Glendale is a stronghold of Gaelic culture on Cape Breton Island. Not only has the language remained stronger here, but the community also cherishes all aspects of the culture and the hall in Glendale has been an important gathering place for music and dance for generations. Known for their generous hospitality and enduring Gaelic customs, Glendale residents continue to make culture a top priority as do the performers in this afternoon’s concert. Fiddler Shelly Campbell has been playing traditional Cape Breton music for 35 years. Her playing is powerful, lively and graceful, deeply-rooted in the Gaelic sounds she grew up listening to. Shelly is accompanied by local stalwart Allan Dewar on piano. Joanne MacIntyre comes from Mabou Coal Mines where she was raised in a culture-rich environment of Gaelic music, dance, and language. The Gaelic singer, and “Big Sampy” Award-winner in 2012, is joined by her four sons who have been learning Gaelic songs since their early years, both at home and through programs like Féis Mhàbu and Brìgh. Edinburgh native Màiri Britton is in regular demand as a tutor and performer of Gaelic song, stepdance and Scottish harp and has toured as a member of Gaelic trad group Fàrsan. Màiri will be performing with Kolten MacDonell, a fiddler, step dancer, and piano player from Glencoe whose been influenced by many local teachers including Stephanie Wills, Brenda Stubbert, Jerry Holland, and Mary Janet MacDonald. Renowned step dancer Harvey Beaton from Port Hastings completes the lineup for this Gaelic-focused matinee in Glendale where the community is celebrating 150 years as a Parish.