Feeling the after-effects of a few too many ‘wee drams’ after Robbie Burns Day? If so, you are likely hunting for other ways to lift your spirits this weekend. There is no better way to feed the soul than with the sound of music. This coming Sunday afternoon, January 29, at 3 p.m. you can feast on melodies from the Maritimes sung by local choir Atlantic Voices.
Atlantic Voices have been singing tunes from Newfoundland, Labrador, the Maritimes and other Celtic songs since 2002 and the choir consists of approximately 45 singers, most of whom have roots in Atlantic Canada. Their shows often focus on one Atlantic province and this first concert in the Voices’ 10th anniversary season will put the spotlight on PEI. It is also the first time the Birthplace of Confederation has been highlighted.
Choir Director Scott Richardson (who hails from Nova Scotia) says the first half will focus on traditional PEI songs and folk music, some of which has been arranged for the occasion by local composer Dave Eagles and by Richardso himself. The second half will include a musical tribute to PEI songwriting legend, the late Gene MacLellan, (who composed Put Your Hand in the Hand, Snowbird and other great songs.)
Other fare will include Acadie de nos coeurs by PEI songwriter Lennie Gallant and of course any PEI shindig would be incomplete without a medley from the Charlottetown Festival’s musical Anne of Green Gables.
A pre-show jam session will be provided by the Fumblin’ Fingers, a band made up of about half a dozen musicians that includes fiddlers, guitarists and even an accordion player. They will warm things up starting at 2:15 p.m. (www.fumblinfingers.ca).
While technically speaking, you won’t be hanging around the stove and fridge, it will definitely feel like an Atlantic Canada kitchen party. Even The Voices’ mascot, a Newfoundland Dog named ‘SS Maritime Atlantiika’, a.k.a. “Tiika, will be onhand, chilling at the front of the church, taking in the tunes.
The family-friendly show: …And They’re From Prince Edward Island takes place this Sunday, January 29th at Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street, at 3:00 p.m. Check out the Voices at www. atlanticvoices.ca or find them on facebook.
Tickets at the door are $18, kids 12 and under are free. (If you’re organized enough to buy in advance, you can save yourself $3 per ticket. Email president@atlanticvoices.ca with the number of tickets you want and get ready to warm your soul.
