Last Update:
2010-07-23
First and Third Sunday of every month 2pm-5pm
Royal Oak Pub 318 Bank St. at MacLaren
Join us for a little taste of Cape Breton in the heart of the Nation's Capital!
Photo by Lois Siegel Videos by John Patterson Vid 1 Vid 2
The aim of Ottawa Cape Breton Session is to share Cape Breton music and culture with the National Capital area. The Sunday Pub sessions are open to anyone who enjoys the music. Sessions are primarily for the musicians to share the experience of traditional music, rather than perform for an audience. They are loosely organized, open to anyone who can play the common tunes of the tradition, and a great way to learn new tunes and meet new people. That said, it sure is a lot of fun for the audience too!
Want to join in? You can! To get familiar with the Cape Breton repertoire we have practice sessions every other Sunday from 2-5pm at various locations. If you already know some of the tunes join in the first and third Sunday of every month at the Royal Oak Pub (318 Bank St. at MacLaren.) Sessions are led by Aylene, Ernie or Beth—let them know if you have some tunes you'd like to share.
Cape Breton Fiddler's Association
It is with great regret we announce the death of noted Cape Breton composer-fiddler-performer John Campbell on July 22, 2010. John spent much of his life in the Boston area, he started playing for dances when he was fifteen and was known for being a lively dance player. Ottawa fiddlers may recall John's workshop at the OTFFAS fiddle workshop and party, or the kitchen party at Rasputin's a few years ago. John Campbell inherited a great legacy of Scottish fiddle music and style from his father Dan J. Campbell, his grandfather, and a host of other fiddlers on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. In addition, John has composed many memorable tunes in traditional styles carrying his own stamp of creative imagination. Sandy MacIntyre's Trip to Boston, Highway Reel, Panel Mine Jig, Glenora Reel, and Father Francis Cameron, are only a few of John's tunes which are now played throughout the world, often by players who do not know their author, but who think of them as gems from the heart of the rich Cape Breton tradition. Our deep sympathy is extended to his family, friends and fans.
Youtube Video John Campbell-Broad Cove 1984
July Events
July 25 —House Session: 2pm-5pm - Hosted by Millicent Toombs at 1674 Locksley Lane, in Beacon Hill, 613-742-3479. Come get warmed up for the frenzy of fiddling to take place the following weekend! BYOB Google Map
July 30-31 —Special Event: Glengarry Highland Games with special guests from the Cape Breton Fiddler's Association. Two days of Scottish fiddle starting Friday 2-5 pm with the 'Young Fiddler's Showcase'. Massed fiddles at 5pm in preparation for playing on stage at 6:30. Family square dance with Kimberley Fraser in the Fiddler's Hall (next to arena) from 10:30pm to 1:00am. Saturday starts with fiddle workshops with Bill Brian 9am to 10am and Kimberly Fraser 10:15 to 11:30am. Scottish Fiddle 2pm-5pm at which time the massed fiddles will play. Get the details of times and tunes here.
August 1 —Pub Session: 2pm-5pm Royal Oak Pub 318 Bank St. at MacLaren. Keep the fiddling going for a third day in a row! Open jam session of Cape Breton and Scottish fiddle music. Let Ernie Fraser know if you have a solo or small group and you'd like to present something special.
August 8 —House Session: 2pm-5pm - Volunteers Needed!
August 15 —SPECIAL EVENT : 12pm-3pm This week's session is happening at the Ottawa Folk Festival! The open jam sessions are held at the entrance so a festval pass is NOT required - anyone is welcome to come join in the fun. There's GAELIC in the fiddle, so rosin yer bow and join us for a Cape Breton ceilidh. Members of The Ottawa Cape Breton Session will be there to lead participants through jigs, marches, strathpeys, and reels galore. It's also a great time to share favourite songs from down-east and talk about the rich culture of music in Cape Breton. We need listeners, toe-tappers, and dancers as well so come out and celebrate Cape Breton music at the Folk Festival. After session party and more tunes to follow at the home of Jame Smarzik which is next door to the festival grounds.
August 22 —House Session: 2pm-5pm - Volunteers Needed!
August 29 —Special Event: 2pm-5pm Concert/Jam Session at Maxville Manor Google Map Be there by 1:45 to tune up, we start the concert at 2pm sharp. Following the one hour concert for residents Maxville Manor will provide a luncheon for the musicians. The party will continue in the multipurpose room with an open jam session for musicians and residents. Since the manor is providing lunch, they would like to know in advance how many musicians to expect. If possible let us know that you are coming by sending a quick email to cbsession@ripnet.com.
September 5 —Pub Session: 2pm-5pm Royal Oak Pub 318 Bank St. at MacLaren.
September 12 —House Session: 2pm-5pm - Volunteers Needed! This session will focus on getting ready for the concert on September 26. We'll finalize the list of tunes/songs and practice those particular sets.
September 19 —Pub Session: 2pm-5pm Royal Oak Pub 318 Bank St. at MacLaren.
September 26 —Special Event: 2pm-5pm - Cape Breton Concert with Ottawa Cape Breton Session. St. James Anglican Church 225 Edmund Street Carleton Place Tel.: 613-257-3178 http://www.stjamescarletonplace.org/ This concert is to raise funds for repair of the 175 year old stone tower of the church building.
October 3 —Pub Session: 2pm-5pm Royal Oak Pub 318 Bank St. at MacLaren.
October 10 —House Session: 2pm-5pm - Volunteers Needed!
October 17 —Pub Session: 2pm-5pm Royal Oak Pub 318 Bank St. at MacLaren.
October 24 —House Session: 2pm-5pm - Hosted by Beth MacGillivray at 7661 Settler's Way North Gower. 613-258-0153
October 31 —5th Sunday : 2pm-5pm Events TBA.
November 7 —Pub Session: 2pm-5pm Royal Oak Pub 318 Bank St. at MacLaren.
November 14 —House Session: 2pm-5pm - Volunteers Needed!
November 21 —Pub Session: 2pm-5pm Royal Oak Pub 318 Bank St. at MacLaren.
November 28 —House Session: 2pm-5pm - Volunteers Needed!
December 5 —Pub Session: 2pm-5pm Royal Oak Pub 318 Bank St. at MacLaren.
December 12 —House Session: 2pm-5pm - Volunteers Needed!
December 15 —Pub Session: 2pm-5pm Royal Oak Pub 318 Bank St. at MacLaren.
December 26 —No session today - Christmas Break!
Looking for something more Irish? Everything you need to find Irish music and culture as well as Ottawa Valley and other Celtic music in Ottawa is at
Listen to Irish/Celtic music from Ottawa online at the Gaelic Hour on CHIN 97.9fm-Ottawa
Both sites contain links to various Celtic happenings in the Ottawa area. Irish Music Ottawa also has links to genealogy resources, local music teachers, instrument sales/repair, also links to tune archives.
