Celtic Music on Prince Edward Island/Green Gables

At first glance the word "ceilidh" looks like a misspelling to the untrained eye. However a ceilidh is a gathering of aficionados of Celtic Music. The Celtic Music scene is very big on Prince Edward Island and the best place to start is the Wednesday nigh ceilidh at Orwell Corner.

The historic Orwell Corner holds weekly events and is at least partly responsible for keeping the thriving traditional music scene alive. Ceilidhs are so popular that you will need to arrive early in order to find a seat in the small community hall. Lanterns light the way from the parking lot to the hall. Take your dancing shoes because you will surely be asked to dance by the happy locals.

If you've never attended a Celtic Celebration then consider reading up on "Come Ceilidh" by Shelley Cameron-McCarron. This book lists many of the more popular ceilidh that take place on a weekly basis in addition to Orwell Corner. For instance, there is Rollo Bay which hosts the Fiddle Field Ceilidh and sometimes coincides with the annual Fiddle Festival. Many talented musicians live or have settled in the area almost guaranteeing that any festival will feature world class music.

If you wish to continue your ceilidh tour past Thursday, then your next stop would on Friday at the Benevolent Irish Society Hall on North River Road in Charlottetown. Here you will find Acadian fiddlers joining the Irish and Scottish fiddle players. There are also dancing and fiddle lessons for the more adventurous.

Still in Charlottetown, there is the Dublin Pub on Sydney Street. Saturday nights sees a gathering of performers from all over the maritime regions. You will need to come early in order to get a good seat and something to eat. No worry, the session lasts long into the evening and so does the fun.

The ceilidh said to be the liveliest is held in Monticello on the eastern end of Prince Edward Island. The sessions usually take place on Sunday at the Monticello Log Hall. The agenda is unpredictable but the entertainment is always fun and enjoyable. If you're looking to learn how to play, then drop by the College of Piping on Water Street in Summerside. The College is world renown for its instruction in the Highland arts of Celtic, dancing, drumming and piping.