View of Richmond

Over the last few years St. Peter’s has become known for its’ Kitchen Rackets, Jam Sessions where amateur musicians can sit in with a group of more seasoned players such as JP Cormier, Paul Davis and Dwayne Cote, to mention a few. Sessions are held throughout the summer and also are a prominent feature during the Celtic Colours International Festival in October. These Jam sessions are very popular and draw in visiting musicians from near and far, as well as visitors to the area that just like to sit and enjoy our traditional music. During the week of the Celtic Colours Festival the Kitchen Racket takes on a more in depth program offering workshops for musicians interested in the art of the tin whistle, Celtic flute, fiddle and guitar. With the popularity of these events, the Kitchen Racket is now going to offer a new weekend event which will be known as Music Camp on the Canal. The weekend is designed to appeal to traditional music enthusiasts of any age at beginner and intermediate levels and will provide a day of concurrent workshops on a variety of string instruments, whistling, song writing, and square dancing. A special feature is the Band Lab, which will be of interest to anyone thinking of forming their own combo. Saturday night will feature a public concert headlined by the instructors in the acoustically incredible St. Peter’s United Church Hall. Each night there will be open jam sessions. Luthier Johannes Sturm will provide individual consultations, repairs and set up services. Music Director JP Cormier is co-ordinating a talented group of instructors and performers including fiddler Anthony Rissesco, mandolin player Darren McMullen, whistle player Paul Davis, songwriter Hank Middleton and the local Roddie’s Square Dance Society. The event will take place on June 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. There will be an Early Bird Registration for the full weekend, which will include workshops, jams, concert, and most meals for $150.00 (register by May 1 for this special price), after that the registration fee is $195.00. Partners who don’t want to take lessons but want to join the rest of the food and fun can register for just $100.00. Full details and a downloadable registration form are available at http://www.kitchenrackets.org, or contact Greg Silver, Camp Director at (902) 631-5050.