Home | jpcollinsfestival

ASK US ANYTHING

Your Workshop Leaders

Adam McIntyre – Bodhran Techniques With his extensive background in Irish Dance and owner of the McIntyre School of Celtic Dance in Saint John, it's natural that Adam excels on the Irish Bodhran. The intricate rhythms and tones in his repertoire are easily reproduced on this most fascinating of Irish instruments.

Emmanuelle LeBlanc (Vishtèn) – Irish Whistle/ Beginner & Advanced Bodhran/Acadian Step & Chair Dancing As a teacher, Emmanuelle’s resume boasts a list of accolades as an international instructor of Acadian music, dance and song. She is an active member of several national arts organizations across Canada.

Kieran Jordan – Irish Sèan Nos Dance Kieran is a dynamic performer, teacher, director, choreographer and writer in the field of Irish Dance. Based in Boston, she has established a professional, freelance career spanning more than 15 years.

Pastelle LeBlanc (Vishtèn) – Accordion / Acadian Step & Chair Dancing An accomplished teacher, Pastelle is in demand as a piano accordion and percussive dance instructor at festivals and music camps around the world, and she has directed and choreographed several shows in a variety of styles.

Pascal Miousse (Vishtèn) – Acadian Fiddle/Guitar Accompaniment Pascal has contributed his multi-instrumental talents to various Canadian acts encompassing a wide array of genres from folk and traditional music to swing, rock and blues, and is in high demand as an instrumental instructor at music camps and workshops worldwide. Pascal is passionate about passing on his tradition and inspiring younger generations of musicians.

Ward MacDonald – Scottish Fiddle / Calling a Dance Ward grew up in the Scottish fiddling traditions of Prince Edward Island. His playing reflects four generations of family fiddling as is spiced with a unique blend of Cape Breton, Acadian and Irish influences. He has taught and performed at fiddle camps in New Brunswick, Vermont, Maine, Colorado and the Yukon.

Featuring performances and workshops by Vishtèn, Ward MacDonald, Kieran Jordan, Elizabeth MacDonald, and more!

A Full Weekend of Celtic Music, Dance, and Culture!

May 5-7, 2017 \\ Saint John \\ New Brunswick, Canada

Marilyn Inch – Beginner Irish Whistle Marilyn loves the opportunity to share the love of her chosen instrument with others. She began playing Irish Whistle in Newfoundland in 1980 after an earlier career as a classical musician. Applying all she learned as a bassoonist to the tin whistle resulted in her own unique style and tone. Marilyn has led many whistle workshops in both the US and Canada.

Opening Concert by Vishtèn

Workshops

Activities

The Festival Story

There are annual festivals of traditional Celtic music in various spots around the Maritimes, but ironically, until recently, there have been none here in Saint John, "Canada's most Irish city." In the fall of 2014, Comhaltas members Adam McIntyre and Eileen Costigan decided to change that, adding Saint John as a destination for those looking for traditional Celtic workshops and camaraderie. James Patrick Collins was a young Irish doctor who tended the sick on Partridge Island until he died there himself. As a homage to his work, his name was chosen for the new festival.

The first JP Collins festival was a great success -- we presented several well-attended musical instrument and dance workshops and an evening ceili. The second festival was held in the theatre and meeting rooms of the Sanctuary Theatre, again in uptown Saint John. We stepped things up that year with additional professional musicians to teach workshops and play at the ceili.

This year, we raise the bar again with more professional musicians to lead a greater variety of workshops, along with a move to a more spacious venue: the Kent Theatre.

Ceili!

Ask Us

Click for Tickets!