As much we like our in-person events, due to Covid and it’s new variants, we’ve decided to stay on Zoom for Winter Fèis 2022.
The bonus of being on Zoom is our access to presenters from the UK, Cape Breton and Vancouver BC as well as making the event available to people across the globe bringing Slighe and the Gaelic language to more people.
Friday night-28 January- ceilidh starts things rolling . Saturday classes and late afternoon ceilidh will round out the event.
We have some great presenters in our line-up:
Dr. Michael Newton - Dr. Newton received his PhD from University of Edinburgh in 1998. A Former Assistant Professor of Celtic Studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Dr. Newton has authored numerous articles and books on the many aspects of Highland traditions and History of Scotland in North America. He served as editor of the Celts in America ( BU Press) and Dùthchas na Gaidheal: Selected Essays of John MacInnes, which won the Saltaire Society Research Book Award of 2006.
Gillebride Mac IlleMhaoil - Gillebrìde is a traditional singer from Milton, South Uist. Gàidhlig is his primary language having grown up in a family with strong Gàidhlig traditions and songs that were a very important part of family life. In addition to his many musical and language talents, he stars as Gwyllyn the Bard on Outlander. He teaches at University of Glasgow and has several recordings of his singing work. He is a Mòd Gold Medal winner.
Ewen Henderson - Ewen hails from Fort William, Lochaber. He’s a multi-instrumentalist and Gàidhlig singer. He performs on fiddle, piano, penny whistles and bagpipes besides singing in Gàidhlig. Ewen is a fluent Gàidhlig speaker. He is also a founding member of Mànran and performs with them, Afro Celts and other groups as well as many other groups. He formerly performed with the Battlefield Band. He has numerous CD recordings both solo and with the groups mentioned above. He is also an avid Shinty follower.
Gary Innes - Gary is a gifted musician, former International Shinty Champion, composer, broadcaster, radio personality and accordion player extraordinaire from Spean Bridge, Lochaber. He regularly performs with Mànran, a band he helped found, at various musical events from festivals to Royal Engagements, concerts and other venues. He has performed with Mànran, Ewen Henderson, Runrig and many others! Gary was the 2017 Hand Up for Trads Instrumentalist of the year. He is an outstanding teacher and brings the cràic to ceilidhs and classes!
Rich Hill - Rich is one of the original founders of Slighe nan Gaidheal and has been a Gàidhlig teacher in the Seattle area for over 30 years. He first heard Gàidhlig spoken as a child growing up in Wyoming. He has taught dozens of students over the years through private classes and in the GID program through Slighe nan Gaidheal. He currently teaches the Ceum Suas class for the Z2G. Besides teaching the language, he is an accomplished singer and musician not only in the Gàidhlig format, but also Medieval music as well. He is a member of The Beltaine Boys and Keltoi Celtic music groups. Keltoi has produced several recordings. Rich enjoys sharing the songs, language and traditions of the Gaels with his students!
Seumas Gagne - Seumas is a co-founder and longtime member of Slighe nan Gaidheal. He was a Board member and Music Director of Seirm for many years. He currently teaches Gaelic level 2 in the Z2G program and has taught language classes in Vancouver, B.C. and Portland, Oregon on the Zoom platform. He plays harp and fiddle and is a recording artist as well with many projects to his credit. You can follow him on Facebook and through his website http://www.seumasgagne.com or his blog http://seumasgagne.blogspot.com/
Geoff Sammons - Geoff has been an active member of Slighe nan Gaidheal for many years. He has taught various language levels through the GID program. He served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors and sings in Seirm. He teaches a number of different continuing education college level classes in the Seattle area as well as regular language classes and workshops. He teaches classes about Celtic history and regional names of Scotland. He also speaks Irish Gaelic.
Penny McLeod DeGraff - Penny has worn many hats over the years in her work with Slighe nan Gaidheal from tech support to Board member to her current role as Music Director for Sèirm - Slighe’s Gàidhlig choir. Seirm attended the Mòd in Fort William in 2017 under Penny’s guidance. She also participates in virtual online Mòd competitions and solo singing competitions. She is an avid Gàidhlig song collector. Her enthusiasm is contagious!
Fiona Smith - Fiona is a fluent Gàidhlig speaker and has been teaching the language for a number of years. She is very knowledgeable about traditional Gàidhlig Storytelling, the Duine Mhath and myths. She has done some team teaching with Angus MacLeod, too. We are happy to welcome her back again this year to teach about traditional storytelling of the Gaels.
Katie Kent - Katie is a delightful teacher and fiber artist. She will be teaming up for a workshop with Rich Hill about St. Bhrighde . During the workshop Katie will teach participants how to make a St. Brigit’s Cross. Katie is a gifted fiber artist and basket weaver. She has taught for Winter Fèis in the past teaching drop spindle spinning and other wool processing. She can often be found with her friend Barb co-teaching classes or workshops and getting into mischief.