One of the most popular groups from Nova Scotia’s musical corner of Cape Breton will be bringing a spirited and enthusiastic celebration of the holiday season to the Rialto Theatre in downtown Lancaster on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m.
“Here’s a show that will get you in the swing of Christmastime with all the bells and whistles of the Canadian Maritimes during the holidays,” said Charlie Jordan of the Great North Woods Committee for the Arts, presenter of the show. “We are very fortunate to have Coig to bring its show to the North Country as part of its busy holiday tour.”
Coig features its all-star line up of Rachel Davis on fiddle, viola and vocals, Chrissy Crowley on fiddle, Jason Roach on piano, and Darren McMullen on guitar, mandolin, mandola, banjo, bouzouki, whistles, flute, and vocals. All four members of the band are recognized as major stars of the Celtic music world. Fiddler Crowley has touches of world and contemporary music. Pianist Roach has a jazz degree, McMullen has worked everywhere from Irish to rock groups, and fiddler Davis is the most Cape Breton traditional, but with folk and roots infused flavors as well.
Ask anyone who has seen them, from New England stages to huge European festivals to their own beloved small halls of Cape Breton, and you’ll always hear about Coig’s energy. Trad fans love them and the crowds are growing all the time. “We really feed a lot on the energy we get from the crowd, everybody is hootin’ and hollerin’ and clappin’ and stompin’ and goin’ on,” says band member Darren McMullen. “We want our shows to be more where we’re all just having a party together.”
For the holiday show Coig has added many beautiful Christmas standards to their playlist, giving each the special Cape Breton touch.
In addition to Christmas favorites, they’ll be performing material from their new release, “Rove,” which has recently been recognized with a 2018 East Coast Music Award, 2017 Canadian Folk Music Award, and Music Nova Scotia Award nomination.
Tickets are $15. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Rialto Theatre, 80 Main St., Lancaster and Fiddleheads, 110 Main St., Colebrook, or online at www.gnwca.org. For more information on this and other GNWCA show, call (603) 237-9302 or (603) 246-8998.