The Irish Scots with Alan Buchanan - “150 Years of Island Music"

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Join us for a Ceilidh on Friday, August 16th, at the Irish Cultural Centre, 582 North River Road, featuring The Irish Scots with Maxine MacLennan, Courtney Hogan Chandler, and Norman Stewart. Alan Buchanan narrates the show, and dancers Janelle Banks and Molly MacEwen complete the performing troupe.

The show, entitled, “150 Years of Island Music” is a lively celebration of Island folk music, folklore, and storytelling, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Prince Edward Island joining the Confederation of Canada.

The Irish Scots are made up of Norman Stewart, Maxine MacLennan, and Courtney Hogan-Chandler. Along with lively vocals, audiences will be treated to tunes on guitar, fiddle, bodhran and mandolin. You are guaranteed to laugh at the humor and stories, and you’ll even be treated to a cameo “appearance” by Don Messer and the Islanders, along with the legendary Buchta Dancers.

PEI storyteller, Alan Buchanan narrates the show, using his knowledge of Island history and his enormous collection of humorous stories and folklore, to honour the value and persistence of the oral tradition in PEI. Alan's narration gives context to the show, highlighting the various themes and events that influenced Island song writing through the decades. World champion dancers, Janelle Banks, and Molly MacEwen, complete the performing troupe, and they’ll kick up their heels with a variety of folkloric steps that you won’t want to miss.

You won’t want to miss this wealth of poetic celebration of storytelling, songs and dance highlighting our distinctive Island culture, performed through lively music, dance and tradition.

There will be a 50/50 draw and a complimentary “lunch” during the evening at the air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible, and licensed hall. Doors open at 7 PM, with the show starting at 8 PM. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children under 12, available on the website or at the door.

For more information, call Kathy at 902-314-8840. Come out for a night of wonderful music!

Norman Stewart

Norman is a proud Islander, born in Murray River and now living in Wood Island’s West. His musical roots were passed down from his father, William, a noted Gaelic singer. Traditional and folk music are Norm’s favourite genres, and he gets his biggest rush when his audience sings along. He’s equally at home in a theatre, hall, kitchen, or campfire. Over the years he has played with a number of Island groups and artists, including MacKenzie Drive, Treble With Girls, Lester Stubbert, and Russell LeBlanc. His current gig is being a thorn in the side of Maxine and Courtney, in The Irish Scots. Norman has always been generous with his talents, performing in many benefit concerts, including the QEH Fundraising Series. He released a solo CD in 2005, entitled Norm’s Souvenirs.

Maxine MacLennan

Maxine is a lifelong entertainer and musician. She started singing on stage at age 11 as a front person in her dad’s band. She plays guitar, bodhran, mandolin and piano and writes heartfelt songs about the real-life events, people and places that she loves. She’s an Islander true and true. Even though she has performed on many national and international stages, appeared on numerous TV shows (including The Tommy Hunter Show), and showcased all over Canada for the CCMA’s and the ECMA’s, her fellow Prince Edward Islanders continue to be her favourite audience. Maxine has been nominated for numerous East Coast Music Awards and Music PEI Awards. She has won several US awards, been at number one several times on multiple internet radio stations across the US and Europe and has reached the top 20 on many country charts in Canada. Her CD, Pieces of Me is available for purchase.

Courtney Hogan-Chandler

Courtney Hogan-Chandler launched her musical career at a young age, starting piano lessons at age 5, and classical violin at age 11. But growing up, it was the traditional and Don Messer tunes that she heard her great-grandfather, Ralph Gay playing, that really caught her ear. She’s had a passion for the music ever since.

With her piano and classical training as a solid foundation, Courtney quickly started learning Celtic and traditional tunes, as well as taking step dancing lessons to round out the entertainment package. While still in her teen’s, PEI’s “Red Headed Fiddler” started hosting her own Ceilidhs which ran for more than 15 years. Courtney has four PEI music award nominations, has created her own Ceilidh cookbook, and continues to entertain audiences with her jigs, reels, and beautiful slow airs. She still manages to enjoy her musical passion while working as a full-time doctor of veterinarian medicine and (along with husband, Scott), raising two beautiful red-headed children.  Courtney’s CD’s are available for purchase.

Alan Buchanan

Alan was born and raised in Belfast, Prince Edward Island. He has done many things in his life, but lately, has become best known as a storyteller. For many years he was a member of the award-winning group, Hedgerow, which was part of the Confederation Centre’s Summer Festival. He has been featured on local, regional, and national radio broadcasts, including the popular CBC comedy show Madly Off in all Directions.  And for four sold-out summers he was part of the popular show, The Four Tellers, at the Kings Playhouse in Georgetown.

Janelle Banks

Janelle is a highly skilled versatile dancer from Springvale, PEI. A champion step dancer with over 20 years of experience, has earned numerous awards, including Atlantic, National, and World Cup titles, and was named one of the 2022 World Cup's "Dancers of the Year." Janelle has graced stages at many ceilidhs, International Shellfish Festival, Diversecity Multicultural events, Canada Games 2023, and even Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom parade. She's also performed two seasons with Charlottetown Festival's amphitheater dance show and excels as a choreographer for children's theatre productions. Her dedication to dance is deeply rooted in her family's musical heritage, connected to her great-grandfather, Jack "Jackie" Doyle, the original piano player for Don Messer and his Islanders, preserving Island Celtic traditions. Molly MacEwen

Molly is a 19-year old performer from Cornwall, P.E.I., who has trained in music, acting, and a variety of dance genres since the age of five. As a competitive step/tap dancer with Havenwood Studios in Charlottetown, Molly has earned many awards including Atlantic, National and International Championship titles in Quebec and named one of World Cup’s “2022 Dancers of the Year”. Molly is a UPEI Bachelor of Science student who has studied vocal performance as well. Molly’s favorite performances include Anne of Green Gables, Evangeline (Charlottetown Festival), Anne and Gilbert-The Musical, Sounds of Christmas, The Island Jubilee, The Festival of Small Halls, The P.E.I. Shellfish Festival, the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference, and the Special Olympics Canada Games Opening Ceremonies.

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