Warm up the winter with another great performance brought to you by the Quadra Cultural Committee.
Coming to the Quadra Island Community Centre on Friday, Feb. 12 is Còig (Ko-ig), an exciting ensemble of musicians from Cape Breton, said to be one of that island’s most captivating young bands.
Originally coming together for a promotional tour for the Celtic Colours International Festival, the formation proved to be something special, and the group decided to continue to tour together as a band.
Proving to be a serious force to be reckoned with in the traditional music scene with their driving tunes, haunting songs and infectious energy, Còig is a treat for the ears of every audience they meet.
Fiddler Chrissy Crowley, from Margaree, Cape Breton has an impressive list of awards, nominations, and international appearances.
Crowley embraces her Celtic roots and makes them her own, through original compositions coupled with contemporary arrangements of traditional tunes. Darren McMullen, from Hardwood Lands, NS, is a highly sought after multi-instrumentalist. Easily switching between guitar, mandolin, whistle and banjo with Còig, this “Swiss-army knife” keeps the rhythm sound diverse, and is sure to impress with his lead playing of his various “on-stage weapons.”
Rachel Davis from Baddeck, Cape Breton spends her time switching from international festival stages to small local dances at home.
In a genre that sees many performers pushing the envelope and testing new waters, her style of playing traditional tunes in a traditional way is a refreshing reminder of why the Cape Breton fiddle style drives so hard, and is so sought after.
Jason Roach, from Chéticamp, Cape Breton is one of the most impressive piano players you will ever hear.
With a style all his own, and an unparalleled intensity on the keys, you’ll have to remind yourself that there’s other players on the stage.
With a combined total of more than 30 nominations and awards, each of Còig’s talented musicians have released their own successful solo albums, and have toured both at home and abroad before coming together as this exciting super group.
Their much anticipated debut album “Five” was released in June, 2014 to rave reviews, and has earned the band the 2014 Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Album of the Year, the Music Nova Scotia Award for Traditional/Roots Recording of the Year, and most recently, the 2015 East Coast Music Award for Roots/Traditional Group Recording of the Year.
Tickets for this performance can be purchased on Quadra Island at Works of H’Art in Heriot Bay, Inspirations in Quathiaski Cove and in Campbell River, at the Music Plant.
Advance tickets are $17 or $20 at the door. Performances are made possible with sponsorship and funding from Quadra Island Recreation Centre, BC Arts Council, the Government of Canada and the Strathcona Regional District.