Celtic

The Fitzgeralds are Canadian Champion fiddling and step dancing siblings – Tom, Kerry & Julie Fitzgerald, and guest guitarist Alanna Jenish. The group will be celebrating the release of its debut Christmas Album, The Fitzgeralds - A Canadian Christmas! with select performances across Ontario this December. Shows will feature triple fiddle arrangements of holiday favourites, songs and tunes by great Canadian composers, and of course…the groups high energy Ottawa-Valley step dancing! Grab your ugliest Christmas sweater, and join The Fitzgeralds as they provide a cheerful, and truly Canadian soundtrack to your holiday season!

Meet The Fitzgeralds ~ a family group consisting of 3-time Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle and Step Dance champions – Tom, Kerry & Julie Fitzgerald. With roots in Canada’s renowned Ottawa Valley, The Fitzgeralds have evolved to include a wide variety of material in their performances, including Celtic fiddle pieces, high-energy step dancing, and a strong focus on original compositions and arrangements. Their extensive tour history includes performances with notable artists; Natalie MacMaster, Ireland’s Nathan Carter, Leahy, Tony McManus, Cherish the Ladies, The StepCrew, and Lunasa. In 2017, The Fitzgeralds went “viral” on Facebook via Ireland’s leading newspaper (Independent.ie), with over 7 MILLION views of their original choreographed dance routine! It is the rare combination of exceptional musicianship, mind-blowing step dancing, audience interaction, evident love of performing, and genuine sibling connection that resonates with audiences of all ages and sets this group apart.

Cape Breton-based Americana band Pretty Archie to release their 6th studio album and celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2022!

Long time friends Brian Cathcart (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Matt McNeil (Mandolin, Guitar), Colin Gillis (Harmonica, Bass, Vocals), Redmond MacDougall (Banjo, Percussion, Vocals) and Scott MacLean (Guitar, Mandolin) starting performing together in 2012. The band’s name is a nod to a Cape Breton local who embodied the love of playing and performing music. No matter where they tour or travel, Pretty Archie will always be representing their hometown.

Pretty Archie, their sixth studio album, is one of which they are justifiably proud. It represents a quantum leap forward in the evolution of the group’s sound. ”I feel each of our other records was a step ahead of the previous one, but this one is six steps ahead,” declares Colin Gillis. “We are proud of everything we’ve put out, but this is at a different level.” 

Pinning down the ‘Pretty Archie sound’ hasn’t always been easy. Their style has incorporated elements of bluegrass, folk, country, and had that ‘East Coast vibe’. Describing the new album, Brian states “it is more focused, even though you still can’t quite put a finger on it. For us it definitely has way more of a country vibe. This is an alternative country or Americana-style…”

Helping the group realize the formidable creative achievement that is Pretty Archie was internationally-acclaimed record producer and engineer Mark Howard, whose star-studded resume includes work with the likes of Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, U2, Tom Waits, The Tragically Hip, Peter Gabriel, and more. Howard’s fortuitous recent relocation to Cape Breton afforded Pretty Archie the opportunity to take advantage of his skills, and the band couldn’t be happier with the results. 

“It was all basically recorded live off the floor, with minimal overdubs,” adds Colin. “That’s something we had always wanted, and Mark was able to do that. There’s a certain ambience and energy in recording that way.” 

With every record and tour Pretty Archie carries a little piece of home a bit farther afield. Since their 2013 debut album, Steel City, the band have built an ever- larger following on the east coast, across Canada and are now set to continue growing their International audience. 

Cathcart explains that “as a band, we wear our East Coast hearts on our sleeves. We are very proud of where we are from, but our focus now is exposing people internationally to our part of the world.” Gillis adds that “if you are genuine and true to yourselves, then people will attach themselves to that, no matter where you are from.” 

Pretty Archie have long been regional favourites, with a stack of Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Award nominations to their credit. They are now looking globally, and with Pretty Archie they have an album ready for international prime time play. 

The upbeat and joyous “Familiar Feeling” and catchy “Reasons'' showcase the band’s instrumental prowess, while Brian digs deep vocally on the haunting ballad “Feel It In My Bones.” At Howard’s suggestion, “Someone New'' became a duet, featuring Austin-based Maritime honky-tonker Whitney Rose, and the contrasting vocals add real resonance. Brian is especially proud of “Maritime,” a song written right in the studio that features these poignant lyrics - ”If your heart breaks down, we’ll use mine. It is weathered and weary, but it is Maritime.” 

Pretty Archie’s genuine, heartfelt writing connects listeners with a saltwater perspective on modern living. Their fun loving and at times heartbreaking music finds common ground in the blurred genres of Country, Folk, Bluegrass and Americana. Their unique sound and energetic shows leave listeners with a lasting memory.

Welcome to the Aeolian Phoenix Sessions

Terms and Conditions

Cape Breton-based Americana band Pretty Archie to release their 6th studio album and celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2022!

Long time friends Brian Cathcart (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Matt McNeil (Mandolin, Guitar), Colin Gillis (Harmonica, Bass, Vocals), Redmond MacDougall (Banjo, Percussion, Vocals) and Scott MacLean (Guitar, Mandolin) starting performing together in 2012. The band’s name is a nod to a Cape Breton local who embodied the love of playing and performing music. No matter where they tour or travel, Pretty Archie will always be representing their hometown.

Pretty Archie, their sixth studio album, is one of which they are justifiably proud. It represents a quantum leap forward in the evolution of the group’s sound. ”I feel each of our other records was a step ahead of the previous one, but this one is six steps ahead,” declares Colin Gillis. “We are proud of everything we’ve put out, but this is at a different level.” 

Pinning down the ‘Pretty Archie sound’ hasn’t always been easy. Their style has incorporated elements of bluegrass, folk, country, and had that ‘East Coast vibe’. Describing the new album, Brian states “it is more focused, even though you still can’t quite put a finger on it. For us it definitely has way more of a country vibe. This is an alternative country or Americana-style…”

Helping the group realize the formidable creative achievement that is Pretty Archie was internationally-acclaimed record producer and engineer Mark Howard, whose star-studded resume includes work with the likes of Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, U2, Tom Waits, The Tragically Hip, Peter Gabriel, and more. Howard’s fortuitous recent relocation to Cape Breton afforded Pretty Archie the opportunity to take advantage of his skills, and the band couldn’t be happier with the results. 

“It was all basically recorded live off the floor, with minimal overdubs,” adds Colin. “That’s something we had always wanted, and Mark was able to do that. There’s a certain ambience and energy in recording that way.” 

With every record and tour Pretty Archie carries a little piece of home a bit farther afield. Since their 2013 debut album, Steel City, the band have built an ever- larger following on the east coast, across Canada and are now set to continue growing their International audience. 

Cathcart explains that “as a band, we wear our East Coast hearts on our sleeves. We are very proud of where we are from, but our focus now is exposing people internationally to our part of the world.” Gillis adds that “if you are genuine and true to yourselves, then people will attach themselves to that, no matter where you are from.” 

Pretty Archie have long been regional favourites, with a stack of Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Award nominations to their credit. They are now looking globally, and with Pretty Archie they have an album ready for international prime time play. 

The upbeat and joyous “Familiar Feeling” and catchy “Reasons'' showcase the band’s instrumental prowess, while Brian digs deep vocally on the haunting ballad “Feel It In My Bones.” At Howard’s suggestion, “Someone New'' became a duet, featuring Austin-based Maritime honky-tonker Whitney Rose, and the contrasting vocals add real resonance. Brian is especially proud of “Maritime,” a song written right in the studio that features these poignant lyrics - ”If your heart breaks down, we’ll use mine. It is weathered and weary, but it is Maritime.” 

Pretty Archie’s genuine, heartfelt writing connects listeners with a saltwater perspective on modern living. Their fun loving and at times heartbreaking music finds common ground in the blurred genres of Country, Folk, Bluegrass and Americana. Their unique sound and energetic shows leave listeners with a lasting memory.

Shane Cook & The Woodchippers and their new album, Be Here for a While are nominated for two 2022 Canadian Folk Music Awards: “Instrumental Group of the Year” and “Traditional Album of the year.

The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions take centre stage... in the comfort of your own home. Each month we premier at least four artists' recordings from the Aeolian stage. Membership to the Phoenix Sessions is $20 per month (recurring) and you select the productions you want to watch.

Aeolian’s Phoenix Sessions are proud to produce four outstanding performances in March. For just $20 you have access to all four digitally streamed productions anytime, anywhere. One new show will be released every Friday including: Marty Kolls, Andrew Collins, Luke McMaster, and Fraser Teeple. Subscribe once, enjoy live music all month long!

You will receive a confirmation email including a link that you will use each time you wish to view a March performance. Save that link… or follow instructions at www.aeolianhall.ca/phoenix.

It has been 25 years since Ashley MacIsaac released his debut album “Hi. How Are You Today?  Featuring the hit single Sleepy Maggie featuring the Scottish Gaelic vocals of Mary Jane Lamond, the album was a double-platinum selling Canadian Record reaching Number 2 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100.

MacIsaac has been a staple of the Canadian music scene ever since.

Performing with Natalie MacMaster, the Chieftain and the White Stripes as well as collaborating with the likes of composer Philip Glass, MacIsaac is a mainstay of the Canadian music stage and has toured Canada and the United States from coast to coast, including an extraordinary performance as part of the 2010 opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

MacIsaac plays a right-handed fiddle left-handed, most notably allowing it to remain strung right-handed, a highly unusual style of playing. MacIsaac however explained in a 2014 interview for the Celtic Colours Festival that during his first fiddle lesson with Stan Chapman when his father asked if he should change the strings around the other way, Stan said "Well, if you change the strings on your fiddle, you'll never be able to play anyone else's fiddle. So if he's gonna learn that way, learn that way". In the same interview, MacIsaac also elaborated that his unorthodox playing style allows the lower notes to remain on the lower side of the fiddle, and this allows him to go up to the higher notes; he said it "just makes sonic sense" to him to have the strings upside down

With 14 albums including 2016’s collaboration with Jay “Sticks” Andrews entitled FDLER, MacIsaac has the staying power, talent and tenacity to conquer the challenges of the music industry, keeping busy during the pandemic by staying connected to fans and performing virtually.

From a kitchen ceilidh to an opera house stage, MacIsaac exudes confidence and is the life of the musical party.

A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Kathleen began her harp studies with Nora Bumanis, and completed her Bachelor of Music at McGill University studying under Jennifer Swartz. She has had the pleasure of playing with the London Community Orchestra since 2008, and has also performed with professional orchestras in Edmonton, Stratford, London, and Kitchener, as well as musical theater productions throughout southwestern Ontario. She performs frequently as a chamber musician, choral and vocal accompanist, and in church music settings. She also enjoys educating the public about the harp, and coaching composers with an interest in writing for the instrument. Kathleen is an enthusiastic teacher to her studio of harp students, who have ranged in age from 5 to 60. She also founded and continues to lead the harp ensemble program offered through Forest City String School since 2010.

Kathleen also works as an occupational therapist, working with individuals who have experienced health concerns that affect their ability to participate in daily activities. At times, this work offers her the opportunity to support the musical community: she offers injury prevention and management workshops to musicians of all levels, and she has been a clinician since 2016 with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, assisting students and staff who are struggling with physical or mental health challenges that affect their ability to practice and perform.

Welcome to the Aeolian Phoenix Sessions

Terms and Conditions

Welcome to the Aeolian Phoenix Sessions

Terms and Conditions

A family group consisting of fiddling and step dancing siblings – Tom, Kerry & Julie Fitzgerald. These siblings, from just outside of Canada’s renowned Ottawa Valley, have come a long way from their small town roots. Featuring 3-time Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle Champions and Ontario Open Step Dance Champions, this unique act features high-energy fiddling and mind-blowing step dancing. It is the rare combination of exceptional musicianship, incomparable step dancing, audience interaction, evident love of performing, and genuine sibling connection that resonates with audiences of all ages and sets this group apart. 

       "The Fitzgeralds are standout musicians in our Canadian music industry...The caliber of musicianship is very high- I think together they are a beautiful blend of gorgeous fiddle music, and top rate, absolutely exhilarating dance routines."

-Natalie MacMaster, Cape Breton Fiddling Sensation

The Fitzgerald siblings were raised in a musical household, and toured internationally with their family band “Everything Fitz”. Growing up on the outskirts of the Ottawa Valley, they were immersed in the rich tradition of Canadian Old Time fiddling and step dancing that evolved with the arrival of Irish, Scottish and French immigrants. Over time, they have developed their art form to include various styles of fiddle music including Celtic, jazz, bluegrass, French-Canadian, and pop. They have also explored other dance forms including tap and Irish. The siblings continue to push boundaries by fusing traditional and modern styles of fiddle and dance to create their own unique sound and style. Their creativity and passion for experimentation has led them to compose original tunes and arrangements, some which were released on their latest album. The result is a groovy and catchy new sound and look that appeals to all ages.

“No group has generated as much curiosity, compelling our audience to return  for a second set. The warmth, energy and enthusiasm has hooked generations from young to senior, then the talent lets loose - pure vibrant magic.” -John O’Brien, Director of Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival, OH

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Despite their young age, these musicians have some notable musical experiences under their belts. Highlights include group/solo performances with: Nathan Carter, Leahy, Natalie McMaster, Cherish the Ladies, Tommy Hunter, Bowfire, Sharon Shannon, Liz Carroll, We Banjo 3, World-Fest, Silver Dollar City, Branson MO. As members of The StepCrew, they have had the opportunity to perform with Carlos Nunez, Solas, and Eileen Ivers. They are guest performers on the prestigiousNathan Carter TV Christmas Special 2017, broadcast by BBC and RTE television. A video of their high-energy dance performance has went viral via Ireland’s Independent.ie, with over 3 million views! Their show is a hit at festivals includingMilwaukee Irish Fest (US), Dayton Irish Fest (US), Cleveland Irish Fest (US), Iowa Irish Fest (US) Shrewsbury Folk Fest (UK), Mariposa Folk Fest (CA), Stan Rogers Folk Fest (CA), among others. They are also in demand as music instructors, both privately and at music camps across Canada. They strive to educate and inspire young musicians wherever they go through workshops, jamming, community outreach and school shows. See workshop brochure for detailed info for school & youth programs. 

    “The Fitzgeralds played a huge part in the success of our annual event. Their music, choreography, and energy captivated the entire festival. I can’t wait to have them back!”

-John Gilligan, Entertainment Director of Great American Irish Fest, NY

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The Fitzgeralds are some of the most talented, energetic, animated, and genuine performers you will come across. This is a group of entertainers who truly love what they are doing and thrive on interaction with their audiences. Presenters can expect a high-calibre, polished, varied, and action packed show, with some goofiness thrown in here and there. They even step dance and fiddle at the same time!

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“This is one energetic and entertaining family! Guaranteed to burn calories just watching this show!” 

-Anonymous Health Conscious Fan

With multiple accolades, a Juno Award, SOCAN Award, multiple East Coast Music Awards, and Music Newfoundland and Labrador Awards, The Ennis Sisters, comprised of Maureen, Teresa and Karen Ennis, are world renowned, celebrated songbirds.

With their striking sibling harmonies, and voices as powerful as the Atlantic, its in their bones to sing. This year they will be touring songs from their 2018 release Keeping Time. This concept album, produced by internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter/musician/author/actor, Alan Doyle, is about our most precious gift of time and what we've decided to do with it. Its about the passing of time, the loss of traditions, the things we do to hold onto what matters most and what we've done to preserve it.

At the end of our lives, when the edges of our memories are fraying and we are falling in and out of time, hopefully, looking back, well feel we lived our lives well, with little regret, and even the time wasted along the way was worth it for the lessons learned.

For the better part of two decades, Toronto’s Enter The Haggis has combined bagpipes and fiddles with a rock rhythm section to create a distinctively eclectic sound, praised by The Boston Globe, The Washington Post and Canada’s Globe and Mail. Their songs offer singalong melodies and deep, meaningful lyrics which tell the stories of everyday hard working people, often faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Signature songs like “One Last Drink”, “Gasoline”, “Down With The Ship” and “Lancaster Gate” have had hundreds of thousands of plays on social media, appeared in Hollywood movies, and have been performed and recorded by artists around the world.

Enter The Haggis is clearly comfortable on the stage and develops an easy rapport with audiences, sharing the stories behind their songs and laughing through tour anecdotes. The show is exciting and dynamic, featuring unpredictable and spontaneous moments. One song might feature drummer Bruce McCarthy taking a drum solo on Trevor Lewington’s guitar strings, while the next song breaks down into a fierce battle between fiddle and harmonica. Sometimes during an encore, the band will leave the stage entirely to perform acoustically standing on chairs in the audience.

Enter The Haggis’ commitment to putting on a great show every single night has made them a favorite at festivals and performing arts centers across the US and Canada. As a result, ETH shows have become an annual tradition on some of the most prestigious stages on the continent. The band has also brought hundreds of fans on eight tours of Ireland, forging deeper friendships with their supporters while exploring ancient landmarks and natural wonders across the country. The next trip is planned for October 11th–19th 2019.

Enter The Haggis has appeared on “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “A&E’s Breakfast With The Arts”, and was the feature of an hour-long PBS concert special which aired for months on more than eighty affiliate stations across the US. The band’s legions of die-hard fans (the self-described “Haggis Heads“) have crowdfunded the last four ETH albums, and played a huge part in propelling the most recent full-length record to its debut at #9 on the national ”Billboard Heatseekers" chart. The group’s friendly, welcoming attitude is responsible for the close relationship it has with its supporters, and all five band members truly enjoy taking time after every show to meet with people one on one.

Enter The Haggis is currently trading off between touring and working on its tenth studio album in Toronto.