Looking Back: The First Broad Cove Concert
With the 68th Broad Cove Scottish Concert a little less than one month away, it is only fitting to look back at the first concert that started it all.
August 7th, 1957, on a beautiful warm and sunny day, the Parish of St. Margaret’s gathered together on the Church grounds to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Broad Cove, Inverness, County, Nova Scotia. The attendance expected was to be very large, so an outdoor stage was erected in a grove of apple trees not far removed from the entrance to the Church. This presented an attractive and comfortable atmosphere. Some seating accommodations were arranged, but all others could sit on the grass, as described in the Scripture.
Pictured: Gathering outside St. Margaret of Scotland after Mass
At 10:00 am a Solemn Pontifical Mass was performed. After the celebration of Mass, a delicious home prepared roast beef dinner was served by the women of the parish. A temporary shelter was built for this occasion. After the dinner, the large crowed mingled on the grounds and in the village. Renewing old acquaintances and listening to interludes of the ever popular Scottish music on the pipes and violin and applauding the dancing and the Gaelic songs.
At 8:00 pm that evening, a Scottish Concert took place on the same stage used for the morning Mass. This was the mark the beginning of a long tradition of successful Scottish concerts to be held on the church grounds in Broad Cove. This concert was organized by Alex Angus (John A.) MacDonald, Mrs. Arche (Katie Florence) Kennedy, Alex John MacIsaac and Lauchie Dan N. MacLellan. Rev. John Hugh MacEachern came home to Broad Cove to be the Master of Ceremonies for the concert “Under the Stars.” He entertained the audience of parishioners and visitors with the gift of wit and numerous stories. All talent was taken from the audience in abundance. Father John Hugh would simply call upon someone to come up to the stage and perform. It was well remembered that Katie Florence was on and off the stage many times assisting.
Pictured: Rev. John Hugh MacEachern
This humble concert set the stage for many more concerts to come. It would be well known as “The Granddaddy of Scottish Concerts.” The Broad Cove Scottish Concert continues to produce superior quality, featuring the finest of traditional Celtic performers. Over the years, 85% of the performers have been Canadian with the balance coming from the United States, Scotland, and Ireland. The success of the concert is due to the devotion of volunteers from the communities which make up the parish of less than 100 families.
Source: 50th Annual Broad Cove Scottish Concert Booklet
