Road to the Colours Ceilidh in Sherbrooke

Two of Nova Scotia's pre-eminent young musicians will join forces at the Sherbrooke courthouse on Oct. 8. Troy MacGillivray and Dave Gunning will present The Road to the Colours Ceilidh.

This ceilidh will give Celtic music fans a head start on the great music being offered at the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton from Oct. 11 to 20. Mr. Gunning and Mr. MacGillivray will perform separately at the festival. The Sherbrooke performance offers a rare opportunity for audiences to hear them together.

Mr. Gunning's busy summer saw him take part in a cross-Canada tour with Stompin' Tom Connors and J.P. Cormier. He was also a featured performer at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. Mr. Gunning, who was recently named Recording Engineer of the Year by the Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia, has been active in regional music circles as a performer, sound engineer and producer. He lists the Sherbrooke courthouse as one of his favourite venues.

Mr. MacGillivray has been in high demand as a piano and fiddle player in both studio and live sessions. This past summer he appeared across Atlantic Canada as a supporting player with sister and ECMA-winner Kendra MacGillivray's band.

He was the host and featured performer at the Sherbrooke Courthouse Ceilidhs in August, which were so successful that they were extended until mid-September. Performers sometimes family members, including his mother Janice on piano and sisters Kendra on violin and Sabra on bodhran and dance. Regular participation from audience members made the concerts even livelier and more enjoyable.

Ceilidhs at the courthouse have often turned into true kitchen ceilidhs and The Road to the Colours Ceilidh promises to be no exception.