Classic Celtic Roots Festival in Goderich

I lost track of the number of performers who used the word “magical” in describing the 27th Celtic Roots Festival in Goderich.  The group, The Bourque Emissaires, even said: “Goderich is not in Ontario, it’s heaven!”

The 27th Celtic Roots Festival certainly did have an other-worldly feel to it.  The quality of the musicians was so high that more than one person was heard asking about the extremely high level.  With something on three stages from noon until 6 pm, It was difficult to decide which stage to visit. They were staggered a bit so that one could wander and see parts of each.  But it was hard to leave any of them.

And it helped that the stars must have been aligned because the weather was as perfect as the music – warm and sunny.

It’s hard to say which were my favorites because they were all unbelievably good.  I enjoyed Reynolds, Robinson & Lodge because they are all local and I know them.  And the Robinson of the group is Warren Robinson, a co-founder of the festival with his wife, 27 years ago.  The group, however, was just formed four years ago, and write and perform their songs at a level to be included in the festival.  And for part of their act, they welcome Cheryl on stage to play the drums, and she is the Artistic Director of the Festival.  It’s not every festival that has those musical chops!

Michael Rooney and June McCormack together were another favorite.  Not only was I lucky enough to see each of their performances, but I was also lucky to see Michael with Liz Carroll together in the composers’ workshop, which at one point, Liz referred to as the “Michael and Liz reveal all” because of the in-depth questions they asked each other, in the theme of “how do you compose.”  Both are icons in the Celtic music world, and Liz was also an idol of Michael when he was learning.

Tony McManus and Julia almost made me cry with the brilliance of their guitar playing.  After seeing them, I feel like when someone asks me if I play guitar, my answer should be pre-pre-JK.  Or a simple no. I watched them twice, and the second time was close enough and at the right angle to watch their fingers.  No wonder he is considered the best Celtic music guitarist in the world, which means she must be the second best.

And for sheer fun (but also great musicians) The Bourque Emissaires from Montreal stole the show.  At one point, Benoit jumped off the front of the stage, and organized a dance with the members of the audience that circled upon itself, with well over a hundred, maybe two! dancing.  They can take full credit for the energy that evening.  And I loved that every time I saw either Benoit or his son, Antoine, walking around the park, they were constantly beaming their smile and joy.  Their name may be Bourque Emissaires, but they were, and are, emissaries of joy.  I hope to see them next year, and every year!

I can’t wait to see the line-up for next year.  The Celtic Roots Festival is already considered one of the best Celtic Music festivals in the world, and I expect it to continue at that level.

For next year, I am considering taking part in the Celtic College, another unique aspect of the festival.  I may have to be ready to dance 🙂