CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Tonight's ceilidh in the Katherine Hughes Memorial Hall at the Irish Cultural Centre will feature The Chaisson Trio.
The trio consists of Kevin Chaisson, keyboard, Louise Chaisson-MacKinnon, guitar and vocals, and Rannie MacLellan, fiddle.
Chaisson, a piano player from Bear River, has deep roots in traditional music on Prince Edward Island. The Chaisson family has been influential in keeping traditional fiddling alive on Prince Edward Island. Family members also operate the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival each year, and several Chaisson family members represent the province on the international music stage, most notably Kevin’s son, Tim, in the East Pointers.
MacLellan is from Margaree, N.S. His signature rhythmic strathspeys and lively reels are a highlight of the ceilidh showcasing the Cape Breton style of fiddling inspired by various fiddlers such as the late Jerry Holland, his dear friend. He acquired the fiddle he still plays today from Holland. Well-versed fiddle fans will know Cape Breton fiddler Brenda Stubbert wrote a tune in honour of MacLellan called Rannie MacLellan’s Reel.
The group’s offerings include medleys of Scottish and Irish jigs and reels, strathspeys, and slow airs, mixed with traditional ballads. Chaisson-MacKinnon, the vocalist of the group, has a soulful voice and also has a large repertoire of lively Maritime songs to share.
Expect a fast-paced night with a superb mix of old songs and new ones all coming from a relentless love of Island traditions.
There will be a 50/50 draw during the evening at the wheelchair-accessible and air-conditioned hall and a light lunch is served during the intermission. The hall is licensed. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome but due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions only 50 people can be in the hall. For more information or to reserve a ticket, text or call 902-213-3924.
