Concert Series

Summer / Fall 2009

July 13 - Frank MacKay

Recording artist Frank MacKay returns to the Ship's Company Concert Series in support of his latest release, Believe It or Not, an eclectic mix of R&B, Blues and Country. Reviewing the CD, Stephen Cooke of the Halifax Herald said, “It’s a treat to hear MacKay in such fine voice”, and Dave Guy from Cat Country/ Big Dog Radio in Truro called it “...the ultimate collection for Frank MacKay fans”.

Appearing with Frank will be The R&B All Stars featuring seven of Nova Scotia’s premiere musicians: Alan Macumber, Ross Billard, Greg Fancy, Doug MacKay, Rick Waychesko, Dawn Hatfield and John Hollis. If Frank’s performance this year is anything like his 2006 appearance, it will be a night Recording artist Frank MacKay returns to the Ship’s Company not to be missed!

July 20 - Samantha Robichaud

Flawless, outstanding and fresh describe Samantha’s fiddle playing. Her original writing and sound is rooted in Traditional, Celtic, Acadian, Bluegrass, Classical and Contemporary styles. Samantha’s live performances are filled with enthusiastic playing and warm personal connection with the audience.

Samantha is a true virtuoso. Her fifth CD,
A New Stage, highlights an old soul playing fiddle and a young woman coming of age through her contemporary composition and singing.

July 27 - Fullhouse

Fullhouse grew from Los Primos - Spanish for “the cousins” - a visionary project linking young Canadian and Cuban music students, led by musician and educator Jeff Goodspeed.

This talented and hard-working group, with Goodspeed and percussionist Keith Mullins, deliver their zesty Latin sound with youthful enthusiasm and remarkable skill. Fantastic!

August 10 - Hal Bruce

A musician/singer and world traveller from Nova Scotia, Hal Bruce is the only North American performer to have been inducted into the International Beatle Week Festival Hall of Fame. Hal has performed all 214 released Beatles songs in a non-stop medley, and is known world-wide for his remarkable dedication to perpetuating the group’s music.

A dynamic and energetic perfromer, Hal Bruce will be joined by drummer Scott Ferguson as they bring timeless Beatles favourites to life and bring adoring audiences to their feet!

August 17 - Abrams Brothers

The Abrams Brothers are fourth-generation musicians, with musical roots reaching back to their great-grandparents. In the Abrams family, musical collaborations spanning generations are practically tradition, be it at hometown performances, in the recording studio or on tour throughout North America and the world.

In 2005 The Abrams Brothers became the youngest Canadians to appear on Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. John and James, with Elijah, demonstrate mastery over their instruments, sounding like wellrounded, fully developed veteran musicians. A return engagement; this show will astonish you!

August 24 - Theresa Malenfant

Theresa Malenfant, New Brunswick’s “Queen of Blues”, has been bringing down the house since she snuck underage into a local bar and asked to sing with the late, great Dutchie Mason. She has been nominated or awarded many times Best Female Artist or Best Blues Artist at both the ECMA’s and the Canadian Maple Blues Awards.

Theresa has a loyal following across Canada as well as Europe. Hold onto your hats, because she may blow the roof off!

September 6, 2pm - Atlantic Canada Ceilidh

Atlantic Canada Ceilidh is a celebration of fun, laughter, songs, and good times. The tradition begun by our forefathers continues today as this powerhouse of maritime performers reaches out to its captivated and appreciative audience.

Hosted by Peter Harrison and Steve Dooks, Atlantic Canada Ceilidh has an abundance of folk tales, dancing and songs. Fiddles, piano, accordian, guitar, drums, tin whistle, and bohdran drum create the perfect “kitchen gathering” for all to enjoy. A rousing September tradition!

October 18, 2pm - Ardyth & Jennifer and Nova Voce

Treat yourself to an afternoon serenade by two of Nova Scotia’s favourite musical ensembles - Ardyth and Jennifer, renowned for their exquisite harmonies and unique arrangements for voices and harps, and Nova Voce Men’s Choir, whose sound has been hailed by reviewers as “...soft as velvet and deep as midnight...”. An afternoon of musical perfection.