Not just fiddling around: celtic music is only one facet of the Cape Breton scene

Performing Arts & Entertainment in Canada, Autumn, 2002 by Wanda Earhart

WHILE MOST HEADLINES ABOUT CAPE BRETON OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAVE FOCUSED ON THE decline of major industries, other segments of society have taken up the slack. Nowhere is this more evident than in the entertainment field. But before you start rhyming off the stellar list of celtic performers who are internationally acclaimed for their skill, let's look at the little known, yet equally impressive other musical genres that are making a mark both on the local and national scene.

For one group of performers, whether onstage or off, music is a family affair in more ways than one. Consisting of ten brothers and sisters, The Burkes, who call New Waterford home, have quickly earned a reputation as a tight-knit group of siblings bringing their inspiring message of hope to audiences, while fulfilling a dream both for themselves and their proud parents. Their dedication brought them a nomination for Gospel Artist/Group of the Year at the 2002 East Coast Music Awards in New Brunswick.

Bob Burke says music has always played a role in the lives of group members: "We had a typical Cape Breton home; Dad played guitar, Mom piano, so there was always music on the go." He says several of the siblings have been involved in local bands, and the girls were always into local choirs. "We all love many types of music, though gospel seems to be a favorite when it comes to performing," he says.

Burke says that over the years there had always been discussions about doing something together. "Then a couple of years ago we said 'Let's just do this'. Our sister Sharon has been involved in a group of gospel singers in Halifax, and the more the rest of us heard Christian music, the more we liked it."

Their debut CD, Returning Home, has been a dream-come-true for everyone involved. "We really wanted to do something for our parents, a gift of our collective music, "says Burke, "So during the whole process, we were doing it for them." To be nominated for an ECMA was more than this family ever expected, but was joyfully celebrated. "We all took part in ECMA weekend, thinking this to be a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

The family, which is spread out among several provinces, welcomed the opportunity to meet in New Brunswick for the occasion. "We met the LePointes, another gospel singing family group, who have been inspirations for us, and we saw them perform and actually ended up joining them on stage at a church, which was the absolute highlight of the trip," says Burke.

Since then, the Burkes have enjoyed an increasing amount of attention and tributes from those introduced to their uplifting brand of entertainment. "We have been receiving e-mails from all over the country, from people who were given the CD as a Christmas gift and say that it has brought them an enormous amount of peace," he continues.

Burke says that is exactly their aim in both performing and recording contemporary Christian music. "To us, there are three most important elements m life: God, family and home, and obviously others share those beliefs." The title of the album reflects that sentiment, which targets people who appreciate home, whether in terms of the island, their physical home or spirituality. "Returning Home is for those who love to be here, or wish to be here; it's all about being home." He says the music has certainly strengthened his own family bond. "This has enabled us to be together, doing something we all love to do."

It also involves their children and extended families as well, who often act as stage hands and help out with whatever needs to be done to put on a show. Bob Burke says the family was quite moved by the reaction they have received. "Of course we knew that we loved the music, but when you look out and see people wiping a tear, so overcome with the emotion, then we know why we are doing this. It's very powerful music; that's what it's all about."

Many people come up to the group following a show to thank them for the evening and the effect the show has had on their spirit. "They see us as a family, and how much we enjoy each other both as a group and siblings, and it inspires others to do better in their own relationships," Burke says.

The true nature of their faith, in all respects, became even more evident during the recording of the CD. "While working on the project, our dad became very ill, and we sometimes wondered if we should continue, as we were so concerned with his health at the time," he says. As each track was recorded, it was brought to the hospital for their father to hear.

"The look on his face was precious and we knew that he wanted us to keep going." Burke says those difficult days taught the family about strength and appreciation for each other, and especially for their parents.

"Both of them are so proud of what we have done and it's been a joy to watch them at all of our celebrations such as the CD launch, enjoying themselves as much as we are."

From the ten Burke siblings of New Waterford, we move to a group of eight friends, known collectively as the ACCENTS, who for the past five years have watched their popularity soar. Twice a year this musical/comedy troupe of performers has created seasonal shows, each with an average of six-night runs at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay. The moment the dates are announced, people from all over the island vie for tickets to the always-sold-out, must-see ACCENTS ON Summer or ACCENTS ON Xmas according to the season.