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BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Belfast TradFest is 'top of the traditional map' says Dervish accordionist
Thousands of people are expected in Belfast for a week-long celebration of Irish traditional music that one musician said is becoming "top of the map" for the Shane Mitchell told BBC News NI that Belfast is a "traditional music hotspot" and the festival has "shot up" in recent plays with Dervish, who will open the festival at the Ulster Hall on Sunday TradFest, now in its seventh year, is running for a week from Sunday until 3 artistic director Dónal O'Connor said he looked forward to "bringing people from all backgrounds together to celebrate the very best of our cultural traditions". What's on at TradFest and where? Dónal and his team have organised 45 events over the week featuring more than 500 musicians across 33 of Belfast's venues, pubs and cultural spaces."From world-class concerts and intimate sessions to céilís, workshops, talks and family-friendly events, there truly is something for everyone," he includes masterclasses in Irish music and dancing, concerts, pub sessions and a highland piping competition. Passengers getting the train at Grand Central Station or people visiting the Titanic Quarter may even get caught in the middle of a pop-up céilí. TradFest begins with a free celebration of traditional Irish and Scottish music in the form of an outdoor céilí at the Titanic Slipways between 13:00 and 17:00 BST. The event hopes to attract more than 10,000 people with face painting, live traditional, piping and ukulele performances and interactive céilí focus then switches to the Ulster Hall at 19:00 for a collaborative concert by seasoned Irish traditional group Dervish, contemporary group NOTIFY and the Irish Concertina band Dervish has been at the forefront of the traditional music scene since 1989 when four of its founding members met at a pub session in are a six-piece contemporary instrumental ensemble whose new album features 40 musicians under the age of 18 from the Irish Concertina Orchestra . Dervish co-founder and accordionist Shane Mitchell told BBC News NI he is looking forward to returning to the "Irish traditional hotspot" that is Belfast."Belfast is a great city, really fun to visit. It was one of the first places we played at the old Belfast folk festival, 36 years ago," he this is his first TradFest, he said he admired how the festival had "shot up so quickly".He said fans attending Sunday's concert could expect "some vintage Dervish tracks" and a uniquely "Belfast setlist"."With a mixture of age groups and generations, it should be a very special event", he said. Different generations 'what it's all about' The band are staying in Belfast for the week to help lead the master workshops running during the day at Ulster University Belfast. "It's very unusual for us to stay more than one night in any place which gives an indication of how much we respect Belfast TradFest as a festival," he said."If you see us around come up and say hello and if you're a musician come and have a tune. That's the spirit of Belfast very much the top of the traditional map." After years of honing his accordion skills, Shane said he would like to pass on "different bits and pieces" to the younger musicians at TradFest. "I value the phrasing, styles and ornamentation I picked up from older musicians," he said."That's what Tradfest is all about. Different generations of musicians from different age groups."Shane's advice for younger musicians at the festival is to "get out and play as many tunes, learn from as many people as you can and enjoy yourselves". 'Unbeatable atmosphere' Maeve O'Donnell has been playing the uilleann pipes for 12 said Belfast TradFest was "always a highlight of the summer".She will be teaching at the workshops, performing at the O'Mealy piping concert on Thursday evening and playing in sessions around Belfast."I am especially excited to see Dervish, Moxie, and Kinnaris Quintet to name but a few," she said."I can't wait to be surrounded by great music, great company, and the unbeatable TradFest atmosphere." 'Thriving trad scene' Sinéad McKenna is teaching fiddle workshops and performing at the Sean Maguire tribute concert. "I think it's a fantastic week bringing people internationally to Belfast", she said."I am so happy people are getting to first-hand witness and experience the thriving traditional music scene that we have in Belfast."
CTV News
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
‘To come home': Back to Batoche Days wraps up
Image shows 71-year-old Marion Gonneville in the jigging finals on Sunday. (CTV News/Stacey Hein) After four days of celebrating Métis culture and community, Back to Batoche Days wrapped up Sunday evening. Elder Norman Fleury described the festival as one big family reunion. 'We're bringing people home here,' said Fleury, a provincial elder with Métis Nation–Saskatchewan. 'This is a place to connect with your distinction, with your identity, your music, your stories, your dance, your languages.' Fleury says roughly 40,000 people attended the event to reunite and connect with their community. Back to Batoche Days features cultural music, dancing, entertainment and competitions. Many Métis artists also set up shop during the festival. Miguel Vielfaure owns Etchiboy, a Winnipeg-based business specializing in a variety of Métis items, including arrowed sashes. 'It's probably where there's the most amount of Métis people gathering in one weekend. So, for me, it's my biggest weekend of the year,' Vielfaure said. Back to Batoche Days is internationally recognized as a significant Métis cultural celebration, welcoming people from across Canada and beyond. Marion Gonneville, 71, travelled from Vancouver to attend the festival and take part in the jigging competitions. 'To come home and to be among your own people, you feel really good,' Gonneville said. Ron DesJarlais travelled 710 kilometres from Rocky Mountain House, Alta., to attend the festival for the second time. 'Everybody's just so friendly and gives you that welcome feeling,' he said.
Associated Press
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
ESSENCE GU® and Kensington Grey Partner to Power a New Standard for Creator Culture at ESSENCE Festival Of Culture® Presented By Coca-Cola®
NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 9, 2025-- At the nation's largest celebration of global Black culture, two creative forces partnered together to raise the bar for creators. ESSENCE GU ® (ESSENCE Girls United) and Kensington Grey, the premier talent agency for Black digital storytellers, partnered during the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture ® presented by Coca-Cola ® to present a weekend of high-impact, content-forward experiences built by and for today's most influential voices. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: At the heart of this collaboration was a shared mission: elevate Black creators not just as talent—but as industry leaders, cultural architects, and the future of storytelling. The ESSENCE GU ® x Kensington Grey Creator Mixer: A Cultural Convergence On Saturday, July 5th, the invite-only, #KGxGUHouseMixer, the crown jewel of the partnership, brought together a dynamic networking experience designed to spark collaboration across industries with an elite roster of Kensington Grey talent, creators on the rise, brand partners, and ESSENCE GU ® tastemakers for an afternoon of curated conversation, intentional connection, and content creation featuring J.C. Carter, Scot Louie, and Justine's Camera Roll. 'The ESSENCE Festival Of Culture ® has become a rite of passage for creators, on par with New York Fashion Week and Coachella. It's one of the largest and most culturally significant festivals in the world, and brands are increasingly turning to creators as the primary source of on-the-ground amplification. Whether it's a chance celebrity sighting, a standout culinary moment, or capturing the city's stunning architecture, the opportunities for viral storytelling are endless because there really is no place like New Orleans.' said Shannae Ingleton, co-founder of Kensington Grey. 'Partnering with ESSENCE on the GU ® Creator Mixer was an easy 'yes' for us at Kensington Grey. For starters, the ESSENCE brand is iconic, and our missions are perfectly aligned when it comes to celebrating creators, art, community, and culture. We're confident this is the first of many collaborations like this one.' ESSENCE GU ® Creator House & Kickback: The Full Weekend Vision The ESSENCE GU ® x Kensington Grey alliance extended beyond one moment. Throughout the weekend: 'Black women are forever the blueprint — and at ESSENCE Girls United ®, we build for us, by us, because we love us. By joining forces with a visionary agency like Kensington Grey, we're stepping beyond creating content to cultivate long-lasting legacy, connection, and joy, said Rechelle Dennis, co-founder and brand lead of ESSENCE Girls United ®. 'Together, we're designing a new pathway where creativity flourishes, culture leads, and the next generation of storytellers can rise unapologetically.' Through ushering in a new generation, this partnership between ESSENCE GU ® (ESSENCE Girls United) and Kensington Grey activates a powerful truth: when Black creators are centered, supported, and seen, the results are unforgettable. ABOUT SUNDIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GROUP Sundial Media & Technology Group (SMTG) is a human connections company — the signal powered by culture, scaled by technology, and built for community. SMTG connects, elevates, and empowers the most influential consumer segment in the market: HER, the Chief Influence Officer. With over 100 years of community knowledge and insights, SMTG is redefining the media model into a next-generation platform. Powered by proprietary intelligence and AI technology, it activates an ecosystem that scales HER influence and economic power. Its portfolio includes some of the most iconic, purpose-driven brands and experiences shaping culture today—ESSENCE (Girls United, ESSENCE Studios, ESSENCE Festival of Culture ® ), Refinery29, AFROPUNK, Beautycon™ (including NaturallyCurly), the Global Black Economic Forum, the Academy for Advancing Excellence, and the New Voices Fund. Through storytelling, products, and platforms, SMTG delivers the tools and technology to shape the future of media, commerce, and community—on HER terms. ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA GROUP INC. ESSENCE Communications is the number one—and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand's multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture ®. ABOUT KENSINGTON GREY Founded in 2019, Kensington Grey's mission is to invest in the moments that matter and advocate for groundbreaking opportunities, turning visionary talents into lifelong changemakers. Through expert influencer casting, talent, strategy, and campaign management, Kensington Grey creates impactful legacies, delivering exceptional results and supporting its clients in driving lasting social change. Kensington Grey commits to empowering the underrepresented voices of tomorrow by providing the platform and support needed to turn revolutionary ideas into reality. The agency's distinctive promise lies in its tailored approach to brand and influencer management, which focuses not just on growth but on inclusive and meaningful impact. View source version on CONTACT: [email protected] [email protected] KEYWORD: LOUISIANA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS/CONCERTS CONSUMER AFRICAN AMERICAN CELEBRITY PUBLISHING MARKETING MUSIC WOMEN ADVERTISING COMMUNICATIONS SOURCE: ESSENCE Communications Media Group Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/09/2025 11:52 AM/DISC: 07/09/2025 11:52 AM
Associated Press
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Statement - Ministers Chartrand, Alty, and Gull-Masty issue statement on Nunavut Day
OTTAWA, ON, July 9, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, issued the following statement today: 'On Nunavut Day, we celebrate the culture, strength, and achievements of Nunavummiut. This day marks a key moment in our shared history when the Nunavut Agreement was signed, which led to the creation of Nunavut and the protection of Inuit rights to land, culture, and self-determination. Nunavummiut have kept Inuktitut and Inuit traditions strong, and continue to protect the environment while building healthy communities. Their leadership continues to shape a better future for all. Together with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, we are working to fully implement the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement, the largest land transfer in Canadian history. This means Nunavummiut will have more control over their land, water, and natural resources and benefit from development that is responsible and sustainable. Today, we honour the leadership of Nunavummiut and commit to building a future based on respect, environmental care, economic growth, and northern-led jobs—a future where Nunavummiut lead the way for generations to come. Happy Nunavut Day! Quviasugissi Nunavut ullungani!' Stay connected Join the conversation about the North: X: GovCan_North Facebook: GovCan – North You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The B-Side Announces First Annual "Best Day Ever" Festival in August
Tickets Now Available for the Immersive Celebration of Culture, Music, Art and Food to Bring the Perfect Day to Life for Young Bostonians BOSTON, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Globe Media's The B-Side announces the inaugural "Best Day Ever" festival on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Artists For Humanity located at 100 W 2nd Street in Boston. The vibrant, community-focused event was designed to bring a young Bostonian's "perfect day" to life. The "Best Day Ever" festival will feature interactive experiences and activities, including The B-Side Soundstage, showcasing top local and national musical talent such as Emi Grace, Winkler, Latrell James, and Simon Robert French. In partnership with Select Markets, fashion-forward attendees are invited to explore 20+ vendors at a curated vintage and boutique market. Foodies will enjoy culinary items from 15+ of Boston's hottest restaurants, including: Amba Anna's Taqueria Baramor Bardo's Blackbird Doughnuts Clover Cocorico Dumpling Daughter El Barco Greco Jahunger Levain Love Art Sushi Saloniki Summer Shack The Half Cookie "We're thrilled to launch 'Best Day Ever' and bring the best parts of The B-Side newsletter outside readers' inboxes, whether it's cool fashion finds, delicious food, or live local music," said Emily Schario, director of multimedia storytelling and head of content for The B-Side. "We crafted this one-of-a-kind festival to connect with Boston's next generation, providing them a space to discover new music, taste unique dishes, and express their style." The B-Side is part of which is included in the media portfolio of Boston Globe Media. The daily newsletter and social-first product is a combination of content, culture, and conversation designed to deliver stories and experiences that resonate with a young, influential community in Boston. To read a sample and subscribe to the weekly morning newsletter, visit The B-Side. Learn more about B-Side's "Best Day Ever" festival at Contact: Boston Globe Media Communications Team, communications@ About Boston Globe Media: Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC is a locally owned, award-winning media company serving Boston and New England for over 153 years. Its cornerstone is The Boston Globe, a 27-time Pulitzer Prize-winning news source and one of the most successful metro news organizations in the United States. The Globe is headquartered in Boston with regional bureaus in Washington, D.C., Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. The Globe has been successfully growing its direct subscriber base, today boasting the highest total number of subscribers the organization has had since 2008. The Globe hosts events that connect community members to its journalism and provides a range of digital and home-delivered advertising solutions that reach more consumers than any other New England media brand. Boston Globe Media's portfolio includes The Boston Globe, STAT, Globe Opinion, The B-Side, Boston magazine, Globe Events, Studio/B, and Globe Publishing Services. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Boston Globe Media Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
