Clan connections
Paul McKenna band, Cassie and Maggie MacDonald team up for Celtic Spring Fling, make stop in Charlottetown on April 13
Paul McKenna tells me he loves P.E.I.
And he looks for reasons to come back to Canada’s smallest province.
The Scottish singer-songwriter, known for his performances at the Festival of Small Halls, says P.E.I. is like his second home.
“The audiences are always so responsive and a joy to play for. We also have many friends on the Island,” says the frontman for the Glasgow-based Paul McKenna band.
So, when he was invited to be part of Celtic Spring Fling and go on a 10-date Maritime tour, he enthusiastically said yes.
“I have read a fair bit into the Scottish on P.E.I., and it only adds to my love for the Island. Anywhere with a rich cultural history and Scottish connection is good with us,” says McKenna, of the tour that arrives at Trinity United Church in Charlottetown on April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
“I hope to catch up with my friends while I’m there.”
That night, the band will be joined by a traditional duo, Cassie and Maggie MacDonald, from Antigonish, N.S.
These two bands have known each other for years, but this is the first time they will have created a stage show together featuring fiddles, pipes, bodhran, step-dancing singing and more.
“Cassie and Maggie are wonderful musicians, and we can’t wait to share the stage,” says McKenna, who first met the sisters at the renowned Celtic Colours festival in Cape Breton and again at Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow.
And ever since they have been planning a Maritime show.
“It won’t be a regular gig with two sets and a break in between. We really want to give the audience a real show and let them see and hear the musical and cultural connections between both of our countries.”
McKenna has his fingers crossed that the show will attract people from across the Island.
“We hope people will join in with the festival atmosphere we will create on stage. If its anything like our past visits, we are sure we will have a lot of fun.”
And, if all goes well, there’s a chance it might become a regular feature that showcases the connections between Scotland and Canada.
“We are excited about our first venture – A Celtic Spring Fling across the Maritimes. It’s going to be special.” Sally Cole is an entertainment writer with The Guardian. She welcomes comments about her column as well as suggestions for future columns from readers. She may be reached at sally.cole@TheGuardian.pe.ca or by phone at 902-629-6000, ext. 6054.