For Kim Cook and the rest of Cookeilidh (pronounced Cook-Kay-Lee), Christmas is a very special time of year.
The Celtic musical group will appear at the Mary Winspear Centre on Sunday, Dec. 15 to provide their audience with more than just a concert.
With its roots in ancient Celtic traditions that predate the Christian holiday that we celebrate today, the Celtic celebrations marked the darkest part of the year and triumphed return of the light.
“Back in the day, the Celts celebrated the bringing of the light by lighting up their homes, telling stories, and singing songs,” said Cook. “It made the season better for everyone and raised spirits during the darkest time of the year.”
Of course, those same feelings of hope, love and celebration are part of what makes Christmas so special today, and why the music of Cookeilidh is such a gift at this time of year.
Don’t expect their concerts to be based on druid music; with selections like Good King Wenceslas and We Need a Little Christmas, this is a traditional Christmas celebration. Of course, the Celtic influence remains in tunes like Galician Carol, Taladh Chriosda, and that old favourite Christmas in Killarney. (Alright, that last one isn’t actually Celtic, but Bing Crosby did a passable Irish accent in his rendition.)
In the end, Cookeilidh’s show Making Spirits Bright is more than just a concert; it’s a heartfelt celebration of the season that blends the old with the new and leaves the audience with a sense of wonder and warmth.
The group features Kim Cook on fiddle and percussion, Dave Cook on acoustic 12-string guitar and vocals, Woody Wilson on the Irish wooden flute, bodhran, and bones and Tom Pogson on electric bass and vocals.
When the concert is done, the magical influence of Cookeilidh’s music will have one more gift to offer.
“We’re going to be at the airport on Dec. 20 and 22 at 6 p.m. to provide some free music in the arrivals area,” said Cook. “The concert is free and for us, it’s a real gift because, as we play, we get to see those moments when families connect. The Christmas spirit is alive and we see people dancing out of the arrivals area.”
Tickets for Making Spirits Bright can be found at marywinspear.ca/event/cookeilidh-making-spirits-bright.
