When the Gaels arrived from Scotland, they brought their language, music, and culture to this new land. The community of Iona is one of the places where they settled. Rich in Gaelic heritage, the area has maintained close ties to the roots of its settlers, and Baile nan Gàidheal [the Highland Village] has played an important role in maintaining that cultural heritage. There are few places more inspiring for a performance rooted in Gaelic culture and tradition than this unique living history museum that celebrates the story, language, and living culture of Nova Scotia Gaels. Today’s matinee takes place in the Malagawatch Church, positioned high on the hill at the Village. Boasting a view of all four counties of Cape Breton Island, this little wooden church is the perfect setting for an afternoon of music with Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame singer Cathy Ann MacPhee from the beautiful island of Barra. Cathy Ann will be accompanied by Rosemary MacNeil, who comes from a musical Cape Breton family of pipers and Gaelic singers. They will share the stage with father and daughter Angus and Màili MacKenzie whose Gaelic heritage runs deep in Cape Breton and Scotland; and siblings Séamus & Caoimhe, multi-instrumentalists and singers from the Gaeltacht region of Connemara in Ireland. This afternoon will remind us all there’s so much more to a beautiful island than just the scenery.