Hussar celebrates Alberta Cultural Weekend

Times Contributor 

 

The community of Hussar celebrated Alberta’s Cultural Weekend in style with the sounds of Celtic music by holding a “Cowboy Ceilidh Dance” featuring live music from guest entertainers The Claymore Band from Calgary. Members came out to experience the music, dance a little and visit, all in a family friendly environment. All monies raised have been earmarked for renovations to the community hall.

Throughout history, tales have been told of mighty Scotsmen, hearty and ready to stand for right against seemingly unbeatable odds. These strong, kilt-clad men from the Highlands downed many a formidable foe with one swing from a mighty sword. This sword of Scottish fame was the battle-ready “Great Claymore”.

Claymore is a Calgary based, World Celtic band. It is comprised of two Calgary area musicians who share a passion for Canadian and World Celtic music. Coming from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, Claymore blends and shapes songs to produce high-tempo dance songs and emotion-stirring ballads. Lead guitarist and singer Chris Greve was born in London, England and jokes, “Alas, Paul McCartney and the boys felt threatened by my presence and asked the Queen to order me out of the country. After a boat ride across the Atlantic, and a train ride across Canada, I ended up in Calgary. I have hosted jams in and around Calgary, and have played in the United States, England, Cuba, and even Turkey. I play guitar, bohdran, tambourine, and those shaky-egg things (not to mention the spoons, usually on my head) and I love the energy transmitted through Celtic and Maritime music”. (from website). 

James Taylor (Jim) was trained in classical and has played Eastern European folk and classical music for over 3 decades. Joining the Claymore Band has given him the opportunity to explore Celtic fiddling styles. Together they make a fabulous team picking up other musicians depending on what the show calls for and availability. Troy Madden (usually seen as sound tech and engineer) played the bass guitar for the event. During his off-time he is busy in his recording studio in Calgary.

Children and adults alike danced to the rousing, quick beat of the music like “Alberta Bound” and a classic Irish Rovers song “The Unicorn” and some of the other more somber moments captivated the audience with stirring, emotional ballads from days gone by. All in all it was a very successful and fun-filled night. The music part of the evening finished at 11pm and people stayed around to visit with one another.

For those who want to hear more of the sounds of Celtic and Welsh based music, the band will be playing on October 26 and 27 at the Strathmore Hotel. For more information on the Claymore Band please email info@claymoreband.com or call (403)619-0978.