The festival starts Friday night with the Vishtèn concert at 7:30pm.
Tickets are $25 in advance / $30 at the door.
Registration desk opens at 8:30am Saturday morning.
Workshops run Saturday and Sunday from 9:15am to 4:10pm. There are coffee and lunch breaks though!
This illustrated presentation by Dr Stewart Donovan, professor of Irish Studies at Saint Thomas University, will explore how the presentation of Irishness is now being taken with a seriousness not previously granted by feature film—and Hollywood in particular. A discussion period will follow the presentation, which is Friday, May 5th, at 4:30.
Poet, novelist, biographer, critic and editor, Stewart Donovan was born in Ingonish, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Professor Donovan studied Modern Literature at St. Francis Xavier University where he received his B.A. He received an M.A. from the University of Ottawa and his Ph.D. in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama from University College Dublin where he studied under major Irish writers and critics. For the past 26 years Donovan has taught Modern literature, drama, film and cultural studies at St. Thomas University.
Join us Saturday night for Irish set and ceili dancing with caller Elizabeth MacDonald and a live band led by Ward MacDonald! Set and ceili dancing is the best way to enjoy traditional Irish music. The dances are easy enough that everyone can participate regardless of experience. So bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for a great time!
Ceili
WHEN DISCUSSING the demographics of our province, most people would say with confident certainty that French and English make up the majority of New Brunswickers’ ethnic backgrounds. But did you know that coming in third on the census list are the Irish? In the early to mid 1800’s New Brunswick’s population swelled. The Irish were ensconced in every facet of society and geographical location of the colony—a colony that was nearly called ‘New Ireland’ by officials considering a good name for the soon-to-be ‘province’.
Denis Noel (retired Sound and Moving Image archivist of the New Brunswick Archives) and Dr. Stewart Donovan (Coordinator of Irish Studies at St. Thomas Univ) will give a joint presentation on In the Wake of Dark Passage, Irish Famine Migration to New Brunswick 1845-1852. Those interested in the presentation can familiarize themselves with the subject matter before hand by accessing the online Irish Portal.
This event is Saturday, May 6th at 4:30pm
Pot Luck Dinner
A pot luck dinner, Sunday at 4:30. Sheila Davidson (sheilajeandavidson@gmail.com ) has graciously agreed to coordinate.
Opening Concert
Registration
Workshops
Film Presentation
Presentation: Irish Famine Migration to New Brunswick
Painting Workshop with Vince Crotty
Vincent Crotty is an award winning Irish artist who now lives in Boston with his lovely wife, Kieran Jordan, our Sèan-nos instructor for this fest.
In the first hour, Vincent will paint and instruct as we observe and ask questions. In the second hour, we can paint our own painting and Vincent will mentor us. This promises to be a rich and rewarding time with this fascinating artist who "captures light".