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April 27, 2008
Singer looking forward to
sharing her Gaelic culture with Islanders. Mary Jane Lamond
to give workshops and perform at the Kings Playhouse in
Georgetown
SALLY COLE, The Guardian
Mary Jane
Lamond burst onto the music scene as the hypnotic Gaelic
voice behind Ashley MacIsaac’s hit song Sleepy Maggie in
1995.
Thirteen
years, four CDs and countless concerts later, she has become
one of the best-known Gaelic singers in the world.
“At this
point in my career, I get to do a variety of things, but my
favourite is performing,” says Lamond, who will be in
Georgetown for a concert at Kings Playhouse on Saturday at 8
p.m.
“I’m so
excited. It’s the first time I’ve ever performed there. It’s
also been a long time since I’ve played with a full band.
These days I’m mainly a guest performer so it will be fun to
get back with everyone again,” says Lamond.
That night
she will be accompanied by Wendy MacIsaac, fiddle; Ed
Woodsworth, bass; Chris Corrigan, guitar; and Geoff
Arsenault, percussion.
“Rehearsing for the concert has kept me busy,” says Lamond,
whose concert is in support of her CD, Stòras.
Although
she isn’t touring as much as she has in previous years, her
talents are sought out in a variety of ways.
Besides
singing, she programs the Celtic channel for Galaxie
satellite radio.
“I don’t
feel like I’m a deejay because I am not at a radio station.
Instead, I do everything on my laptop computer. I listen to
a lot of music, program it before it’s sent out by
satellite,” she says.
Lamond’s
proficiency in the language garners her invitations to teach
Gaelic songs and stories at workshops.
On
Saturday, for instance, she’s presenting An Exploration of
the Gaelic Song Tradition workshop at the Kings Playhouse,
1-2:30 p.m.
“It’s a
chance for people to explore the Celtic language,” she says.
The
workshop is one of many that she gives.
“Each year
I do two weeks with a youth group at the Highland Village
museum in Iona in Cape Breton. We bring in 10 young people
and several tradition bearers — people who tell stories,
sing or dance.
“The youth
learn from them and receive a stipend for their efforts.
“It’s a
great way to introduce young people to the culture,” she
says.
Lamond
will also be giving workshops in Cape Cod, Antigonish and
other places not yet confirmed.
“We’re
also doing a folk life school at the Highland Village. A lot
of people are coming to learn Gaelic. We’re putting it into
a home life context. We’re making traditional foods and
storytelling,” she says.
In the
fall, Lamond will also escort a coach tour during a day-trip
around the Cabot Trail for Rhapsody Tours.
“I’ll be
sharing some of my favourite places in Cape Breton.
“My
fiddler, Wendy MacIsaac, will coming with me. And when it’s
over we’ll put on a concert for everyone,” says Lamond.
While
certain about these things, her plans for going back to the
recording studio are up in the air.
“I have
some ideas for a project I’m working on. Maybe next winter
I’ll have more to tell you.”
Fast facts
Activities: Gaelic language and song workshops, 1-2:30 pm
concert, 8
p.m., at the Kings Playhouse, Georgetown.
Tickets:
$22, for concert; $15, workshops; concert/workshops package,
$32.
Information: To book tickets call 1-888-346-5666 or go to
www.kingsplayhouse.com.
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Above photo:
Margaree (by Victor Maurice Faubert)
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