Celebrating the college’s success
The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts hosting first Island Rhythms Festival this weekend in Summerside
It’s been an action-packed year at the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts in Summerside.
The excitement started this past winter when the traditional ceilidhs morphed into pub nights, showcasing dozens of P.E.I. artists performing in the Main Hall.
“We were successful in that we had 100 people, per night, once a month in the hall,” says Roger Downie, the college’s business manager.
It continued with large audiences attending performances of “Highland Storm” in the outdoor amphitheatre, this summer and escalated on Saturday, Aug. 12, when the college’s Grade 4 band took first place at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
“Our success comes from the students and their perseverance and dedication to come here every Wednesday night and the other bands Tuesdays and Thursdays, to practice, march and synchronize their playing,” says Downing, adding approximately 200 students are enrolled in the college’s programs in Summerside and Charlottetown as well as the distance education (Skype) classes.
This weekend, the college is further extending its reach by hosting the first-ever Island Rhythms Festival.
“It’s a great way to celebrate the college’s successes while shining the light on other P.E.I. acts,” adds Downie.
Running today and tomorrow, the festival offers everything from free entertainment for adults and families to a ticketed concert headlined by the award-winning Celtic group, the Barra MacNeils, today at 7 p.m.
“We’re thrilled that we’re rolling in to perform at the new festival at the College of Piping. We have a great fan base on P.E.I. and a great relationship with the college. So, it’s very much like coming home,” says Stewart MacNeil, vocalist/guitarist with the band that includes Kyle, vocals, guitar, violin, mandolin; Lucy, vocals, bodhran, Celtic harp and fiddle; Sheumas, keyboards, fiddle; Boyd, mandolin, fiddle; and Jamie Gatti, bass.
As for the free daytime shows, this weekend’s program includes the Amazing Christose, Michael Pendergast, Hey Cuzzins (Mi’kmaq drumming group), Gadelle, Mi’kmaq Legends, Spotlight Theatre Company, Mr. and Mrs. TwistIt and Tiber Falzetlt.
“This lineup shows our diversity. It also shows what we can provide other arts and cultural groups as we open our new building,” says Downie, referring to the completion of the Scott MacAulay Celtic Performing Arts Education Centre, set for the end of November.
He says it’s the beginning of great things to come.
“The building, once it’s finished, will be a community building, ready for all arts and cultures, not just Celtic. That’s why we’re reaching across the Island to promote all Island talent, not just our own, for this festival.”