The Spring Rain weekend May 4 to 6 in Fergus and Belwood reads like a “who’s who” of Irish traditional music and dance, but the event’s fourth rendition will also mark the first time Festival Irish Dance workshops have been offered in Canada.
The performance by world-class musicians and dancers is $12.50 in advance and $15 at the door. The 55 workshops are open to the public, priced at $30 each.
Spring Rain weekend welcomes performers and artists from three countries – Ireland, the United States and Canada – as well as competitors from many Canadian and U.S. locations, said artistic director and founder Marilyn Abraham.
“There’s something for everyone, including an artisan fair and a fun-filled evening community ceili where everyone can kick up their heels.”
Performers and workshop leaders include award-winning harpist and singer Maire Ni Chathasaigh of County Cork, Ireland, who has toured with the Irish chart topper folk music band Plantxy, and pianist Julie Schryer of Algoma District, Ontario, a member of the Canadian group The Schryer Family.
Advance tickets are available at the church office, 300 St. Andrew Street West, Fergus, or at the Bookery, 191 St. Andrew Street West, for $12.50. Remaining tickets can be purchased at the door for $15.
The public can also register until April 5 for workshops held throughout the weekend with these world-class performers, many offered at different levels of expertise.
Music workshops in harp, uilleann pipes, fiddle, flute, penny whistle and bodhran; various dance styles; Irish conversational language, singing and arts like henna are available.
For more information and to register, email artistic director Marilyn Abraham at spring_rain@email.com or call 519-787-0096. Or visit the event’s Facebook page at https://goo.gl/aFBzKK.
