Kingston Ceili Band at Bellrock Hall

Jenna Leslie | Sep 28, 2016

The Kingston Ceili Band kicked off the fall and winter Bellrock community event program at the Bellrock Hall on Sept. 24.

Around 40 people gathered at the schoolhouse to enjoy a taste of Ireland and Scotland right in their own back yard, and the band rocked the newly renovated little schoolhouse with their foot-tapping tunes and hilarious banter. From Elvis Presley and the Great Big Sea to a few more traditional Celtic pieces, the Kingston Ceili Band had the crowd clapping along and wanting more.

The band is made up of six very talented artists: Shane Dunne on guitar and lead vocals; flute master Anne Archer; Maggie “hot fingers” McIver on the fiddle; Laura Anderson Brick on her cherry red accordion; Eric Brausseau on an array of percussion instruments; and Dennis Wilson on his trusty banjo and vocals.

The band has been providing Kingston and area with their hearty music for 30 years. The obvious chemistry and history that they have makes them truly one of a kind. Their playful repartee combined with their unique sound created a warm and fun atmosphere inside the schoolhouse and resulted in a great night of entertainment.

The concert was put on by the Bellrock Hall Community Association, which is in charge of maintaining the hall and putting on different events for the public’s entertainment. Admission to the show was a freewill donation as a way of bringing in money to cover some of the costs of keeping the hall up and running, and according to the chair of the hall association, Virginia Lavin, the event did very well in terms of raising funds. The proceeds will be put towards things like heat, hydro and insurance that the hall needs to continue hosting community events like these.

“Events like this serve two purposes, to provide the community with entertainment and raise funds to keep the hall open,” said the association’s treasurer, Bob Brown.

As the municipality does not support the hall financially, the association relies on government grants and its own fundraising to keep it funded through the year. Without support from the community, concerts and entertainment like this would not be possible. The fall and winter events will be a big part of the hall’s fundraising for 2016.

The next event on the lineup is the Bellrock Boogie this Sunday, October 2. The Texas Tuxedo will take the stage at noon and will be joined by four other acts throughout the day. The event will go until 4 pm and the cover charge will again be a freewill offering. The Bellrock Schoolhouse is located at 6034 Levesque Road. Visit bellrockhall.ca for more information.