CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The ceilidh this evening in the Katherine Hughes Memorial Hall in the Irish Cultural Centre in Charlottetown will feature performers Cian O Morain and Mary MacGillivray with guest performer Margie Carmichael.
There will be a 50/50 draw at the wheelchair accessible and air-conditioned hall, and a light snack will be served during the intermission. The hall is licensed. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Admission is at the door.
O Morain hails from Country Kerry in Ireland but is now the family physician in North Rustico. As well, he holds a master’s degree in music from Limerick University. He and his partner, Mary MacGillivray, often entertain local audiences and are favourites at the Irish Hall, accompanying their singing on keyboard, guitar and squeeze box. O Morain quite often will add in a bit of Irish storytelling to the delight of the audience.
MacGillivray, from P.E.I., is the lead singer for the evening, accompanying herself on the squeeze box. MacGillivray grew up in a musical family with roots in Cape Breton and P.E.I., and she says two things were always on the go at their place: the music and the tea pot. She once asked her father, Jim MacGillivray, what he liked to do growing up, and he said, “They got together and made music and had a laugh and had a good time."
Carmichael is a well-known Prince Edward Island musician, entertainer, songwriter, author and playwright. She has written radio plays, theatre sketches and parodies that CBC has aired locally, regionally and nationally. In 2006, Acorn Press published her first book. Carmichael, an accomplished singer/songwriter, has also written another local favourite song, Red Dirt Road.
She has performed many times at the hall since the society began hosting ceilidhs in the 1980s, and organizers are happy to welcome her back onstage.
All are welcome but due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions only 50 people can be in the hall. These performers are guaranteed to draw a big crowd so come early to get a seat. To reserve tickets, text or call 902-213-3924.
