There’s bound to be a good crowd at the hall tonight in St. Peter’s for an evening of songs old and new, and Cape Breton trad tunes played by three “Big Sampie” award winners. Fiddle, cello, and bass set up the groove for Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards’ three-part harmonies, providing a brilliant contemporary contrast to the band’s rootsy instrumentation. A fusion of the countless traditions and influences each member brings to the creative process, this trio will delight you with their repertoire of original songs and reimagined hidden gems from the wide-ranging tradition of American folk music. The song tradition continues with Rory Makem, a seasoned performer who has spent more than 35 years on the road with The Makem Brothers, the Makem and Spain Brothers, and with his father, Tommy Makem. Rory captivates his audiences with charisma, skilled musicianship, and a passion for the songs, poetry, history, and humour of his Irish ancestry. Born of Cape Breton’s deep musical traditions and raised on the rhythm of the island, Good Crowd brings a tidal wave of sound. This great new combo, featuring Kyle MacDonald on fiddle, James MacLean on guitar, and Jason Roach on piano, delivers an authentic Cape Breton fiddle sound rooted in Gaelic language and rhythm. With a nod to their dedication and drive, and the desire to keep this music vibrant, Kyle, James, and Jason are all proud, independent recipients of the “Big Sampie”, awarded annually by the Festival Volunteer Drive’ers Association to help an up-and-coming Cape Breton musician make their first record.

And if you’re looking for somewhere to eat before the concert, check out Sounds & Supper By The Sea, an afternoon of music and lobster at the L’Ardoise Community Centre.