About

In 1999, champion Canadian fiddler Pierre Schryer created the first Canadian Celtic Celebration in Sault Ste. Marie to showcase the spirit and authenticity of Celtic roots and traditional music. As artistic producer, Pierre's vision was to reach out to the communities of Northern Ontario to offer world-class entertainment and to influence and inspire people through the joie de vivre of music. The show has enjoyed 11 years in Sault Ste. Marie as well as performances in Marathon, Sudbury and Parry Sound. The celebration has taken place in Thunder Bay since 2002.

Today, the Canadian Celtic Celebration features well-known Canadian Celtic musicians and dancers in collaboration with Pierre Schryer, a native of Sault Ste. Marie and resident of Northwestern Ontario. Thunder Bay’s talented music and dance community - both established professionals and young upcoming performers – take part. In addition to public events and workshops, the Canadian Celtic Celebration enriches the creativity of the performing artists who collaborate, inspire, and influence each other during a focused weekend of music making.

The collaboration celebrates Franco-Ontarian and Canadian Celtic heritage and stretches into new creative territory while keeping its roots to Brittany, Scotland and Ireland. The music of Cape Breton, Québec, Ontario, Central Canada and Western Canada are some of the Canadian regions represented.

2010 marked an evolutionary year for the Canadian Celtic Celebration in Thunder Bay. Pierre and his wife Merrie Klazek expanded the artistic vision to create a festival format to include the time-honoured performances plus workshops, lectures and dances that give performers and audiences opportunities to interact. The addition of the workshops provides an inspiring learning opportunity for beginners to advanced enthusiasts.

Pierre and Merrie plan to nurture the development of the Canadian Celtic Celebration as a premier cultural offering that radiates beyond the thrill of the performance, providing an enriched experience for both performers and the community of Northwestern Ontario.

We appreciate the ongoing generous assistance of the Ontario Arts Council and the numerous sponsors in each city who have made the Canadian Celtic Celebration successful.