Pjila’si is a Mi’kmaw word that translates to “welcome” and, like all First Nations communities within Unama’ki [Cape Breton Island], Wagmatcook is known for extending a warm welcome to visitors. Tonight, you are very welcome at the Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre, overlooking Nyanza Bay within the UNESCO designated Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere. Join us as we welcome Scottish guitar player Tony McManus back to the festival for the first time in ten years. Widely considered to be one of the very best guitar players in the world, Tony first came to Celtic Colours in 1998 and has returned many times over the years and served as one of the first Artists in Residence in 2001. His dexterous and intricate guitar work will leave you dazzled as he draws on the entire Celtic diaspora and beyond for inspiration. Coming from just down the highway in nearby Baddeck, Rose Morrison is a versatile musician who has toured and recorded with Oscar and Grammy Award winner Glen Hansard, Irish folk legend Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, and celebrated Scottish-Canadian tenor John McDermott. Rose will be joined by Mi’kmaw storyteller, singer, and knowledge keeper Graham Marshall, who also appeared on Rose’s 2024 album, The River She Knows. Ryan MacNeil completes the trio with his innovative piano accompaniment and touches of percussion, Uilleann pipes, tin whistle, and bodhran. Singer-songwriter Emma Stevens, from Eskasoni First Nation, is an artist whose music and activism are intertwined with her Mi’kmaq heritage. Rooted deeply in her native language and cultural traditions, Emma’s work celebrates the strength and resilience of her people by merging traditional Mi’kmaq themes with contemporary musical influences. She will take the stage with guitarist Carter Chiasson, recipient of the 2020 MusiCounts JUNO award for Music Teacher of the Year in Canada, and Pictou County fiddler Heather Cameron. Together they will provide a warm welcome in Wagmatcook tonight.