July 27th, 2004
The College of Piping Offers Gaelic Workshop with Patricia Murray
SUMMERSIDE - Prince Edward Island Celtic recording artist,
Patricia Murray will offer a Gaelic Singing Workshop at The College of Piping next Tuesday to Thursday, August 3rd to 5th, 2004. Her powerful and captivating voice, which earned her Scotland's most prestigious Gaelic singing award, continues to touch listeners worldwide.
Patricia's ancestors, who settled on Prince Edward Island, were Gaelic speakers (Scottish) and the last of her family to speak the language was her Great, Great Grandmother. It is because the language is part of her heritage that inspires Patricia to sing the Gaelic songs. Patricia began her exploration of Gaelic and traditional songs when she started performing at The College of Piping in the mid-90's and where to this day she hosts the Celtic Festival Concert Series June through to September. This direction has led her to pursue extensive studies in Celtic and Gaelic music on both sides of the ocean and to record three CDs with Ancestral Voices (Across the Sea, Celtic Christmas and Celtic Festival) and two solo CDs (Portraits and Primrose). Patricia holds both a Music and Celtic Studies degree and continues to explore the language and song by traveling and studying throughout Gaelic Scotland and being actively involved with the Gaelic community in Nova Scotia.
Patricia is currently working on a new recording, Failt' Eilein a' Phrionnsa (Welcome to Prince Edward Island), which will feature Gaelic songs that were sung or written on the Island by the early Gaelic settlers from Scotland. She is currently doing research on these historically significant songs through the archives at UPEI and hopes through her recording of these songs will breathe new life and interest into the Island's contribution to Gaelic music.
Patricia stresses that everyone is welcome at her workshop next week. "Participants don't have to be professional singers, nor do they have to have a background in the Gaelic language", Patricia pointed out in an interview at The College of Piping, "We will work in a group setting and, basically, anyone with an interest in learning the styles, the songs and the history behind them will be at home in the workshop".
Classes will be held from 9 am to 12 pm, Tuesday to Thursday, August 3rd to 5th. To register, please contact the registrar, Patsy Martin at patsy@piping.pe.ca or by phone at (902) 436-5377. For more information on The College of Piping's educational programming, Celtic Festival or any of our other initiatives, please call (902) 436-5377 or 1-877-BAG-PIPE.
October 29th, 2003
2003 PEI Music Award nomination
"Female Artist of the Year"
At this year's Prince Edward Island Music Awards, Patricia will be participating both as a performer and a nominee. On Friday evening, November 14th, Patricia will be part of the "Get up Close and Personal" with 13 of the Island 's finest songwriters, for the Main Stage Songwriters Circle. Hosted by Scott Parsons, Patricia will share the stage with noted songwriter's, Jeff Morris, Mike Martell,Teresa Doyle, Garnet Buell, Steve Sharratt, Carl MacLean, Brooke Millar, Kevin MacPherson, Johnny Kelly and Craig MacDonald. There will also be award presentations in eight album and song categories.
On Saturday evening, November 15th, Patricia will attend the Awards show finale in which she has been nominated for "Female Artist of the Year". This performance will feature Nathan Wiley and Lester MacPherson, the Rattlesnakin' Daddies, Tim Chaisson, Kim Albert, the Blueprints, Bernie Coughlin, Mike Pendergast, Jericho Road, Shelia MacKenzie, Nathan Condon, Kendall Docherty and Roy MacCaull and Friends, along with Award presentations in all remaining categories.
For those of you in Summerside on the 14th or 15th of November, the Songwriter's Circle and the Awards show are open to the public and the tickets are $15 (Friday) and $20 (Saturday).
For more information visit the PEI Music Awards website.
September 11, 2003
Celtic Colours 2003
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Patricia is pleased to be returning back to the International Celtic Colours Festival this October. Celtic Colours is a Cape Breton Island-wide festival with a wide array of events ranging from square dances in intimate community halls to grand concerts at some of the island's larger venues. Each year, over 300 artists from all over the Celtic world, including Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Brittany and Canada perform at over 30 venues around the island. Besides the nightly events, there is a full schedule of workshops that allows the visitor to be an active participant in the Celtic culture.
Patricia will be performing at two performances on October 11th and 12th. Here are the details:
Lively Youth
Event Date: Oct 11
Town: Bras d'Or
Venue: Community Hall, Bras d'Or
Ticket Price: $ 20
Showtime: 7:30 pm
Inverness County's Beolach got their name from the Gaelic word meaning "lively youth". It is just as fitting to describe Pictou County singer-songwriter Dave Gunning and Prince Edward Island Gaelic singer Patricia Murray. Expect a spirited, lively evening of songs and tunes from these three youthful performers.
Gaelic Airs
Event Date: Oct 12
Town: Boisdale
Venue: Boisdale Firehall
Ticket Price: $ 18
Showtime: 7:30 pm
Northeast of the Bras d'Or Lakes Barra Strait, which separates Iona and Christmas Island, is the community of Boisdale. Although named after the South Uist town, many who settled there were from the Isle of Barra. Gaelic language and traditions flourished in this area - especially in settlements like Rear Boisdale and other "rear" communities inland from the shore - until the railroad and industrial revolution started to erode the population of these isolated settlements.
This concert will bring that Gaelic history back to life when celebrated Gaelic singers from Scotland, Cape Breton Island and Prince Edward Island get together at the Boisdale Firehall for an evening of Gaelic Airs. The Boisdale Trio will round out the concert with some tunes. This concert will feature Donnie Murdo MacLeod, Mary Ann Kennedy, Patricia Murray, and the Boisdale Trio. For more information visit the Celtic Colours 2003 website.
March 11, 2003
ATLANTIC SCENE
Patricia Murray to perform with Newfoundland's Pamela Morgan and the
MacGillivray's of Nova Scotia
Patricia has been selected to attend the National Arts Centre recent Cultural initiative - 'Atlantic
Scene' for a concert on May 3, in Ottawa. Patricia will join fellow Atlantic Canadians, Newfoundland's Pamela
Morgan and Nova Scotia's Kendra, Troy and Sabra MacGillivray.
The Atlantic Scene is a presentation of contemporary Atlantic Canadian arts and culture in the National Capital Region from April 22 to May 4, 2003. More than 200 Atlantic Canadian artists have been invited to share their music, theatre, dance, comedy, film and literature. A production of the National Arts Centre (NAC), the Atlantic scene is the first in what the NAC hopes will become a biennial festival series focusing on the outstanding talent unique to each region of Canada.
Preview for the May 3rd concert:
"These award-winning Celtic artists from Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton take the stage for a high-spirited and mesmerizing show of fiddling virtuosity, mystical singing, keyboard showmanship and infectious dancing. Former lead singer for Newfoundland's famous band Figgy Duff, Pamela Morgan "has a voice both powerful and shimmering, as mystical as her name." (The Washington Post) "MacGillivray is at the vanguard of the new generation of fiddlers, which also includes Natalie MacMaster and Ashley MacIsaac." (Halifax Daily News) Patricia Murray's fluid voice "enchants as much as any spell." (Sing Out!)"
Where: Library and Archives of Canada, Auditorium
395 Wellington Street - Ottawa, Ontario
When: Saturday, May 3, 2003 8PM
Tickets: $20
Presented in association with the Library and Archives of Canada
September 25th, 2002
Celtic singer Patricia Murray and manager Laurie Gillis featured on The Learning Channel's "A Makeover Story"
Halifax, N.S. - September 25, 2002 - What do you get when you combine two best friends, an East Coast Music Award (ECMA) nomination, and a major U.S. television network? An episode of TLC's hit show, 'A Makeover Story'. Celtic singer Patricia Murray, along with her best friend and manager Laurie Gillis, will be featured on the September 30th episode airing on TLC.
Murray and Gillis, both of Halifax, were chosen from thousands of applicants to be featured in this episode of the popular television series, which regularly draws over two million viewers across the United States and Canada. Banyan Productions, the producers of "A Makeover Story," spent three days in Halifax during January filming the transformation of the best friends and business partners. The producers chose the pair based on the unique nature of their relationship and situation - the build up to a nationally acclaimed music awards show set in the distinctive environment and culture of Canada's East Coast. Murray's nomination for the ECMA - Roots Traditional Artist of the Year and gala awards show provided the motive for the pair's on-screen makeover from casual and comfy to the height of fashion and show biz glam.
"Combining A Makeover Story and the excitement and thrill of an ECMA nomination was an unforgettable experience ," said Patricia Murray. "Laurie and I both went into this looking to have fun, but as the air-date gets closer we are beginning to realize the popularity of the show and the enormity of the audience. It's a memory that both of us will treasure for a lifetime."
The two were pampered and transformed at some of Halifax's most exclusive establishments. Outfitted at Mills Brothers on Spring Garden, coiffed at the Harbour House Day Spa, and celebrated at the Economy Shoe Shop, the complete fashion makeover was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both participants. With a camera crew catching every snip and twirl of their makeovers plus a jam session with Patricia and local musicians, the half hour episode provides an insider's perspective of their transformation.
"It was all a surreal and amazing experience," said Laurie Gillis. "We were really pleased with our makeovers - in particular the attention we received from the Harbour House Day Spa and Mills Brothers. I had an incredible time and I am anxious to see the show when it airs. "
Murray and Gillis will be watching with friends and family when their episode of A Makeover Story airs on September 30th at 1:30 PM AST (12:30 PM EST) on TLC. To find out more about TLC's A Makeover Story visit http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/makeoverstory/makeoverstory.html.
March 21st, 2002
Patricia Murray featured artist on Atlantic Airwaves
On Saturday, March 23rd, Patricia Murray will be featured on CBC's Atlantic Airwaves.
This radio program is heard on the Maritime Network of CBC Radio each Saturday afternoon from 5:05pm to 6:00pm Atlantic Standard Time (6:05pm - 7:00pm EST). The program features music and profiles of music makers from Canada's four Atlantic Provinces.
Since releasing her recording, Primrose, in July 2001, Patricia has been touring and promoting her recording throughout the Maritimes, Ontario and the U.S. The CBC program will highlight tracks from Primrose as Murray talks about recording, performing, and making a career in music on the East Coast.
In February 2002, Murray was nominated for Roots/Traditional Artist of the year at the East Coast Music Awards. With the release of Primrose and the ECMA nomination, Patricia has experienced many unique opportunities, including a feature on TLC's 'A Makeover Story' with manager Laurie Gillis and performing before 18,800 people at an NHL hockey game.
Murray will continue touring this Spring and summer promoting Primrose with performances at the Lunenburg Folk Festival, Ottawa Folk Festival and the Dunedin Highland Games in Florida.
To hear the feature live on Saturday, tune in to CBC or visit http://www.novascotia.cbc.ca/radio/atlanticairwaves/. For more information on Patricia Murray, visit http://www.patriciamurray.ca
March 5th, 2002
Patricia Murray Invited to sing National Anthems at NHL Game
Prince Edward Island singer Patricia Murray has caught the hockey buzz since Canada's recent gold winning performances. Murray has been invited to Columbus, Ohio, March 16th, to sing at a NHL hockey game featuring the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames. She will perform both the American and Canadian anthems to open the game which is to be aired on Fox Sports Television.
Patricia was invited to Columbus by fellow Islander, and Summerside native Doug MacLean, who is the President of the Columbus Blue Jackets. "I think the Canadians on the team wanted someone from home to sing 'O Canada'.", said Murray when asked why she is making the trip to Ohio. "I am a bit nervous but obviously honoured to be asked to perform the anthems. I have never been to an NHL game before, so the experience will be entirely unique!"
In addition to singing at the Nationwide Arena in front of 18,500 spectators, Patricia has been invited to perform at a local St. Patrick's Day celebration. The city of Dublin lies 10 minutes outside of Columbus and celebrates its Irish heritage by hosting a St. Patrick's Day Blarney Bash. The day features local performers and groups such as the Irish traditional all women supergroup, Cherish the Ladies.
"The timing is perfect", says Murray, "I not only am singing at a NHL game, but sharing a stage with one of my favourite groups, Cherish the Ladies in Dublin Ohio. Things just seemed to fall into place!"
Patricia has had a successful year since the release of her recording, "Primrose" which garnered her an ECMA nomination for Roots/Traditional solo artist. Murray has a busy year ahead with performance dates scheduled for the Dunedin Highland Games in Florida, the Lunenburg Folk Festival, the New Brunswick Highland Games and hosting the ceilidhs at the College of Piping in Summerside, PEI.
February 2002
Murray featured artist on Canadian Celtic Music website
December 9th, 2001
Patricia Murray teams with Kendra MacGillivray for a special Christmas Ceilidh
Award winning singer Patricia Murray and fiddling sensation Kendra MacGillivray are teaming up for a special Christmas Ceilidh, December 9th at St. Matthew's United Church (1479 Barrington) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The show begins at 7pm and features tune master Dave MacIsaac on guitar, along with the fantastic talents of pianist Troy MacGillivray and Highland dancer Sabra MacGillivray.
Patricia and Kendra will be performing material from their recent recordings along with songs of the season. From the gentle lilt of Gaelic and traditional songs to the foot stomping drive of the fiddle, the audience will be taken on an unforgettable musical journey. Add to this the masterful playing of Dave MacIsaac on guitar, Troy MacGillivray's lightening touch on the piano, and the grace of Sabra MacGillivray's Highland & step dance, this ceilidh is a perfect start to the holiday season.
The two met at the ECMAs in Charlottetown last year and really connected. This concert is the result of a common love and appreciation of traditional Celtic music and the desire to perform on the same stage. "I think Kendra is such an amazing fiddle player", says Murray, "she lights up the stage with her music and personality." She also adds, "I think this will be such a fantastic concert featuring our favourite Christmas music and anything else we can squeeze in. It's a ceilidh, anything can happen!".
Murray and MacGillivray are also excited that Dave MacIsaac and Troy and Sabra MacGillivray will be joining them Sunday night. It will be a powerhouse of talent up on stage as each performer has amazing credentials in the music and dance community. "At this time of year, you really appreciate your family and loved ones", says MacGillivray, "so it's really nice that my brother and sister are joining us for the show along with Dave who is a great friend." The fact that both Dave and Troy have performed with Patricia continues the thread of good friends and family coming together to make music.
Join Patricia Murray and Kendra MacGillivray December 9th, at St. Matthew's United Church (corner of Barrington & Spring Garden) 7pm for an evening of song, fiddle, piano, and dance, featuring the spirited music of the season.
Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Metro Food Bank
Tickets can be purchased at the door. $12.00 adults $10.00 seniors and students. For information visit www.patriciamurray.ca, www.kendramacgillivray.com or call 423-0871.
June 18th, 2001
News from the recording studio
Patricia is back from a successful stint in the studio and is planning the release of her new recording. Patricia worked with producer Chad Irschick (The Rankins, Bruce Guthro and Susan Aglukark) to put together a follow up recording of both traditional songs and original pieces.
"It was a terrific experience working with Chad and the musicians, like Michael 'Pepe' Francis and Tom Szczesniak, on this project. They provided excellent insight, feedback and expertise on many aspects of the album", says Murray.
When asked to describe the new release, Murray states, "This second solo album is definitely a progression from the first CD, 'Portraits'. The music has solid arrangements and rich instrumental support. Keeping with the tradition of 'Portraits', the songs have a strong Celtic influence with a contemporary folk sound."
Fans will be able to hear the new material July 24th when the CD will be released in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A special Island release is scheduled for July 31st in Charlottetown, PEI. The recording will available at this time through Tidemark Music and Distribution (www.tidemark.ca).
Patricia will be performing in the Maritimes this summer to promote her new recording. The current tour dates are listed and new shows will added as they are confirmed.
"I am really looking forward to bringing the music of this new recording to audiences from all over." says Murray, "I am proud of the work and the people that helped put it together. I can't wait for people to hear what I have been working on this past year".
April 22nd, 2001
Murray begins work on follow-up recording
Patricia is heading back to the studio the beginning of April to record her follow-up recording to her 1998 release, "Portraits". With the assistance of producer Chad Irschick (The Rankins, Bruce Guthro and Susan Aglukark), Patricia will record both traditional songs and new original pieces.
"I am really excited about going into the studio with Chad", says Murray. "His approach to producing has brought the best out in accoustic musicians."
Patricia's involvement with Irschick came about in rather a simple, direct manner. "We just called him up", Murray says. "We knew we needed a producer who could help shape the vision for the recording. After speaking with friends and colleagues in the music industry, Chad's name came up again and again". Murray's manager made the initial call this Winter to pitch the idea of producing the recording. After several weeks of discussing the vision, direction, and material for the project, time was booked at Irschick's studio, Inception Sound.
The recording is scheduled to be released this Summer. Murray plans to release the CD both on the Island and in Halifax, and then accompanied by a string of promotional concert dates. Tidemark Music plans to distribute the new recording in the Maritimes and across Canada.
February 1st, 2001
Patricia Murray ECMA Bound
Prince Edward Island singer/songwriter Patricia Murray plans to make the most of her time at the East Coast Music Awards this February in Charlottetown. Now in the beginning stages of her second solo recording project, Patricia has accumulated fresh, new material, both traditional and original. A perfect way to introduce her new songs is to perform before the East Coast music industry when they come to town in February. It also gives her the opportunity to present her new material to the most important people, the audience.
Murray decided to find as many ways to sing at the various performances scheduled for and around the ECMAs.
Here are the various locations you can find Patricia performing over the ECMA weekend:
NO CASE
The highlight of Patricia's ECMA tour will be on Saturday, February 10th at 9pm, when she joins forces with Island singer/songwriter Kris Taylor for a performance at the Kier Gallery (upstairs of Brennan's Pub & Eatery, 132 Richmond Street). They will each be presenting new material from their respective recordings. Well known Island performers Brad Fremlin and Rick Tersteeg will join Patricia. Everyone is welcome, and there is no cover charge!
ECMA JAM
Patricia is also participating in the ECMA Jam to be held at the old Eaton's building. She will be performing Friday, February 9th at 11:30 am. The ECMA Jam is a three-day, non-stop musical extravaganza and one of the most attended events during the weekend.
ISLANDCASE
She is also looking forward to performing at the Arts Guild on Friday, February 9, between 2 and 5pm in the PEI Arts Council Islandcase (115 Richmond St.). This Songwriters Review will include Scott Parsons, Paul Broadbent, Bonnie LeClair, Sandi MacKinnon, Mark Haines and Margie Carmichael, and Fiddler's Son.
SOUNDWAVES
The ECMAs want to expand into the community more than ever before. Through Soundwaves, Patricia will be performing at the Charlottetown Superstore (455 Universtiy Ave.), Friday, February 9, 7-8pm and singing at the 11am service on February 11, at Zion Presbyterian Church (corner of Prince and Grafton Streets).
January 10th, 2001
Patricia Murray's New Year Update
A happy new year to one and all! We thought it would be a good idea to keep you informed of what is in store for Patricia Murray in the year 2001. We are excited about all the opportunities for you to hear and see her perform.
Patricia has been busy since her successful 2000 Summer festival tour and four weeks of performances at Charlottetown's Confederation Centre in September and October. In October and November, Patricia performed with Juno-nominated piper Rob Crabtree in the production of Spiritwind - A Celebration of Celtic Music for Fall. She also had a wonderful time back home on PEI over the holidays, performing with the College of Piping in their annual Celtic Christmas at the Jubilee Theatre.
Patricia has been writing and collecting songs for her upcoming recording due to be released during the Spring of 2001. She will get a chance to perform some of her new material at the upcoming ECMAs (East Coast Music Awards) on PEI in February. She will be performing at various locations throughout Charlottetown including the Arts Guild on January 18th and February 9th.
Patricia and Rob Crabtree will be restaging their production of Spiritwind in April 2001.
They are expanding the performance venues to both Ottawa and Quebec with the tour dates of April 23 - May 6. We will keep you posted on the tour schedule as it becomes available.
Please drop a note to Patricia by e-mail trishmurray@hotmail.com or join her email list !
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