Song Circle in St. George’s Channel

A Song Circle at St. George's Channel Hall is an informal, participatory music gathering that brings together singers and instrumentalists of all abilities for a shared evening of song. Unlike a ticketed performance with a stage and a set audience, a song circle is built around the principle that everyone present has the opportunity to contribute — whether that means leading a full song, joining in on a chorus, or simply listening and keeping time. St. Georges Channel is a small community in Richmond County , situated on the southwestern shores of the Bras d'Or Lake on Cape Breton Island. The community hall there serves as a gathering point for local residents and visitors, and this type of evening event reflects a long tradition of informal music-making that runs deep across rural Cape Breton. The format is relaxed and welcoming. Participants typically sit in a circle or loose arrangement, with songs passed around the group. Folk songs, traditional Cape Breton and Celtic material, sea shanties, country tunes, and anything else a participant wants to share can find a place in the rotation.