Festical Venues, Schedule & Tickets

Saturday March 9
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

12:00 pm North Shore Celtic Ensemble
1:15 pm SwingReel
2:30 pm Blackthorn
3:45 pm Vagabonds

Celts on the Creek
A special FREE kick-off celebration event

For the second year CelticFest is proud to present a special FREE kick-off celebration on March 9 at the Village on False Creek (the former Olympic Village). It’s a family-friendly afternoon of free Celtic music, dance, food and fare featuring artists from CelticFest including: The North Shore Celtic Ensemble, SwingReel, Blackthorn and Vagabonds.

Look for The Green Man, an eight-foot gentle and mystical storytelling giant. There'll be face painting, food booths, Celtic jewelers and much more!

Bring the family and help kick-start CelticFest 2013!

The Village on False Creek
Plaza by Manitoba Street & Athlete’s Way

Free

Saturday March 9
11:00 pm

Vagabonds

Vagabonds are a cover band whose members all hail from Ireland. They met in Vancouver in 2010 and discovered a common love for all things music, with a wealth of experience and at least ten different instruments between them. They’ve become a popular fixture on the local gig scene, playing everything from traditional Irish favourites to modern folk and classic rock.

Vancouver FanClub
1050 Granville Street

$10 at the door

Sunday March 10
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sloe Gin Sideshow

Sloe gin is a heady distillation made from the fruit of the blackthorn, so expect an intoxicating mash-up of traditional Irish sounds and more as this dynamic sideshow of veteran Blackthorn member, Michael Viens (vocals, guitars, harmonica, percussion) and Damanta member Elegwen Ó Maoileoin (vocals, bodhran, bouzouki, uilleann pipes, whistles) team up with the incomparable Jenny Bice (vocals, fiddle).

Johnnie Fox’s Irish Snug
1033 Granville St.

19 years +

Monday March 11
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Lewis Kane

Raised in the Scottish Highlands, young Lewis Kane has been playing Celtic and folk music since he was a bairn. Trained at the Scottish National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music, his contemporary take on traditional accordion-playing includes self-penned pieces and lively versions of tunes and songs from Scotland, Ireland and Canada.

Johnnie Fox’s Irish Snug
1033 Granville St.

19 years +

Tuesday March 12
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Lewis Kane

Raised in the Scottish Highlands, young Lewis Kane has been playing Celtic and folk music since he was a bairn. Trained at the Scottish National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music, his contemporary take on traditional accordion-playing includes self-penned pieces and lively versions of tunes and songs from Scotland, Ireland and Canada.

Johnnie Fox’s Irish Snug
1033 Granville St.

19 years +

Wednesday March 13
Doors 5:30 pm
Tasting 6:00 pm

A Whisky Kiss
7th Annual Scotch Tasting

Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast, a newcomer to the world of the dram, or just looking for an evening out at one of CelticFest’s most popular events, A Whisky Kiss is for you!

Indulge your senses with five high-end whisky samples in the good company of fellow spirit explorers. Enhance your appreciation of the world of whisky with Scotch Educator, Mike Nicolson. From a long line of distillers, whisky is in Mike’s blood. He’s worked with the world’s most prestigious brands, and will pass some of his fascinating insider knowledge on to you.

Come celebrate the ‘water of life’.
Reserve early. This event sells fast!

(Afterwards, head upstairs to Doolin’s to catch the Pat Chessell Duo)

The Cellar
1006 Granville St. @ Nelson St.
(below Doolin’s)

Advance Tickets $30
$35 at the door

Includes 5 premium scotch/whisky samples & appetizers.

19 years +

Service charges apply.

Wednesday March 13
8:00 pm – 12:00 am

Sloe Gin Sideshow

Sloe gin is a heady distillation made from the fruit of the blackthorn, so expect an intoxicating mash-up of traditional Irish sounds and more as this dynamic sideshow of veteran Blackthorn member, Michael Viens (vocals, guitars, harmonica, percussion) and Damanta member Elegwen Ó Maoileoin (vocals, bodhran, bouzouki, uilleann pipes, whistles) team up with the incomparable Jenny Bice (vocals, fiddle).

Mahony & Sons Public House
Burrard Landing, 1055 Canada Place, Unit #36

19 years +

Thursday March 14
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Sloe Gin Sideshow

Sloe gin is a heady distillation made from the fruit of the blackthorn, so expect an intoxicating mash-up of traditional Irish sounds and more as this dynamic sideshow of veteran Blackthorn member, Michael Viens (vocals, guitars, harmonica, percussion) and Damanta member Elegwen Ó Maoileoin (vocals, bodhran, bouzouki, uilleann pipes, whistles) team up with the incomparable Jenny Bice (vocals, fiddle).

Johnnie Fox’s Irish Snug
1033 Granville St.

19 years +

Thursday March 14
8:00 pm – 12:00 am

The Whiskeydicks

This BC-by-way-of-Whitehorse band are cowboy Celtic Gypsy Punk Rockers who have spent the better part of a decade cultivating a rowdy disposition and building a rep for delivering one hell of a good time. They move between traditional and modern music and across cultures with glee, playing songs that tell stories of good times past or that make you want to stomp and dance.

Mahony & Sons Public House
Burrard Landing, 1055 Canada Place, Unit #36

19 years +

Thursday March 14
9:30 pm – 1:30 am

New Fish

The New Fish quartet play Irish and East Coast music along with some rock and folk – favourite tunes people just love to hear. Band members are veteran multi-instrumentalists who create a heady ‘back home’, good-time vibe that gets feet a-tappin’, making every night out in their company a special occasion.

Doolin’s Irish Pub
654 Nelson St @ Granville St.

19 years +

Friday March 15
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Sloe Gin Sideshow

Sloe gin is a heady distillation made from the fruit of the blackthorn, so expect an intoxicating mash-up of traditional Irish sounds and more as this dynamic sideshow of veteran Blackthorn member, Michael Viens (vocals, guitars, harmonica, percussion) and Damanta member Elegwen Ó Maoileoin (vocals, bodhran, bouzouki, uilleann pipes, whistles) team up with the incomparable Jenny Bice (vocals, fiddle).

Johnnie Fox’s Irish Snug
1033 Granville St.

19 years +

Friday March 15
5:30 pm

Sionnaine Irish Dancers

The Sionnaine (pronounced Shannon) Irish Dance Academy presents a high-energy show combining grace, technique and a joyful passion for dance. These lively young dancers are trained in both traditional and modern Irish step dance – part of that proud tradition for a decade. Come be inspired by their philosophy to ‘dance like no one is watching’! 

Céili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
670 Smithe St. @ Granville St.

19 years +

Friday March 15
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Sloe Gin Sideshow

Sloe gin is a heady distillation made from the fruit of the blackthorn, so expect an intoxicating mash-up of traditional Irish sounds and more as this dynamic sideshow of veteran Blackthorn member, Michael Viens (vocals, guitars, harmonica, percussion) and Damanta member Elegwen Ó Maoileoin (vocals, bodhran, bouzouki, uilleann pipes, whistles) team up with the incomparable Jenny Bice (vocals, fiddle).

Céili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
670 Smithe St. @ Granville St.

19 years +

Friday March 15
Doors 7:00 pm
Concert 8:00 pm

St. Pat’s Rocks with The Town Pants

Known for delivering rollicking shows full of rebel passion and spirit, The Town Pants brand of Celtic music is some of the most dynamic and innovative you’ll find just about anywhere. They combine Irish traditional, folk rock and roots Americana music with signature dual lead vocals to create a unique brand of high energy "West Coast Celtic" that remains in the heart and head long after the last note ends.

Vancouver-based, the band has garnered enthusiastic fans everywhere after a decade of concerts in hundreds of cities and in over a dozen countries, headlining roots, rock, world and Celtic festivals and sold out shows at venues from New York to Norway. They’re bringing their special Celtic roots rock back home to CelticFest fans in this special show.

This audience favourite is sure to deliver the sizzle to jump start St. Pat’s weekend. Put on your dancing pants and get ready for a night of all-out fun!

Venue
881 Granville St.

Advance Tickets $20
$25 at the door

19 years +

Service charges apply.

Saturday March 16
11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Blackthorn

Since 1988, this Vancouver-based Celtic folk group has been celebrating the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland, and the folk music of English and French Canada to wide and enthusiastic acclaim. From lively jigs and reels to heart-wrenching airs and ballads, their melodies and intricately woven harmonies bring this music to life in a new way – always delivered with good humour and fun.

Céili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
670 Smithe St. @ Granville St.

19 years +

Saturday March 16
12:00 pm

SwingReel

SwingReel is Vancouver’s hottest swing/acoustic roots band. Their music blends and draws from sources as varied as Django and Grappelli, Motown, Hank Williams, and traditional Celtic and North American fiddle styles. Renowned Vancouver guitarist, Craig McGregor and 3-time Canadian Fiddle Champion, Mark Sullivan are joined by veteran musician Paul Bergman on double bass.

Doolin’s Stage on Granville
@ Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Free

Saturday March 16
12:00 pm

Royal Scottish Country Dance Team

You don’t have to be Scottish to be a Scottish Country dancer. Of all the different types of national dance, Scottish Country Dancing is one enjoyed by peoples around the world. The Team showcases Scotland’s colourful social dancing, a musically irresistible, healthy workout for mind and body. They were established over 50 years ago and represent the Vancouver Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.

Kids’ Celtic Corner on Granville
@ Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Free

Saturday March 16
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (roving)

Sean "The Canadian" Leprechaun

Have you ever seen a leprechaun? Here’s your chance! Sean "The Canadian" Leprechaun is making his first appearance at CelticFest, You might catch him handing out lucky charms or frolicking in the parade. He could be making balloon animals or regaling listeners with his funny hard luck stories, accompanied by a lively tune on his recorder, And if you like poetry and Irish Blessings, just go up to him and ask!

Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Free

Saturday March 16
1:00 pm

Gaelic Dance Music (Puirt à beul) Workshop
with Maeve Mackinnon & Brian McAlpine

This workshop focuses on the cheerful, percussive style of traditional singing known as "mouth music", or in Scottish Gaelic, puirt-à-beul (translated: tunes from the mouth). This rhythmic style of singing often accompanied Gaelic dances. While disputed, some think it arose out of a ban on musical instruments that followed the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Whenever it began, Scotland’s great singer Maeve Mackinnon and accordionist Brian McAlpine will demonstrate and discuss this elemental and influential vocal artform.

Tom Lee Music – City Stage
Lobby Level, 929 Granville St.

Free

Saturday March 16
1:30 pm

Qristina & Quinn Bachand

Hailed as “the most exciting act to come along in the world of Celtic music since… anyone you care to mention”, these young BC-based siblings have quickly risen to the top of the international Celtic music world. Qristina is an expressive musician who captivates with both her voice and fiery fiddling. Equally-gifted Quinn has been called Canada’s top Celtic guitarist. Put them at the top of your must-see list!

Doolin’s Stage on Granville
@ Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Free

Saturday March 16
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Saturday Jam Session with Rob Montgomery

A central figure on the local music scene for over 30 years, guitarist, vocalist, musical director Rob Montgomery is well-known as the leader of rock, blues and soul band Incognito. Rob’s regular Saturday blues/rock jam session takes a decidedly Celtic turn this week, when Rob will be channeling his inner Celt and jamming with other musicians doing the same, all gathering in the downtown core for CelticFest. Drop by and check out some hot musical fusions in the making!

Vancouver FanClub
1050 Granville St.

Free

19 years +

Saturday March 16
3:00 pm

Oliver Swain’s BIG MACHINE

Victoria’s Oliver Swain eats, sleeps and breathes folk and traditional music. He has a pure, finely-tuned voice, an astonishing range, and an undeniable skill behind a banjo or upright bass, From early years with The Bills and Celtic powerhouse Scruj MacDuhk (The Duhks) to Outlaw Social and his current solo project, Oliver has fused Celtic, Canadiana and Americana music into a signature brand of BC roots music.

Doolin’s Stage on Granville
@ Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Free

Saturday March 16
3:00 pm

Sionnaine Irish Dancers

The Sionnaine (pronounced Shannon) Irish Dance Academy presents a high-energy show combining grace, technique and a joyful passion for dance. These lively young dancers are trained in both traditional and modern Irish step dance – part of that proud tradition for a decade. Come be inspired by their philosophy to ‘dance like no one is watching’!

Céili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
670 Smithe St. @ Granville St.

19 years +

Saturday March 16
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Timothy Hewitt

Tim is an East Coast native with a flair for good time tunes. Think “lively” and “entertaining”! Performing everything from traditional Celtic tunes to modern classics with a twist as a one-man-band, he incorporates looping technology to create a rousing big, all-enveloping sound. Tim also performs as a duo with a fiddling sidekick.

Céili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
670 Smithe Street @ Granville St.

19 years +

Saturday March 16
6:00 pm

British Columbia Regiment Irish Pipes and Drums

The pipes, the pipes are calling! The British Columbia Regiment Irish Pipes and Drums are one of five serving Irish regimental pipe bands in the world, an all-volunteer 28-member band comprised of civilian women, men and youth from diverse ethnic origins. They appear under the direction of Pipe Major Alistair Pattison, and by the kind permission of LCol H.S. Sajjan, CD, AdeC. Bagpipes and drums will make your CelticFest experience complete!

Céili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
670 Smithe St. @ Granville St.

19 years +

Saturday March 16
8:00 pm – 12:00 am

Lorne Warr & The Streels

A streel is a slovenly person in Newfie-speak, but there's nothing shabby about these transplanted East-Coasters who sing and play an eclectic repertoire of original, Maritime, and Celtic tunes – think jigs and reels that make you want to dance, and ballads that make you want to hold loved ones close. The band includes singer/songwriter Lorne Warr and Tom Neville on fiddle.

Mahony & Sons Public House
Burrard Landing, 1055 Canada Place, Unit #36

19 years +

Saturday March 16
9:00 pm – 1:00 am

The Whiskeydicks

This BC-by-way-of-Whitehorse band are cowboy Celtic Gypsy Punk Rockers who have spent the better part of a decade cultivating a rowdy disposition and building a rep for delivering one hell of a good time. They move between traditional and modern music and across cultures with glee, playing songs that tell stories of good times past or that make you want to stomp and dance.

Doolin’s Irish Pub
654 Nelson St. @ Granville S.

19 years +

Sunday March 17
10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Face Painting
by Marie-Hélène Babin

Getting their faces painted can make a great day even more special for kids of every age! Marie-Helene is a professional face painter, makeup and visual artist like no other. She creates amazing and intricate designs that paint and illuminate faces in a fantastical and fun-filled way.

Kids’ Celtic Corner on Granville
@ Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Sunday March 17
11:00 am

9th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

It’s the best way to truly celebrate March 17th! Head down to the 9th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and join thousands of happy celebrants, all gripped by a love of the Irish! Dress up in green, grab your loved ones and come to the parade, where the happy Celtic spirit of fun prevails.

You’ll see colourfully-costumed participants, pipe bands, marching Colour Guard, Irish & Scottish dancers, stilt-walkers, musicians, resplendent floats, vintage cars, maybe even a lucky leprechaun, and more!

The St. Pat‘s Day parade is the best free fun for the whole family you’re likely to find anywhere. See you there!

Parade route begins at Howe St. @ Davie St. and proceeds north on Howe St. to Georgia St., ending at Georgia & Granville.

Free

Sunday March 17
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Academie Duello International Centre for Swordplay (Demo)

Academie Duello is the world’s largest centre devoted to the study and practice of European Swordplay and Western Martial Arts. Academy members will introduce you to this fascinating medieval and renaissance world with a demonstration of the traditional use of legendary weapons, including rapiers and long-swords, from battlefield warfare to gentlemanly dueling.

Kids’ Celtic Corner on Granville@ Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Free

Sunday March 17
1:00 pm

Cape Breton Fiddle Workshop
with Mairi Rankin

Join one of Nova Scotia’s musical treasures, Mairi Rankin, as she demonstrates and discusses the Cape Breton style of fiddling. In this workshop, Mairi will talk about the 3 main techniques that give Cape Breton fiddle its distinctive sound: grace notes, cuts and drones. She’ll also focus on the main types of tunes most commonly played at home, and even teach a couple of them to workshop participants. She’ll demonstrate by ear, but will have sheet music handy if folks need. Grab your fiddle and come on down!

Tom Lee Music – City Stage
Lobby Level, 929 Granville St.

Free

Sunday March 17
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (roving)

Sean "The Canadian" Leprechaun

Have you ever seen a leprechaun? Here’s your chance! Sean "The Canadian" Leprechaun is making his first appearance at CelticFest, You might catch him handing out lucky charms or frolicking in the parade. He could be making balloon animals or regaling listeners with his funny hard luck stories, accompanied by a lively tune on his recorder, And if you like poetry and Irish Blessings, just go up to him and ask!

Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Free

Sunday March 17
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Irish Dance Showcase

Join us at the Kids’ Celtic Corner when local Irish Dance groups join together to kick up their heels in a mass dance, followed by performances by each individual school.

This showcase is organized by Leslie Wilson of the De Danaan Irish Dancers.

Kids’ Celtic Corner on Granville
@ Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Free

Sunday March 17
2:00 pm

The Rakish Angles

The tranquility of the Sunshine Coast has conjured up an assured quartet inspired by all sorts of music. They weave an inspired tapestry of mostly-original instrumental “old-time/Latin, Gypsy-grass” tunes, and their honest, natural sound is striking a chord with audiences everywhere. The Angles are Serena Eades (violin), Simon Hocking (mandolin), Boyd Norman (bass), and Dan Richter (guitar).

Doolin’s Stage on Granville
@ Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Free

Sunday March 17
2:00 pm

British Columbia Regiment Irish Pipes and Drums

The pipes, the pipes are calling! The British Columbia Regiment Irish Pipes and Drums are one of five serving Irish regimental pipe bands in the world, an all-volunteer 28-member band comprised of civilian women, men and youth from diverse ethnic origins. They appear under the direction of Pipe Major Alistair Pattison, and by the kind permission of LCol H.S. Sajjan, CD, AdeC. Bagpipes and drums will make your CelticFest experience complete!

Céili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
670 Smithe St. @ Granville St.

19 years +

Sunday March 17
2:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Halifax Wharf Rats

More than your everyday Celtic band, Brian Flanagan, Michelle Carlisle, Rick Chapman and Robert Graves are also the kind of lively folks you want to invite home for dinner. With lots of Celtic and Maritime music in store, along with a friendly kitchen-party feel, please come early and stay late – just like a true Haligonian.

Céili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
670 Smithe St. @ Granville St.

19 years +

Sunday March 17
3:00 pm

Sionnaine Irish Dancers

The Sionnaine (pronounced Shannon) Irish Dance Academy presents a high-energy show combining grace, technique and a joyful passion for dance. These lively young dancers are trained in both traditional and modern Irish step dance – part of that proud tradition for a decade. Come be inspired by their philosophy to ‘dance like no one is watching’!

Céili’s Irish Pub &smp; Restaurant
670 Smithe St. @ Granville St.

19 years +

Sunday March 17
3:30 pm

The Whiskeydicks

This BC-by-way-of-Whitehorse band are cowboy Celtic Gypsy Punk Rockers who have spent the better part of a decade cultivating a rowdy disposition and building a rep for delivering one hell of a good time. They move between traditional and modern music and across cultures with glee, playing songs that tell stories of good times past or that make you want to stomp and dance.

Doolin’s Stage on Granville
@ Mahony & Sons Celtic Village

Free

Sunday March 17
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Pat Chessell

He’s been called “a force to be reckoned with,” by Canada’s top Celtic publicationThe Celtic Connection, who recommends you check Pat Chessell out now, so you can say you knew him when. He’s recognized for his passionate, smoky vocals, high energy performances, guitar skills, and a Celtic-fueled sound influenced by roots, blues and country.

Doolin’s Irish Pub
654 Nelson St. @ Granville St.

19 years +

Sunday March 17
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Timothy Hewitt Duo

Tim is an East Coast native with a flair for good time tunes. Think “lively” and “entertaining”! Performing everything from traditional Celtic tunes to modern classics with a twist as a one-man-band, he incorporates looping technology to create a rousing big, all-enveloping sound. Tim performs tonight as a duo with a fiddling sidekick.

Céili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
670 Smithe St. @ Granville St.

19 years +

Sunday March 17
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Eire Born Irish Dancers

Eire Born Irish Dancers are comprised of top dancers from 8 to 17 years of age from the Nora Pickett Irish Dance Academy. Every Eire Born dancer has achieved a championship level of Irish dance. On stage, they produce an energetic and awe-inspiring show, with dance styles ranging from the traditional to more modern Riverdance and Lord of the Dance

Mahony & Sons Public House
Burrard Landing, 1055 Canada Place, Unit #36

19 years +