Festical Venues, Schedule & Tickets

WED Mar 12
Doors 7:00 PM
Show: 7.30 PM

Opening Night
The World's Greatest Céilídh
featuring Battlefield Band (Scotland)

Scotland’s internationally renowned Battlefield Band draws on the power and beauty of traditional Celtic musical forms, and transforms them into fresh and compelling music for today. The group is a world pioneer in the integration of bagpipes with fiddle, keyboards, guitar and voice, and delivers a unique fusion of ancient and modern instruments. Over the years, new band members have brought innovative new ideas, instruments and technique, and after 30 years the Battlefield Band is still leading the way for Scottish music, thrilling longtime fans and captivating new ones as it travels around the world.

Also on the bill: Victoria’s rising stars Qristina and Quinn Bachand (fiddle, guitar), champion Ottawa Valley stepdancer and fiddler Stephanie Cadman, Tiller's Folly (Vancouver) with its signature musical retelling of BC history, and musical host, piper Jordan Seguin.

Together these performers will create a show that’s sure to be jam-packed with great music, dance and improvisation –and a spectacular kick-off to this year’s festival!

This concert will be recorded for future broadcast on Canada Live on CBC Radio Two 105.7 FM

Commodore Ballroom
868 Granville St.

Advance Tickets $20/ $25 at the door.

GST included. Service charges apply.

THURS Mar 13
5:30 – 9:00 PM

Whisky Kiss - A Journey of Taste

Discover the complex, flavourful world of Scotch Whisky as you travel with Cask Strength whisky educator Andrew Starritt on Scotland’s Johnnie Walker Journey of Taste. Sample and savour five fine Johnnie Walker blends, accompanied by light appetizers.

A special performance by the Festival’s Musical Host Jordan Seguin follows the tastings. Limited seating.

Presented by Johnnie Walker & The Irish Cellar

The Irish Cellar
1006 Granville St.

Advance Tickets $20/$22 at the door - includes 5 Scotch Whisky samples & appetizers.

GST included. Service charges apply.

THURS Mar 13
5:30 PM

4th Annual Brewmaster's Dinner

The Brewmaster’s Dinner is back with award-winning Brewmaster Verne Lambourne of Granville Island Brewing. Lambourne shares his expert knowledge as he demonstrates how to perfectly complement a three-course menu with a selection of matching ales.

Limited Seating. Get your tickets early – this event always sells out!

Presented by Granville Island Brewing & Ceili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Music by Fiddler Elise Boeur.

Ceili's Irish Pub & Restaurant – Dublin Bar - 2nd floor
670 Smithe St. @ Granville

Advance Tickets $35. (includes a 3 course meal & beer)

GST included. Service charges apply.

FRI Mar 14
Doors 6:30 PM
Show: 7:00 PM

In Concert with Tony McManus
with Special Guest, Steafan Hannigan

No less a player than John Renbourn has called him "the best Celtic guitarist in the world" and now he’s coming to Vancouver! Don’t miss this intimate acoustic evening with an internationally acclaimed performer whose concerts in Europe, Great Britain and North America have left both critics and fans awestruck. McManus’ fame stems from his unique ability to take complex arrangements typically played by fiddles and pipes, and brilliantly recreate them for solo guitar. Watch jaws drop around the room as he demonstrates his musical magic!

Special guest: multi-instrumentalist Steafan Hannigan, all-Britain Uilleann pipe champion and virtuoso bodhran player.

NOTE: Guests attending this concert can stay on for the next show with Incognito
(see listing below for details)

A co-presentation with The Yale

The Yale
1300 Granville St.

Advance Tickets $15/ $20 at the door

GST included. Service charges apply.

Includes show with Incognito at 9:30 PM

FRI Mar 14
11:30 PM to 2:00 AM

The Artists' Lounge
Expect the Unexpected!

The best kept secret of the Festival! Exciting, unpredictable and explosive music will be heard into the wee hours of the morn' as the Festival's musicians let their creative juices flow in this intimate setting.

This will be a night of sessions like no other and you're invited!

Hosted by Tony McManus with guest Artists to include:

• Tony McManus – Host
• Stephanie Cadman
• Steafan Hannigan
• Keona Hammond
• Randy Vic
• Chrissy Crowley
• Wendy MacIsaac & Patrick Gillis 
• Roof Rabbit

And many other musical guests

Tom Lee Music - Music Hall
3rd floor – 929 Granville St.

Advance Tickets - $20/ $22 At the Door

GST included. Service charges apply.

SAT Mar 15
2:00 PM

Step Dancing Workshop - Ottawa Valley Style
with Stephanie Cadman

Three-time Canadian stepdancing champion Stephanie Cadman is an expert at the powerful and demanding dancing style unique to the Ottawa Valley region. Its characteristic high steps and unusual arm work make it a challenge to perform, but highly entertaining to watch. Bring your dancing shoes and give it a try!

Presented by Tom Lee Music

Tom Lee Music -Music Hall
3rd Floor-929 Granville St.

Advance Tickets: $10

GST included. Service charges apply.

SAT Mar 15
8:00 PM

Spirit of The West

It’s a 25th anniversary year for this legendary Canadian alternative rock and folk band, and the celebration has been spread over two nights at this year’s festival. Expect an evening of potent, high-energy entertainment from these veteran concert performers.

A co-presentation with Live Nation.

Commodore Ballroom
868 Granville St.

Advance Tickets $29.50

GST included. Service charges apply.

SUN Mar 16
2:30– 5:00 PM

The Great Big Session

A Special Traditional Celtic Music Session
Hosted by Steafan Hannigan & Stephanie Cadman

Join internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Steafan Hannigan and award winning fiddler and stepdancer Stephanie Cadman for an old-fashioned Celtic pub session. Bring your instruments and your voice and participate in the traditional style in this session of jigs, reels and sing-a-long songs that will have everyone joining in!

Morrissey Irish House
1227 Granville St.

$5.00 for players with Instrument
$10.00 for listeners
Tickets at the door