14th February – Cassie and Maggie MacDonald

By all accounts these two sisters, Cassie and Maggie MacDonald from Halifax Nova Scotia are something special and should not be missed. Irvine Folk Club has them as special guests on Valentine’s Day – is it necessary to say that’s the 14th February!

Cassie and Maggie’s recent album The Willow Tree Collection won The Trad Album of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards – and they’re only in their early twenties. Described as an ‘unbelievably gifted duo’, they are on their first UK tour and the Irvine Club is their last UK date before they go to Germany with gigs from 22nd February until the end of March. Phew!

The UK tour included three appearances at Celtic Connections which is fitting for a duo that plays trad and contemporary Celtic instrumentals and vocals. Powerful, lively Fiddling comes from elder sister Cassie whilst Maggie supplies clear acoustic Guitar and Piano skills.

Their notes don’t say who does the Foot Percussion or the Stepdancing! The excellent blend of vocal harmonies, in English and Gaelic, comes from the closeness that is so often the case with siblings – think Everlys. Expect material that ranges from soft and breathtakingly beautiful to loud and boisterous.

Get yourself along to Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 14th February for 8pm to hear Cassie & Maggie MacDonald. The club meets in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road. It’s BYOB and there’s a good Cafe available.

Looking ahead, info is now available at www.girvanfolkfestival.org.uk on the 44th one which runs from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th May.

And finally, for Irvine Folk Club members, the AGM of Irvine Folk Club is on Wednesday 21st March 7.30pm in Vineburgh Centre.