Hey folks,

Things are busy busy busy here on PEI! I’m still plugging away on the “Live @ The Brackley Beach Ceilidh” DVD. It’s a learning curve, but it’s fun! We’ll be *hopefully* releasing it during the opening week of the Brackley Beach Ceilidhs this season, as long as technology stays on our side. I’m loving how it’s sounding so far!

The ECMAs were in Charlottetown a few weeks ago, and what a time that was. Jon Matthews & I kicked it off with a few tunes to entertain the international delegates at the orientation. We also had fabulous times at our official showcase in the Roots Room, as well as at MIAFest, the Old Triangle and the Olde Dublin Pub. Charlottetown was alive and hopping with so much great music all weekend long! I was fortunate to be asked to perform on the gala awards as well, which was an awesome time. It was a thrill to be on the gala stage for the first time, let alone for it to be in my home province. It was an incredible weekend all around and I’m already looking forward to next year in Moncton! Thanks to those who sent me cell phone shots – here are a couple examples, one of Jon & I performing on Radio ECMA, and another of the gala awards:

There was no time for recuperation after the ECMAs were over… I headed down to Havana for CeltFest Cuba for a week! That was definitely an experience, and I’m hoping to get back down there next year. There was an East coast contingent, as well as a group of Irish musicians, and of course lots of Cuban musicians. One of the highlights for me was the closing concert in Havana, which featured all of the groups of musicians and lots of dancing, in a beautiful open air courtyard. It was spectacular! Our transportation to that show was also memorable… 5 of us took 3 rickshaws to the courtyard, and the rickshaws decided it would be a great idea to race. It was terrifyingly awesome. Here are a couple of photos snapped by the wonderful Niamh Ni Charra, who was performing there as well:

I’m on PEI for another week now, with a couple of shows coming up. Tonight, I’m playing at the Old Triangle with Koady Chaisson from 9-11. And this weekend is literally one of the highlights of my year: the 6th annual Bootleggers Ball will be taking place in the ballroom of the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown. If you haven’t been out to this show, you HAVE to take it in. Seriously.

And… next Thursday is the beginning of the New England Spring Tour! Check out the dates on my schedule, and let all of your New England friends know that we’re coming. Jon & I have shows in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts for a solid two weeks before we come back to PEI to kick off the summer season. So come on out, New Englanders, and party with us! It’s always a good time in New England!

That’s all for now, folks. Hope you’re enjoying your day, wherever you are. Cheers!

Cynthia