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Next Generation Leahy opened Heritage Music Festival

August 11, 2016   ·   0 Comments

The Next Generation Leahy was the opening night act for the Heritage Music Festival, kicking off the 66th annual Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championships at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Centre (CDRC) in Shelburne.

The Next Generation Leahy, ranging in ages from five to 13, wowed the audience with professional polish and prowess in their high energy, Celtic based musical performance.

Music has been passed down through many generations of Leahy’s, and parents Doug and Jennifer led The Next Generation in a performance that included traditional fiddle and step dance, French accordion, cello, guitar, keyboard, percussion, and vocals that incorporated tight harmonies with Jennifer Leahy – reminiscent of the excellent tones of the Andrew’s Sisters.

Although, it was their first show in Shelburne, the children already perform professionally, touring across the country, playing with acts like The Chieftains and Donnell Leahy & Natalie MacMaster.

The concert was one of a multitude of events that ran over last weekend, including the competition, a concert by Jim Cuddy Friday night and the parade Saturday. There was fiddle music in the shade of Jack Downing Park on Saturday afternoon, as well as at Fiddle Park, where campers, there for the competition, enjoyed the excellent facilities and musical camaraderie, as well as a variety of other musical events around the town.

Congratulations to the 2016 Fiddle Championship winners:

First-place winner of the Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship was Greg Henry and the 2nd place winner was Celine Murray.

In the 18 & Under Championship, 1st Place went to Diana Dawydchak; 2nd Place to Emma March; and 3rd Place to Amanda MacInnis.

In the 19-55 category the fiddle winners were: 1st place, Kendra Norris; 2nd place, Kyle Waymouth; and 3rd Place Sabrina Rankin.

In 9 & Under Winners, 1st place went to: Bennett Van Barr; 2nd place to James Nelson; and 3rd Place to Maedhbh Leacy (who traveled from Naas, Ireland.)

In the Duet Class, 1st place went to Diana & Andrew Dawydchak; 2nd place to Will & Emma March; and 3rd place to Charlotte Clare & Maria Peppler.

At Thursday night’s opening concert, Doug Leahy said, it was “an honour to be in Shelburne with all its fiddle history” and thanked all the volunteers “who keep fiddle and step dancing competitions and traditions going.”

Proceeds from profits at the Heritage Music Festival, from events like The Next Generation Leahy concert, go to support the charity work of the Shelburne Rotary Club. For more information on how you can become involved visit: www.heritagemusicfestival.com.

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