday 8pm
from July 7 - Sept 29 at Kaylee Hall 2316 Hwy 3 in Poole’s
Corner. Hosted by Fiddlers' Sons who welcome a different
musical guest each week. Admission is $12 at the door. 50/50
draw, canteen services & air conditioned. Copies of Eddy
Quinn's CD's and book Island Characters for sale as well.
St. Margarets - Kitchen Party every Sunday at 8:00pm starting
May 15th at St. Margaret’s parish Hall. Featuring the music of
Rannie MacLellan, Kevin Chaisson and Urban MacAdam.
Admission is $8.00. 50/50 draw, door prizes and lunch served.
For more information call 902-687-2546.
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WESTERN PEI
Emerald - Courtney Hogan
Ceilidh at the Boxcar Pub &
Grill located in the Emerald Community Centre,
1910 Nodd Rd. Every Friday at 7:30pm from
June 24 - Sept 16. Join PEI’s red headed fiddler
for one of the Island’s best kitchen parties. PEI
fiddling, stepdancing, singing, celtic and
traditional music with new guests each week
including Fiddlers Sons, Richard Wood, Gordon
Belsher, Norman Stewart, Peggy Clinton, Johhny
Ross and more! $10 admission at the door. For
more info go to www.courtneyhogan.com
Tyne Valley - Toe Tapping Tunes & Tales - an
informal ceilidh held every Tuesday in July and
August at 7:30pm at the Britannia Hall, 816
Canada Rd, Rte. 178. For more information call
902-831-2191.
South West Lot 16 - Ceilidh at Lot 16 is a foot stomping good
time featuring local talent. Ceilidhs held on June 10, July 8 and
Aug. 12. For more information email
[email protected].
Burton - Ceilidhs at St. Marks Hall, 8091 Rte 14, Burton are
held every Thursday from June 30 - Sept 29 starting at 7:30pm.
For more information call 902-892-7948.
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CENTRAL PEI
Charlottetown - Irish music sessions are Sundays from 2-5pm at the Old Triangle, 189
Great George St. with fiddler Roy Johnstone. The first hour is a
slow session. For more information, visit RoyJohnstone.com
EASTERN PEI
Belfast - Ceilidhs every Saturday at the Belfast Rec Centre
starting at 8:00pm. Admission is $5.00. There's a 50/50 draw,
door prize and lunch. For more information contact Dale
Campbell at 902-659-2554.
Georgetown - Ceilidhs every Tuesday at the Kings Playhouse
starting at 8:00pm. 65 Grafton Street. Dance to local musicians
playing old time classics. Enjoy lunch, a 50/50 draw and a door
prize. For more information call 902-652-2053.
Charlottetown - Old Time Music acoustic jams are every
Wednesday from 6:30-9:00pm at the Murphy Community
Centre, 200 Richmond St. Bring an instrument and sit in or
come to just listen. Admission is $2.00. For more information
contact Caroline at 902-569-2471 or email [email protected].
Charlottetown - A variety of hosts lead an informal acoustic
traditional music session on Thursdays from 7-9pm at the Old
Triangle, 189 Great George St. Players and dancers are welcome.
York - Sunday Night Shenanigans hosted by Judy MacLean held
every Sunday night at 7:00pm from May 15 - mid-September at
the York Community Centre on Rte. 25 in York. Featuring the
Judy MacLean Dancers plus PEI's best traditional, country and
Celtic entertainers. Admission is $12.00. For more information
call 902-566-5545 or email [email protected]
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Murray Harbour - Murray Harbour Drama Club Ceilidhs held
every second Friday at 7:30pm from July 8 - Dec. 2 at the
Murray Harbour Community Centre, 1382 Main St. Enjoy great
entertainment, fellowship and our famous lunch at intermission.
Admission is $5.00. For more information call 902-962-2157.
Poole's Corner - Ceilidhs every Friday at the Kaylee Hall 2316
Pooles Corner from 8:00-11:00pm. Admission is $5.00 and free
lunch. Dance to the music of the back up band, Gill Nowlan,
Donnie MacDonald, Jim Galpin, Elinor MacAulay, Marion
Pirch and Bow Roberts. Hosted by "Chips Off The Old Rock"
Ron and Bev Hurley.
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EASTERN PEI
St. Peter's - Ceilidhs every
Friday night at the St.
Peter's Circle Club from
8:00-11:00pm with local
entertainment. Admission
is $4.00. There are 50/50
draws and lunch.
Souris - Ceilidhs every
Wednesday at the Silver
Threads Seniors Club, 78
Main St. from 8:0011:00pm featuring local
music and a lunch.
Admission is $5.00 with
funds going towards club
projects.
Souris Sunday
Night Hoedown and Shiloh
- June 26, July 31 and Sept.
4 at 7:30pm. Admission is
$15.00. For more
information go to
sourisliveinc.com or call
902-327-0555.
CENTRAL PEI
Charlottetown - Ceilidh In The City
"6th Season" Wed Nights from June 29th - October 26th at the Murchison Centre, 15-17 St.
Pius X Avenue. Doors Open 6:30 and Show Time 7:30-9:30.
Admission $10.00 /person , Family Rate $25.00 (Parents and
Kids Under 16). Wheel Chair Accessible, Canteen Service, Air
Conditioned. Featuring the best and brightest stars in the PEI
Music Industry. Hosted by Kendall Docherty, Peter Burke,
Heartz Godkin and Brian Knox with different special guests
each week.
Stratford - Stratford Lions Club Ceilidh is held the third
Tuesday of each month from 7-10pm at the Robert Cotton
Centre's Mayflower Room. Music is by local musicians. 100% of
the proceed go to support community projects. For more information contact Erma at 902-569-3956.
Cavendish—Avonlea Village Ceilidh every
Tuesday and Wednesday July5—September
17th from 7:30—9:30pm. 8779 Route 6 in
Cavendish PEI. Traditional music by Gary Chipman and
musical guests.
Souris - Sunday Night
Hoedown - July 10, 24, 31
and every Sunday in August. Starts at 7:30pm. Admission is
$12.00. For more information call 902-327-0555.
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CENTRAL PEI
CENTRAL PEI
Bonshaw - Ceilidh Concerts at the Bonshaw Hall (corner of
Green Road & TransCanada Hwy, right by the Bonshaw Bridge)
are held the last Sunday of each month from 7 - 9 pm. Special
guest performers each month, 50/50 draw, delicious lunch and
open stage time. Admission is by donation with proceeds each
month going to a different local charity. All ages welcome;
accessible for smaller wheelchairs. For more information
phone 902-675-4093
Stanley Bridge - The Ross Family Ceilidh at
Stanley Bridge Hall, corner Rte. 6 and Rte. 244,
near Cavendish. Every Monday & Wednesday from June 27 –
Sept. 28 at 7:30 pm. “One of the best ceilidhs this Island has to
offer” A staple of PEI’s roots music scene for a decade, this
brother-sister group is noted for rousing performances with synchronized stepdancing and non-stop action, fun for all ages!
Admission $15 at door, $10 child under 12. For more
information go to www.rossfamily.ca or call 1-866-298-8244 .
Kelly's Cross- Ceilidhs are held the 3rd Sunday of each month
at the Kelly's Cross Community Centre, 1475 Rte. 12. Starts at
7:00pm with performances by local musicians. For more
information call 902-658-2877.
Brackley - Dunes n’ Tunes
– A Seaside Ceilidh at the
Brackley Beach Community
Centre, 3330 Brackley
Point Rd., Rte 15. Every
Tuesday from June 28 –
Sept 20 at 7:30 pm. Host
Johnny Ross and some of
PEI’s top musicians perform
lively Maritime songs.$15 at
door, $10 child under12.
For more information call
902-659-2137
Stanley Bridge-Join Richard Wood and guests
every Saturday evening starting at 7:30 at the
Stanley Bridge Hall corner Rte. 6 and Rte. 244. Playing from
June through September, you will be entertained by great local
musicians. It is a world class kitchen party that shouldn’t be
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missed.
Winsloe - Winsloe United Church Ceilidh (121 Winsloe Rd.,
Rte. 223) are held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at
7:30pm. House band consists of Brian Knox, Heartz Godkin,
Johnny Gallant and Judy Lowe. Special guests every week as well.
Admission - $10.00. For more information call 902-368-1233.
Charlottetown - Ceilidh at the Irish Hall held at the Benevolent
Irish Society, 582 North River Rd. every Friday from May 20 October 14 starting at 8pm. Featuring Irish, Scottish, and
Maritime traditional music and dance Working to preserve the
Celtic music heritage of the Island. Admission - $10 adults, $5
children under 12. Go to www.benevolentirishsocietyofpei.com
Rustico - Sunday Night Ceilidhs at the Cymbria Lion's Club,
2184 Church Rd. from June 26 - Sept. 4. Featuring a line up of
talented Island entertainers. Admission is $12 per adult and $5
per child. 50/50 draw, canteen service, air conditioned and
wheelchair accessible. For a list of entertainers each week check
out www.cymbrialions.ca or call 902-963-2166.
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