In 1993, Brian and Elizabeth Caddell came together from different Celtic backgrounds and since that time they have worked to perform and promote Celtic music. Elizabeth (nee MacDonald) is a local girl who grew up in Glengarry. She took piano lessons at a young age and...
In 1954 the late Rae MacCulloch started the MacCulloch School of Dancing. Their first performance was at St. Andrew’s Day concert at St. Finnan’s Church Hall in Alexandria. They were invited by Father John MacPhail and were an instant success. Within a short time they...
Born in Cornwall, Dave McCormick taught himself to play many instruments, starting with the drums in a rock and roll band. Later he played with Sylvester MacDonald and The Clansmen for several years. After mastering bass guitar he joined the Black River Bluegrass...
Red Alex Stewart was a well-known and respected piper and violinist for many years in Glengarry. He was known as “Red Alex” to distinguish him from his neighbour and cousin “Black Alex.” He spent his entire life in the Stewart’s Glen and Skye area of Northern Glengarry.
Larry Lafave was a lifelong resident of Martintown. He was born on May 31, 1943, the son of Mabel Flaro and Joseph B Lafave. He was a well liked and respected member of the community. An avid musician, Larry played guitar in a few local establishments and in several hotels in West Quebec.
On June 23rd, 1964 the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highland Dancing Association was born with 30 families and 35 dancers. Currently there are over 80 members that celebrated their 50th anniversary a few years ago. This Association remains a non-profit that carries on the Scottish heritage of their ancestors.
Duncan played for 50 years with various groups including The Skye Orchestra, The MacCrimmon Orchestra, and the MacDonald Brothers. He played with Bob Urquhart, Joyce (Allen) Urquhart, Bev MacQueen, James Nixon, Duncan J and Rod MacPhee and of course, his brothers (The Dougie Boys).
For over fifty years Shelley MacPhee has been a driving force and is heavily influential with the ongoing operation of the Glengarry School of Piping and Drumming. During this time, hundreds of students, a good number from Glengarry, have passed through the school, learning the fine art of highland bagpiping and drumming.
To this day, The Regimental Pipes and Drums of the SD&G Highlanders is comprised of serving and retired members of the unit as well as civilian members. For 130 years this band has been known for their deep Celtic roots in Glengarry and adherence to the traditions of the Highlanders. Its roots in the Militia Companies of Glengarry, (No. 4 Company, Lancaster, No. 5 Company, Williamstown, and No. 7 Company, Dunvegan) have made outstanding contributions to Celtic music in Glengarry.
First taught by her dad, Ian, when she was ten and later by Denis Lanctot, Ashley MacLeod-Mcrae’s youthful exuberance and love for the fiddle made her a master artist of our time. She and her dad have helped to reignite the interest in fiddle music in Glengarry.