Celtic Colours International Festival energizes Cape Breton from Oct. 11-19

This year's lineup at Celtic Colours International Festival promises to be as vibrant as the foliage across Cape Breton Island. In its 28th year, the nine-day festival opens on Oct. 11 and runs to Oct. 19.

• CELTIC COLOURS SCHEDULE

We asked Celtic Colours Artistic Director Dawn Beaton a few questions about what audiences can expect this year:

Dawn, the lineup this year offers something for everyone, is there a new artist/group hitting the Celtic Colours stage for the first time?

"We are fortunate to have a few 'new-to-us' artists gracing our stages this year, 13 to be exact. I'm lucky to get to attend various events, festivals and music conferences throughout the year, all in the interest of bringing new talent to Cape Breton."

"Beauxmont is one of those bands. It's a wonderful Acadian, Cajun-infused band from New Brunswick that has quickly made waves and traveled overseas.  They're making a quick stop with us on their way to the United States for additional gigs."

"Assynt is a very tight trio that encompass the Highland bagpipes, fiddle and guitar. They're a great representation of the calibre of music coming out of Scotland, which has always been mighty."

"Caitlin Warbelow will be a new name for some, but she has many Nova Scotian friends that she's made along the way, both teaching at various music camps and playing at various events across North America. Based in the U.S., folks might have seen her on Broadway as part of the Come From Away cast that we all know and love."
 

"Gosh, there are so many I won't get to. We have a young musician who is quickly making a name for himself here on the island and beyond. Dane Pedersen was one of two recipients last year of the Frank "Big Sampie" Sampson Award—a bursary that recognizes up-and-coming Cape Breton artists and helps them, courtesy of Lakewind Sound and our volunteer Drive'ers Association, to produce their very first CD. The festival will pay tribute to many of the Drive'ers recipients at our show at Greenwood United in Baddeck, where Dane and others will take to the stage."

"And then to have Mr. Gordon Stobbe attend, in concert with JJ Guy, is a real treat! It's been a dream to be able to thank Gordon for his efforts in bringing music into the homes of Maritimers over seven years through the ATV production Up Home Tonight that he co-created and hosted. Gordon will spend a few days with us, playing around the island, and also taking part in an important tribute show to the late Tara Lynne Touesnard."
 

Dawn, what show, performer, artist(s) are already creating a buzz? 

"It is lots of fun to be working away in the office and see various tags pop up on social media as artists tag the festival, looking forward to attending, ensuring folks know they have the festival in their fall tour. That always helps to generate some buzz."

"While it wasn't planned, it has happened that Carlos Núñez appeared at Celtic Colours in 2008, 2016, and now again, eight years later in 2024. I love symmetry. This will mark his sixth appearance at the festival. And wherever he goes, he absolutely creates a buzz. I have to say, and everyone would agree, when Carlos says yes to a performance, he gives his absolute all! 100 percent. His energy is magnetic, and he draws you in to his musical lineage. He has really researched the Celtic diaspora to such a degree that he can speak to experiences across the globe. You just can't miss him."

"And Julie Fowlis, what an absolute pleasure to welcome her back. To have the calibre of artistry between these two performers alone at the festival is large, but to have these pipers (yes Julie is a wonderful piper, in addition to her Gaelic singing and whistle-playing) will be an event that even I can't fully comprehend. Julie is as true blue as it gets. She brings an authenticity that is rarely matched. It's no wonder that Disney was attracted to such pureness when they included her vocals in their production of "Brave"."

CBC at Celtic Colours 

Wendy Bergfeldt, long-time host of CBC Mainstreet Cape Breton and Island Echoes, will be in Baddeck for interviews with festival artists and local culture bearers in front of a live audience. No reservations, just drop in.

"Every artist in this festival has a story to tell and a culture to celebrate," Wendy says. "Our CBC Knox sessions give them a space to talk about those things. It also gives them a stage to share a tune or two that is special to them."

Join Wendy at the Knox Presbyterian Church, 39 Grant St., Baddeck. The shows begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14; Tuesday, Oct. 15; Thursday, Oct. 17 and Friday, Oct. 18. Audiences will hear the performances and interviews on CBC Mainstreet Cape Breton (weekdays 4 -6 p.m.) on CBC Radio One.