Music of Atlantic Canada: Matthew Byrne (songs from Newfoundland) and Cape Breton Trio (Andrea Beaton (fiddle), Dick Hensold (bagpipes & whistles) & Troy MacGillivray (piano)

Matthew Byrne was born into a family of Newfoundland music makers and his repertoire is heavily influenced by his unique musical lineage. This tradition thrives on song – the weaving of a great story with a beautiful melody – and Matthew’s music reminds us how satisfying traditional songs can be when stripped down to these basic elements. His live performance offers tasteful and honest interpretations of folk songs delivered with polished guitar work and powerful vocals.

The fiddle and the pipes have had a long, close, and mutually influential relationship in the Gaelic communities on Cape Breton Island. This island, located at the eastern end of the Canadian maritime province of Nova Scotia, was settled about 200 years ago by Gaelic-speaking Scottish Highlanders. Because of their isolation both before emigration and after, the people of Cape Breton have preserved many aspects of Highland culture and particularly music and dance.

The Cape Breton Trio will also present a free children's program in the same location at 6:00.