Cape Breton’s Beòlach

Keeps up the Tradition

Beòlach is a Gaelic word meaning "lively youth." It is also the name of one of Cape Breton’s most exciting new young bands, which will bring its energetic music and step dancing to Chandler Music Hall in Randolph Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Many have likened Beòlach’s performances to those of legendary fiddler and step dancer, Natalie McMaster.

"Beòlach has firmly established themselves as the next generation in the long and continuing line of Cape Breton players," stated the Halifax Daily News. Featuring some of the biggest names in the Cape Breton musical tradition, this young group gently stretches the established boundaries of the Cape Breton fiddle tradition. Together they create an energetic mix of Cape Breton, Scottish and Irish tunes featuring piano, pipes, whistles, drums, guitar and two fiddles. While they perform with a contemporary style, Beòlach maintains a great respect for, and understanding of, traditional Cape Breton music.

Beòlach began at an impromptu session at the Celtic Colours Festival in 1998, and after a strong initial response, went on to play festivals in North America and Europe. The group recorded their self-titled album in the summer of 2001, featuring original compositions as well as unique dynamic arrangements of traditional tunes.

Beòlach received two 2005 East Coast Music Award nominations for "Instrumental Recording of the Year" and "Roots/Traditional Group Recording of the Year," as well as a nomination for a Canadian Folk Music Award for "Best Instrumental Group." They continue to thrill their audiences with spirited performances, witty presentation and versatile step dancing.

One of the most memorable concert experiences for Chandler’s Executive Director Becky McMeekin was at the community center in Judique during the 2004 Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton. The concert was entitled, "Passing the Bow" and opened with solo performances by legendary fiddlers Buddy MacMaster and Jerry Holland. Progressively younger musicians were featured as the concert unfolded, and the evening ended with a rousing performance by Beòlach that had the audience on its feet. 

"The rich heritage of the Cape Breton musical tradition was so apparent that evening," McMeekin recalls. "Audience members from all over the world were squeezed into this wonderful community hall lined with clan tartans, and the warmth of their response to these fiddling masters, as well as to the new generation of extraordinary musicians, was incredible."

Beòlach includes Patrick Gillis (guitar), Mairi Rankin (fiddle), Mac Morin (piano), Matthew Foulds (drums) and Wendy Maclsaac (fiddle). Ryan MacIsaac, from Natalie MacMaster’s band, will be sitting in for band member Ryan J, MacNeil for this performance.

This program is sponsored by Edward Jones Investment, Champ Radio, Century 21 and Curves, The Point and Randolph National Bank. General Tickets are available at 728-6464, tickets@chandler musichall.org, Cover to Cover Bookstore in Randolph, and at the door the evening of the performance. Chandler Music Hall is wheelchair accessible.

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