Gerald McGillis began playing the fiddle on his 13th birthday and very quickly discovered his ability to learn any tune by ear after hearing it only a couple of times. Family folklore tells us that by the time his parents returned home from mass on that special day, Gerald could deliver a perfect rendition of “The […]
Dr. Donaldson MacLeod can certainly be described as a “Jack of all trades” when referring to our Celtic heritage in general and Glengarry Celtic heritage in particular. Fluent in three languages, English, French and Gaelic, Donaldson, an engineer by profession, is better known in Glengarry for his strong promotion of just about anything Scottish. It […]
Duncan, “the Farmer,” as he is now known in Glengarry was born and raised on the family farm in Glen Roy. He is the son of John Sander and Ella McDonald. His family was noted for its support of Celtic music and traditions. Duncan came from a musical family of accomplished violinists. His uncles Leo, […]
James Stewart Nixon, born Oct. 19, 1931, is the son of Leslie and Margaret (Barton) Nixon. His musical ability stems from both sides of the family which includes playing the piano, organ, accordion, guitar and fiddle. His grandfather (also James Nixon) would lilt mouth music for dances, his mother played the piano, his uncle Tommy […]
Cliffton Britton was born and raised on a farm four miles north of Avonmore in a settlement called Lodi. His parents were James and Alberta Britton, both of whom played the violin. Cliff started playing the banjo first. He would accompany his brother-in-law, Charles McElheran, an excellent fiddler, when they played at many house parties. […]
Neilie, born February 5, 1884 at North Lancaster, was the son of Austin R. McDonald and his wife Flora Campbell. He was widely known throughout the county for his entertainment; his musical ability contributed to the enjoyment of many at concerts, weddings, socials but he was happiest at the good old house parties where he […]
