While we may think first of the Scottish influence on Cape Breton Island’s music and community life, it is by no means the only one. Tonight’s concert is in one of the areas of Cape Breton where Irish immigrants settled. They started arriving in the Lower River Inhabitants region of Richmond County in the early 1800s, joining the French, Empire Loyalists, Acadians, and Scots who arrived before them, and the Mi’kmaq who were there since time immemorial. Some residents of the area can trace their roots back to those original Irish immigrants. The wave of Irish folk landing in the community tonight aren’t coming to stay, but their music will surely stay with you. Irish fiddler Liz Doherty is in familiar territory, making her fourth appearance since 2005 in the festival’s annual ode to Irish roots. This time she’s up with Scottish guitarist Tony McManus, another favourite since the early days of Celtic Colours. These past Artists in Residence played as a duo at the festival back in 2001 and we’ve been waiting to see them share the stage again ever since. The Voices of Ireland are a sure fit here as well, with their harmony-wrapped collection of contemporary Irish folk songs, traditional ballads, and well-known favourites. And Lisa MacArthur returns to A Touch of the Irish with fiddle tunes from Ireland, Cape Breton, and her native Newfoundland accompanied by local Cape Breton favourite, Joël Chiasson on piano.

And if you’re looking for somewhere to eat before the concert, check out the Traditional Irish Stew Supper in Rocky Bay, a scenic twenty minute drive from the concert.