Raising the Roof
OFFICIAL CONCERT

Raising the Roof

date Sunday, Oct 11th 2026 @ 7:30 pm ADT
venue Boisdale Fire Hall
locale Boisdale
price $45
washroom Yes
seating General Admission

It’s going to be a night of lively tunes, poignant Gaelic song, and compelling songwriting tonight in Boisdale. And that’s just the way they like it here! Located in the centre of Cape Breton Island, Boisdale is one of those Cape Breton communities where traditional music and language have remained central to the way of life since Scottish immigrants arrived in the early 1800s. The community still gets together regularly to celebrate their culture, and dances and concerts are held year-round at the Boisdale Fire Hall. Scottish Gaelic singer Màiri Britton will open tonight’s concert which marks the triumphant return of Bumblebees from Ireland. Featuring Laoise Kelly (harp), Liz Doherty (fiddle), Mary Shannon (banjo/mandolin), and Colette O’Leary (accordion), this much-loved 1990s ensemble returns with the energy, interplay, and spark that made them an instant hit during the first two years of Celtic Colours. Bringing together four highly-distinctive musical voices, Bumblebees’ signature blend of tradition, creativity, and musical chemistry carves out a sound both deeply rooted and quietly innovative. Not to mention highly entertaining. Fiddle and piano duo Howie MacDonald and Beverly MacLean—they each play both instruments—will be on hand for a blast of traditional Cape Breton and Scottish tunes, and Mohawk Two-Spirit songwriter Shawnee Kish will round out the lineup making her Celtic Colours debut tonight.

Performing Artists

Bumblebees

Ireland

After years apart, Bumblebees are buzzing back to life for a special 2026 reunion. Featuring Laoise Kelly, Liz Doherty, Mary Shannon, and Colette O’Leary, this much-loved 1990s ensemble returns with the energy, interplay, and spark that made their albums Bumblebees (1997) and Buzzin’ (1999) ...

Howie MacDonald

Cape Breton

Howie MacDonald is a well-respected fiddler from Westmount, Cape Breton County. He has been a performer as long as he can remember. Whether at a family gathering or an international concert hall, Howie's job was always to entertain. Coming from a musical family, he ...

Beverly MacLean

Cape Breton

Beverly MacLean comes from Southside Boularderie and is a Cape Breton fiddler and piano accompanist. Her love of music has been nurtured by her family and was influenced early on by Jennifer Roland, Allie Bennett, Stephanie Wills, as well as a variety of other ...

Màiri Britton

Scotland

Màiri Britton is a Gaelic educator, musician, and community builder making her home between Scotland and Unama’ki [Cape Breton]. She has worked in numerous roles focused on uplifting and celebrating Gaelic language and culture including as instructor at St. Francis Xavier University and Colaisde ...

Shawnee Kish

Alberta

Shawnee Kish is a three-time JUNO-nominated, Mohawk, Two-Spirit Indigenous alternative country artist whose soaring vocals and fearless songwriting have earned her national recognition as one of Canada’s most compelling voices. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, her music blends alternative country with soul, rock, and folk ...

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