After nine exhilarating days and nights of music, dance, stories, laughter, milestones, and memories we have made it to the end of this year’s festival. And the 29th Celtic Colours International Festival is going out with a bang. The Grand Finale at Centre 200 in Sydney will feature Cape Breton’s own Jimmy Rankin performing with his band at Celtic Colours for the first time. Jimmy Rankin is one of Canada’s most beloved and enduring singer-songwriters, known for his masterful storytelling and signature East Coast folk-rock sound. Born and raised in Mabou, Inverness County, he first rose to fame as a member of the multi-platinum, Cape Breton Music Hall of Fame group The Rankin Family, whose blend of Celtic, folk, and pop music helped define a generation of Canadian roots music. As a solo artist, Jimmy has released eight acclaimed albums, earning a string of hits including “Followed Her Around”, “Morning Bound Train”, and “Here in My Heart”. Rankin’s shows are known for their authenticity, warmth, and kitchen party energy which sounds just about right for the closing night of Celtic Colours. The show will open with a very special collaboration featuring Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, Rose Morrison, Tim Edey, and Dave Gunning. Any one of these performers could carry a show on their own, but to have all four together is going to make for a very special night and a Grand Finale to remember for a long time!