artist Mary Jane Lamond

December 6, 2011

IONA — Students from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design have been working on ways to help sustain and enhance Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia.

During the final class of the term Thursday students will present their concepts to members of the Gaelic community and cap off their four-month immersion in all things Gaelic with a ceilidh.

Seumas Watson, manager of interpretation at the Nova Scotia Highland Village in Iona, is impressed by the students and the commitment and imagination they demonstrated. Watson, one of the guests invited to speak to the students, talked about how the Gaels ended up in Nova Scotia. “I think it was an eye-opener for them — these are students coming not only from different cultures but different hemispheres,” he said. “But it was an eye-opener for us too and a real opportunity for us to get messages out that are authentic. This will help the community to look at themselves in new ways and with greater confidence.”

Watson said he also believes what the students learn in the class about one culture and way of life will be applicable to other design projects.

Watson, along with fellow guest speakers Lewis MacKinnon, Seumas Watson, Gaelic teacher Shay MacMullin and Gaelic singer Mary Jane Lamond will be in attendance during Thursday’s presentation, along with Gaelic teacher Shay MacMullin.

“This class is all about community connections,” said design student Nadine Purdy. “You can google this kind of thing all you want, but at the end of the day, it’s really about understanding and asking questions and listening. As designers, we believe design is not just the physical product you come up with but also the emotion behind it.”

The class, designing for the Nova Scotia Gaelic Community, was initiated by a meeting with Lewis MacKinnon, CEO of the Office of Gaelic Affairs, who was seeking ideas on how to raise the profile of Gaelic in the province. It’s taught by professor Marlene Ivey, who is already engaged in a research project — An Drochaid Eadarainn (The Bridge Between Us) — with the Gaelic community.

There are 14 students in the class who represent a broad cultural spectrum, with ethnic backgrounds including Chinese, Korean, Finnish, Polish and Quebecois.

“The challenge is to understand the mental landscape of the Nova Scotia Gaelic community and then to look at the issues or problems that they could address through design,” said Ivey, an interdisciplinary designer who recently returned to Nova Scotia after 23 years in Scotland.

Split up into three groups, the students devised three distinct concepts: a Gaelic/English newspaper; a Gaelic gateway, a gathering place and cultural centre with a kitchen at its very heart; and a youth conference.

“What I liked about doing this is that this is a real project, not just a class project that we hand in to our professor and it stops there,” said design student Yoana Ilcheva from Bulgaria. “If we could really help in some way that would make us very happy.”

Ilcheva’s group came up with the idea of a newspaper written in both Gaelic and English based on a newspaper she knew of which serves the Bulgarian community in Chicago.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Living/2011-12-06/article-2827256/Design-students-immerse-themselves-in-Gaelic/1

November 27, 2011

By Rannie Gillis

With an opening shot of our world-famous Cabot Trail, looking back at Cheticamp Island from the side of French Mountain, this fascinating new DVD celebrates in music and the spoken word, the 20th anniversary of a community festival that is unique in North America.

It was the middle of August 1991 when the inaugural Feis An Eilein (Island Festival) took place in the tiny community of Christmas Island, located on the shore of the Bras D’Or Lake, about a 40-minute drive from either Sydney or North Sydney. At that time it was not known if the idea of a small, community-based festival, designed to promote the Gaelic language and culture would be successful. But it was, and it was also the first cultural event of its kind to be held outside of Scotland.

This 45-minute DVD is called “Feis An Eilein: Fichead Bliadhna” (“Twenty Years of Island Festival”), and it takes us on an informative, educational, and very entertaining look at just what can be accomplished by a small, dedicated group of individuals who refused to let their Gaelic language and culture simply fade away. Written and narrated by Colette Thomas, it gives us a brief history of the Gaels in Cape Breton, and then lets their music, Gaelic songs, and the Gaelic language take centre stage.

Musical highlights over the years, most of which were recorded in concert at the Christmas Island fire hall, include Howie MacDonald (fiddle); Paul MacNeil and Barry Shears (bagpipes); Brenda Stubbert and Tracey Dares MacNeil (keyboards); the Iona Gaelic Singers and Mary Jane Lamond (vocals).

There are several on-camera interviews with fluent Gaelic speakers, both young and old. People like Hector MacNeil, Rod C. MacNeil, Angus MacLeod, Jeff MacDonald, Janet Cameron, and Jimmy (Coloman) MacNeil, explain the origins and present state of Cape Breton Gaelic, and how the social aspects of the milling frolic have helped to preserve this ancient language.

In another interview Meaghan O’Handley remembers working at the Feis as a 16-year-old, teaching fiddle and step-dancing to young children, and holding simple workshops on the Gaelic language for older children and young teens. For over the years one main emphasis of the annual festival has been a desire to pass on the language and culture to the younger generation.

This is perhaps best illustrated by a remarkable concert performance by four young sisters, the daughters of Tracey Dares and Paul K. MacNeil from Castle Bay. Jessie Helen, Nora, Orianna, and Katie Agnes, sing a lively Gaelic song that is just a pleasure to watch and to listen to. When they finish, they receive a rousing standing ovation from the several hundred people packed into the fire hall at Christmas Island.

This charming and informative DVD is 45 minutes long and narrated in Gaelic. However, it also has English subtitles and Gaelic subtitles for those Gaelic speakers who may be hard of hearing. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift for anyone from Cape Breton, especially those with Celtic roots.

It is available for $20 (plus tax) from the Cape Breton Curiosity Shop, 296 Charlotte St. Sydney, the Nova Scotia Highland Village in Iona, and the Gaelic College in St. Anns. It may also be ordered for $20 (plus $5 shipping and handling) from Feis an Eilein, PO Box 317, Christmas Island, N.S., B1T 1R7.

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Columns/2011-11-27/article-2816601/New-DVD-about-Feis-An-Eilein-is-a-celebration-of-Gaelic-culture/1

November, 2011

By Steve Greenlee

http://jazztimes.com/articles/28823-let-go-jerry-granelli-trio

It is a tenet of good writing that you don’t use a five-dollar word where a 50-cent word will do. Drummer Jerry Granelli’s trio subscribes to a similar philosophy on Let Go. The album is nothing if not economical. (The five-letter title alone conveys that.) There are nine songs here, four of which run less than four minutes apiece.

Simon Fisk switches between bass and cello, and Danny Oore plays tenor, soprano and baritone saxophones. Granelli, who’ll always be known as the rhythm-keeper on the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, drums sublimely, rarely playing the same pattern for two consecutive measures. Fisk, the most understated of the bunch, plucks a funky, slithering vamp that gets “Bones” going. Oore’s sax sneaks in, serpent-like, and Granelli hits the ride—dryly, coolly—with fresh fills every two bars. On “Dango,” he enters like a ticking clock with a military drum corps bringing up the rear; Oore’s soprano, pretty at first, grows ever more daring and aggressive. Fisk, on cello, underpins the aptly titled “Letter to Björk” with an unchanging 10/8 line so Granelli can play freely; the last 46 seconds of this 2:46 song (interlude, really) is a fade-out.

Mary Jane Lamond, singing in Gaelic, provides vocals on two tunes: the closing dirge, “Vulnerable”; and “Solaria,” by far the longest piece on the album. Running more than nine minutes, it begins as a sweet duet of soprano sax and cello before Lamond’s wispy vocals flutter in. Granelli makes intermittent pronouncements with a malleted tom, and abruptly there is rhythm and groove. Still, even when there’s a long tune to make hay with, the guiding principle remains intact: Keep it concise and unencumbered.

Mary Jane Lamond wins Portia White Prizeby John Gillis

      It was a big night for Cape Breton at the fifth Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala on October 29th at Halifax's Pier 21.

Gaelic singer Mary Jane Lamond received the prestigious Portia White prize in recognition of her efforts to preserve Gaelic culture through song.

Lamond told The Oran this week following the win that it still seems “a little unbelievable.”

Lamond had been nominated for the Portia White Prize twice before.

“One never sets out to win awards, and I certainly would have never imagined this when I was a student at St. F.X. (in the Celtic Studies program) and learning Gaelic songs. I think it’s just great for the community,” she said.

Lamond says she credits much of her success to the support from the Gaelic-speaking community and tradition-bearers who have always been an inspiration to her.

As this year's winner, Ms. Lamond is able to name a protégé to receive a $7,000 prize. She named arts organization Comunn Féis an Eilein of Christmas Island as her protégé. The organization helps to preserve the Gaelic language through a series of summer music performances that draw visitors to the community.

“They’ve certainly always been there for me from the beginning – back to when I was a student and I attended what was probably their second annual Féis event,” said Lamond.

Despite the fact Cape Breton has lost a tremendous number of Gaelic speakers over the last two decades, Lamond says she is encouraged by the resurgence of interest from a younger generation in speaking the language.

Lamond was one of several musicians who participated in a recent Celtic Colours workshop which involved creating new Gaelic songs and performing them in concert.

Lamond says she has been cutting back on her touring in recent years, but she would like to do another CD with some friends and musical collaborators – hopefully within the next year or so.

Despite her most recent success Lamond remains conscious of the continued need here in Cape Breton to develop more Gaelic speakers.

It was in Nova Scotia, visiting her grandparents throughout her youth, that Mary Jane Lamond fell in love with Scottish Gaelic traditions and song.

In another strange twist of fate, Lamond’s aunt, Margaret MacDonald, was one of Nova Scotia singer Portia White’s first accompanists.

"The world has fallen in love with Mary Jane Lamond's unique singing voice and embraced Gaelic song in the process," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris. "She deserves recognition for her talent and the passion she brings to her art."

The other two finalists for the Portia White Prize were Neil Forest, a professor and ceramic artist, and John Little, a blacksmith and sculptor.

An independent jury of artists reviewed nominations for the Portia White Prize which promotes excellence, innovation and expression in the arts. The annual gala is hosted by the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council.

Five people received Established Artist Recognition awards worth $5,000:

– cellist Norman Adams of Halifax has contributed to performing arts as a member of Symphony Nova Scotia, creator of chamber ensemble Suddenly Listen and his work with Gwen Noah Dance;

– artist, poet, educator and advocate Rose Adams of Halifax was chosen because of her relentless pursuit of excellence, including her contributions as artist in residence at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center's memory disability clinic;

– Emmy Alcorn of Guysborough is the artistic director of Mulgrave Road Theatre and has encouraged appreciation for arts and culture through her work in theatre and the development of the Chedabucto Place Performance Center;

– artist Cathy Busby of Halifax is renowned for her representational pieces which are featured in collections across Canada and around the world;

– painter and educator Drew Klassen of Halifax has taught drawing at Dalhousie University's school of architecture and painting at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and his work is prized for its depiction of landscapes.

The Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council, in consultation with the arts and culture sector, provides advice and recommendations to guide the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage regarding ongoing investment in Nova Scotia's artists, cultural industries and cultural activities.

Source:  http://www.oran.ca/entertainment.asp?id=544

Province Recognizes Artistic Excellenceby: Government of Nova Scotia | Oct 29th, 2010

The province celebrated achievements by its artists, awardingits most important arts and culture prize at the fifth Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala today, Oct. 29, at Halifax’s Pier 21.

Accomplished singer Mary Jane Lamond received the $18,000 Portia White prize in recognition of her efforts to preserve Gaelic culture through song.

“The world has fallen in love with Mary Jane Lamond’s unique singing voice and embraced Gaelic song in the process,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris. “She deserves recognition for her talent and the passion she brings to her art.”

An independent jury of artists reviewed nominations for the Portia White Prize which promotes excellence, innovation and expression in the arts. The annual gala is hosted by the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council.

As this year’s winner, Ms. Lamond is able to name a protégé to receive a $7,000 prize. She named arts organization Comunn Féis an Eilein of Christmas Island as her protégé. The organization helps to preserve the Gaelic language through a series of summer music performances that draw visitors to the community.

Nova Scotia’s francophone and Acadian cultures were recognized at the gala with a $10,000 Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award to the Municipality of Clare. The community’s cultural institutions include Université Sainte-Anne, Festival acadien de Clare, the new TréCarré arts gallery, Conseil des arts de la Baie Sainte-Marie and Rendez-vous de le Baie.

Clare is also home to many creative artists and groups, including theatre company Les Araignées du Boui-Boui, playwright Ryan Doucette, musicians Grand Dérangement and Blou, writer Georgette LeBlanc and visual artists Denise Comeau, Nadine Belliveau and Francois Gaudet.

“Our communities are better places because of the contributions made by Nova Scotia’s talented artists,” said Mr. Paris. “Creativity encourages new ideas and helps make life better for families in every region.”

Five people received Established Artist Recognition awards worth $5,000:

– cellist Norman Adams of Halifax has contributed to performing arts as a member of Symphony Nova Scotia, creator of chamber ensemble Suddenly Listen and his work with Gwen Noah Dance.

– artist, poet, educator and advocate Rose Adams of Halifax was chosen because of her relentless pursuit of excellence, including her contributions as artist in residence at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center’s memory disability clinic.

– Emmy Alcorn of Guysborough is the artistic director of Mulgrave Road Theatre and has encouraged appreciation for arts and culture through her work in theatre and the development of the Chedabucto Place Performance Center.

– artist Cathy Busby of Halifax is renowned for her representational pieces which are featured in collections across Canada and around the world.

– painter and educator Drew Klassen of Halifax has taught drawing at Dalhousie University’s school of architecture and painting at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and his work is prized for its depiction of landscapes.

The Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council, in consultation with the arts and culture sector, provides advice and recommendations to guide the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage regarding ongoing investment in Nova Scotia’s artists, cultural industries and cultural activities.

More information about the province’s arts and culture awards and prizes is available at www.gov.ns.ca/tch/culture_prizes.asp .

Source:  http://www.canadaviews.ca/2010/10/29/province-recognizes-artistic-excellence-2/

-- Mary Jane Lamond is a singer and Gaelic cultural ambassador from Glendale, Inverness Co. Ms. Lamond uses modern instrumentation and arrangements that provide a beautiful framework for Nova Scotia's Gaelic traditions and songs. Her gripping vocal performances have earned her many Juno and East Coast Music Award nominations as well as a MuchMusic Global Groove Award.

Source:  http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20101022007

Wednesday, July 21st, 20107:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Mary Jane Lamond is a sharer of songs, stories and spirit. This sharing has garnered Mary Jane numerous Juno and East Coast Music Award nominations, critical acclaim and a worldwide audience. Mary Jane's latest recording "Storas" (Gaelic meaning "a treasure"), is a beautiful interpretation of some of the Scottish Gaelic songs that have become part of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic tradition. Her use of modern instrumentation and arrangements provides a respectful and beautiful framework for these Gaelic treasures but it is Mary Jane's spell binding vocal performance and heartfelt delivery that makes these selections truly come alive for the listener.

On the North Shore of Cape Breton Island, the rich heritage of the region’s Scottish settlers was kept alive through song. It was in Nova Scotia, visiting her grandparents throughout her youth, that Mary Jane Lamond fell in love with Scottish Gaelic traditions and song. While enrolled in Saint Francis Xavier University’s Celtic Studies programme, Lamond released her first album, Bho Thir Nan Craobh, a collection of traditional material that introduced her unique singing voice and a then unknown fiddler named Ashley MacIsaac. The two talented Maritimers then collaborated on the award-winning radio smash "Sleepy Maggie".

Mary Jane Lamond took time-honoured Gaelic songs to the next level on Suas e!, which combined classic texts with contemporary pop sounds. The Globe & Mail praised it for its "refreshing balance between modern and ancient," and the album earned several Juno and East Coast Music Award nominations as well as a MuchMusic Global Groove Award for the video "Bog a'Lochain."

The success of Suas e! contributed to an explosion of interest in Celtic culture and Lamond took the songs on the road with a live band. Her experiences on the stage directly influenced the sound of Làn Dùil.

"I had the same philosophy, which is to pick a variety of songs in the tradition and work on different ways to arrange them," Lamond explains.

On Làn Dùil Lamond’s spell-binding renditions of treasured Gaelic songs are fused with original arrangements using a variety of instruments, from the familiar fiddle and bagpipes to Indian tabla. Ultimately, it’s a new style of world music that is unique to Mary Jane Lamond.

Yet as the singer herself will tell you, it’s the stories that matter. While Làn Dùil soothes and stirs, it also chronicles Cape Breton’s living Scottish Gaelic culture. The sounds of friends, family and local legends are heard throughout the album.

Despite the important role her music plays in preserving Scottish Gaelic songs that would otherwise rarely be heard outside Cape Breton, Mary Jane Lamond says Làn Dùil’s primary purpose is to entertain. "This is a huge oral literary tradition that is being lost at an alarming rate," she says, "and I am involved with community things that help conserve it for younger people. But I’m also an interpreter, a singer and musician and in my music the challenge is to create something new and exciting that doesn’t destroy the heart of it."

Òrain Ghàidhlig (Gaelic Songs of Cape Breton), focuses on the songs and poetry which are the cornerstone of this tradition. This recording remains true to the simple sharing of music that is the foundation of Gaelic culture – from the engaging milling songs performed by a group of Cape Breton’s finest traditional Gaelic singers to the lively old style fiddling of Joe Peter MacLean, a musician never before captured on recording. Recorded at the beautiful North River Church in Cape Breton, this enhanced cd also features visuals taken during the recording sessions.

Mary Jane Lamond makes timeless music for a modern age. Mary Jane Lamond continues to make a unique contribution to both world and pop music. This is Mary Jane's first time at CeltFest Vancouver Island and she will be appearing with her band in concert on Wednesday, and will host Gaelic song classes on both Wednesday and Thursday--leading a traditional Cape Breton Milling Frolic at the University before the Gala finale that night.

Cost:  Adult: $26.50Child: $18.00

Location:  Malaspina Theatre at Vancouver Island University900 5th Street, Nanaimo

Source:  http://www.harbourliving.ca/event/mary-jane-lamond-in-concert/2010-07-21/?pid=281278897ff85825dbd10ca7c6d57c2d

The Highland Village in Iona, Victoria Co., begins its 2010 season on Tuesday, June 1. During the summer a number of special events are being held to celebrate the Gaelic heritage and language in the province.

Events begin on Saturday, June 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with a Gaelic song social called Caidreabh nan Òran or Gathering in the Spirit of Good Company. The social will be led by Highland Village’s manager of interpretation Jim Watson and singer Mary Jane Lamond. The workshop will encourage people to socialize through the Gaelic language. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and students are free of charge.

http://www.canadaviews.ca/2010/05/31/highland-village-hosts-heritage-events/

AUGUST 5,6,7,8, 2010 - Mary Jane Lamond performs at 2010 “La Grand Rencontre”

Founded in 1993 by artistic director Gilles Garand, traditional music and dance festival La Grande Rencontre takes place in the magnificent Parc Lafontaine in the heart of metropolitan Montréal. The festival is an exceptional showcase for artists from many cultures, both here and abroad. Highly original programming and themed activities invite participation and initiate audiences to rich cultural heritage and a wide variety of styles and influences from international artists. Discover traditional music and dance in the outdoor Théâtre de Verdure each evening, dance in the Chalet du Parc, enjoy concerts and workshops in the Centre Calaxa-Lavallée and numerous smaller sites sheltered by tents in a gorgeous park setting. Workshops and Master classes offer musicians and dancers a chance to try their hand at something new or perfect their technique.

SOURCE: http://granderencontre.com/category/artistes-2010/

Text and Photos by Irina Echarry

HAVANA TIMES, April 28 — “A festival of what?” one woman asked, as she watched a parade to the pipers moving down calleObispo in Old Havana.  When she found out that it was a festival of Celtic music and tradition, her face grimaced as she wondered, “Are there really that many followers of that culture in Cuba?”

That same question was posed by many people.  But from April 6 to 13, Havana residents could enjoy a different atmosphere.  Bagpipes, violins and guitars celebrated the musical inheritance that migrated from European Celtic nations to the western hemisphere.

The Casa de la Poesía, the Centro Hispanoamericano as well as the Office of the City Historian were settings in which the performances were given by Irish artists Kilian Kennedy, Ryan McDonald and James P. Troy (on Highland bagpipes); Mary Jane Lamond (singing Gaelic songs), Liam O Maonlaoi (who constantly interacted with Cuban musicians), accordionist Niamh Ni Loud, the bagpipe band of Eduardo Lorenzo and the Centro Asturiano de la Habana.

The public in attendance was well defined: the majority was younger people between the ages of 25 and 40, in addition to rock music lovers.

One spectator, Gustavo —sporting a beard and long hair plaited into a braid— smiled to the chords of the duo made up of violinist Ward McDonald and guitarist Tim Chaisson.  “I love this music,” he said. “Not only do I hear it, but I feel it deep in my being.  I don’t know if in another life I was Celtic (laughing).  But no, seriously, it’s a privilege to be able to see such fine musicians and not have to pay a dime… It was a great idea to put on the festival; magnificent artists have come here.  Look, I never expected to listen to O Maonlaoi live.  I was familiar with his recordings; some friends of mine in Canada sent them to me… But now I can see him playing barefooted with my own eyes…”

Old Havana —which centuries ago greeted Catalan, Basque, Galician, Scottish and Irish immigrants— now welcomed the traditional parades of bagpipe bands, conferences, workshops (on singing, dancing and musical instruments such as the traditional violin, accordion and bagpipes), in addition to concerts.

For Alberto, a young worker at the Ministry of Health, not everything was rose colored: “The foreign guests are superb, but what I don’t like listening to are Cuban artists singing traditional Irish songs.  I don’t know, that passion strikes me as funny… it seems like they’re faking… just like some of the apparently fanatical audience… you see them there gathered here as if they were waiting for some god of the Irish pantheon, but those are the first people who when they leave the country start making their living giving salsa lessons…”

According to Marcel Nazabal, a young piper and one of the organizers of the event, “Our objective is to make this an annual event… It’s a job that requires a lot of effort by several national and international institutions.  This festival is the little brother of the great Celtic Colors, which takes place in Cape Breton in October every year; its president, Jackeline Taylor, has helped out a great deal so that we can enjoy what we’ve achieved.”

The followers of Celtic music and tradition in Cuba now have their event.  It’s good that there’s a space for everyone. All and all, our culture is a mixture of many others.

Source:The Havana Times - http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=23406

Gaelic Culture in Cape Breton by The Celtic Music Fan 

Whether you are listening to headphones or theater speakers, the production quality of Putumayos’s Celtic Crossroads will satisfy both formats. The good thing about these compilation as well as the rest that’s been floating around is that they introduce us to popular as well as unheard of artists. These albums are teasers on what to expect if you get into these unique acts.

For instance, the first track Parting Glass from Emmer Kelly is head turning;  with a voice that is breathy and ethereal as well. Capercaillie’s Hoirean O also made a surprising addition to the mix. Rough energetic styles like Keltik Elektrik’s Wild Mountain Thyme, Peatbog Faeries’ Captain Cou and Ashley McIsaac’s To America(with Mary Jane Lamond on vocals) spar well with Cara Dillon’s diaphanous alternative folk She’s Like the Swallow.Then, there’s Mick McAuley’s luminous track The House Carpenter. Still other known acts like Sinead O’Connor performing Her Mantle is stunning. Alan Stivell’s E Kreiz Hag En makes you long for more Breton music . Gwenno’s ethereal scruffy vocals on Tryweryn makes you wish for a full length album. Michael McGodrick’s Sully’s is a testament to Celtic music’s ability to fuse with other styles and genre yet making it still distinctively world music. This is a must have for those who like their Celtic music a bit of something else and totally familiar.

Tracklist:

Emer Kenny – Parting Glass

Capercaillie – Hoireann O

Keltik Elektrik – Wild Mountain Thyme

Michael McGoldrick – Sully’s No.37/Lucy’s Reel

Gwenno – Tryweryn

Mick McAuley – The House Carpenter

Cara Dillon – She’s Like the Swallow

Alan Stivell – E Kreiz Hag Endro

Sinéad O’Conner – Her Mantle So Green

Peatbog Faeries – Captain Coull’s Parrot

Ashley MacIsaac featuring Mary Jane Lamond – To America We Go

Source:http://celticmusicfan.wordpress.com/2010/04/27/gaelic-culture-in-cape-breton/

1.       Mary Jane Lamond: NYC Arts – The Complete Guide.

Lamond is a sharer of songs, stories and spirit. Her latest recording, Storas (Gaelic for "a treasure"), is an interpretation of the Scottish Gaelic songs that are part of Nova Scotia's Gaelic tradition. Her use of modern instrumentation and arrangements provides a respectful framework for these Gaelic treasures, but it is Mary Jane's vocal performance and heartfelt delivery that makes these selections come alive for the listener.

Directions: Subway: 6 to 68th Street/Hunter College

WHO/WHAT/WHEN/WHERE:Americas Society680 Park Avenue(at 68th Street)New York, NY  10065Tel: (212) 249-8950Free admission (all visitors, all hours).Dates & HoursFri, May 7, 2010, 7 pm – Fri, May 7, 2010, 9 pm

Source:  www.nyc-arts.org/events/7960/concert-mary-jane-lamond

I rediscovered my Mary Jane Lamond cd Lan Duil … I love her voice, and I love this music. It is perfect for knitting today.  On another of her albums, Suas E! she has a traditional spinning song, 'Òran Snìomh' 

SOURCE:  http://otterwise.blogspot.com/2010/04/mary-jane-lamond-and-knitting.html