RUNA (USA, Ireland, Canada) “Best of all, RUNA sounds like no one else!” – Travis Rogers, Jr., Music Life & Times Quickly gaining recognition as one of Irish music’s new “super-groups,” RUNA has been en- chanting audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats since their formation in 2008. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuber- ant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music. The group has been honored internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and four Independent Music Awards including Best Live Album, Best World/Traditional Song and Best Bluegrass Song.

RUNA (USA, Ireland, Canada) “Best of all, RUNA sounds like no one else!” – Travis Rogers, Jr., Music Life & Times Quickly gaining recognition as one of Irish music’s new “super-groups,” RUNA has been en- chanting audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats since their formation in 2008. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuber- ant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music. The group has been honored internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and four Independent Music Awards including Best Live Album, Best World/Traditional Song and Best Bluegrass Song.

BOURQUE ÉMISSAIRES (Quebec) - Benoit Bourque is a long time member of the group La Bottine Souriante. He is a musician, dancer, singer and caller, he has been a member of different bands with whom he toured extensively in North America and in Europe : Éritage, Ad vielle que pourra, Hommage à Alfred Montmarquette, Bourque et Bernard, Matapat, Le Vent du Nord, are all bands that enjoyed his talents and his exceptional charisma. Specialist of Quebec tradionnal dances, Benoit has presented lectures and workshops in many camps and festivals, showing his skill in step dancing and bones playing (wich is a family tradition: his dad and grandad were both bones players). He now tours with his son, Antoine Pigeon-Bourque Antoine started playing piano at the age of 11 and accordion at the age of 16. He has a degree in music from Université de Montréal where he studied the classical repertoire for piano-accordion. He is a graduate from Collège Saint-Laurent, in Montreal, where he studied tuba and accordion.

BOURQUE ÉMISSAIRES (Quebec) - Benoit Bourque is a long time member of the group La Bottine Souriante. He is a musician, dancer, singer and caller, he has been a member of different bands with whom he toured extensively in North America and in Europe : Éritage, Ad vielle que pourra, Hommage à Alfred Montmarquette, Bourque et Bernard, Matapat, Le Vent du Nord, are all bands that enjoyed his talents and his exceptional charisma. Specialist of Quebec tradionnal dances, Benoit has presented lectures and workshops in many camps and festivals, showing his skill in step dancing and bones playing (wich is a family tradition: his dad and grandad were both bones players). He now tours with his son, Antoine Pigeon-Bourque Antoine started playing piano at the age of 11 and accordion at the age of 16. He has a degree in music from Université de Montréal where he studied the classical repertoire for piano-accordion. He is a graduate from Collège Saint-Laurent, in Montreal, where he studied tuba and accordion.

ARIKO - (Ontario) Whether at a festival or in a kitchen, the party ignites when Ariko takes the stage. Homegrown in Tiny, Ontario, Ariko features the rich vocal harmonies and dynamic fiddle stylings of the Lefaive sisters along with a driving and energetic rhythm section delivered by their parents Laura and Louis.original repertoire of their album Portrait de famille, unique arrangements of traditional French-Canadian songs, traditional fiddle tunes and stepdance! Ariko’s performances engage audiences of all ages with interactive rhythm, song and dance activities. Rooted in traditional music, their dynamic repertoire is coloured by zydeco, jazz and popular genres. Let yourself be recharged by the positive energy of this family group!

ARIKO - (Ontario) Whether at a festival or in a kitchen, the party ignites when Ariko takes the stage. Homegrown in Tiny, Ontario, Ariko features the rich vocal harmonies and dynamic fiddle stylings of the Lefaive sisters along with a driving and energetic rhythm section delivered by their parents Laura and Louis.original repertoire of their album Portrait de famille, unique arrangements of traditional French-Canadian songs, traditional fiddle tunes and stepdance! Ariko’s performances engage audiences of all ages with interactive rhythm, song and dance activities. Rooted in traditional music, their dynamic repertoire is coloured by zydeco, jazz and popular genres. Let yourself be recharged by the positive energy of this family group!

NORTH ATLANTIC DRIFT - (Ontario, Ireland) is the water current that runs between the East coast of Canada and the West coast of Europe and Ireland. The music of North Atlantic Drift reflects this, following a centuries-long tradition of the trading of music and musical styles between Ireland, Scotland and the East coast of Canada. Brian Taheny from Sligo, Ireland, Dan MacDonald from Cape Breton Island and Ross Griffiths from the Ontario piping tradition form this particular trading triangle and the product is a multi-instrumental, multi-styled celtic sound that is truly Canadian in its diversity.

NORTH ATLANTIC DRIFT - (Ontario, Ireland) is the water current that runs between the East coast of Canada and the West coast of Europe and Ireland. The music of North Atlantic Drift reflects this, following a centuries-long tradition of the trading of music and musical styles between Ireland, Scotland and the East coast of Canada. Brian Taheny from Sligo, Ireland, Dan MacDonald from Cape Breton Island and Ross Griffiths from the Ontario piping tradition form this particular trading triangle and the product is a multi-instrumental, multi-styled celtic sound that is truly Canadian in its diversity.

Each year Celtic College student musicians are invited to join The Goderich Irregulars to play for the evening Ceili dances in the Square. Fiddler Wil Macaulay and Maureen Keating on piano have taught the Ceili Band Boot Camp in the past, and are returning for their sixth year as dance organizers. The Festival weekend features fun and easy dance workshops, all led by Toronto caller Angela Bontje. Come and kick up your heels to the tune of lively jigs and reels!

Each year Celtic College student musicians are invited to join The Goderich Irregulars to play for the evening Ceili dances in the Square. Fiddler Wil Macaulay and Maureen Keating on piano have taught the Ceili Band Boot Camp in the past, and are returning for their sixth year as dance organizers. The Festival weekend features fun and easy dance workshops, all led by Toronto caller Angela Bontje. Come and kick up your heels to the tune of lively jigs and reels!

About Us

The Goderich Celtic Roots Festival is an annual celebration of the music, craft, and culture of the Celtic nations, immigrants of which form a strong historic background to Huron County. From a single memorial concert held in 1993, the Celtic Roots Festival has grown to include a week-long school of music, dance and craft art for children and adults, a series of rural outreach mini-concerts, and a three-day traditional outdoor festival held in beautiful Lions' Harbour Park on the shores of Lake Huron. 

It is the mandate of the Goderich Celtic Folk Society to produce events which foster awareness, participation, and education in the world of traditional Celtic culture. 

"Goderich is a town of spacious avenues, haunting generosity, wide smiles and open doors ... come walk the walk at the friendly festival." ~ Irish Music Magazine

"Quite simply, the best folk festival on the planet." ~ Discover Magazine
WHAT IS THE FESTIVAL LIKE?
The Celtic Roots Festival is a three-day outdoor festival showcasing the world's best of Celtic music, dance, and art all in the beautiful setting of Goderich, Ontario. With five stages, varying from small intimate performances to the high-powered Main Stage, the Festival is a unique musical experience in Canada and on the world-wide stage. Fresh local food, high-quality craft artisans, art demonstrations, children's activity area, beer garden, an evening market - plus the 60+ hours of live music - make this an unmissable weekend in Goderich.
A visit to the Festival is also a great way to experience Goderich, "the prettiest town in Canada", with the stunning beaches of Lake Huron and downtown shopping all within minutes' walk of the park.

ENTRY 
Gates open 11 am daily, music runs from 12 noon to midnight (10.30 pm Sunday). 
Day and weekend passes available; children 12 and under free. Purchase passes, or buy them at the gate. Rain or shine (4 covered stages). Guide dogs only. For directions to the Festival, click here.

PERFORMANCE STAGES 
There are five stages at the Celtic Roots Festival: 
Main Stage is a permanent band shell structure facing open grass; limited bleacher seating is provided, and patrons may bring their own chairs and blankets. 
Main Stage II is a covered performance stage with provided seating. 
Greeting Stage, Dance Stage, and West Stage are small covered workshop stages, with space for chairs and blankets. 

 FESTIVAL AMENITIES 

Fresh local food court (open noon - 10 pm, approximately) 
   2019 VENDORS: coming soon!
 
Supervised Children's Area (open 1-5, Saturday and Sunday). 
Storytelling area (Saturday and Sunday afternoons) 
Fully-staffed administration and First Aid area 
Permanent and temporary washroom facilities