As the Sooke News Mirror reported early last year, the Shirley Hill Boogies were the hot hopping dance and music at the Shirley Hall 30 years ago, and they were being restarted. They started off with one in February, then another in September and another in November. All were great fun with awesome local or regional musicians.
Now at the end of the month, on Friday the 24 to be exact, they will be having their next boogie.
For the past 218 years, those with an affinity for Robbie Burns and his poetry, have been celebrating his life each year on his birthday, January 25.
In celebration, the Shirley Hill Boogies will also be celebrating the bard with a concert/dance with Celtic Reflections.
The event takes place at the Shirley Community Hall from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, January 24.
The evening promises to be a fun filled boogie dancing/listening to the tunes of Patrick and Patricia De Gabrielle.
They are a multi-instrumental and vocal Celtic/Folk/World duo. The wide range of instruments they play include Celtic harp, mandolins, whistles, the fiddle, bass peddles, classic/acoustic guitar, bodhran, castanets and that’s not all. Both have backgrounds in theatre and they have been performing together both around Canada and the internationally for over 15 years. Their repertoire includes Latin, classical, jazz, flamenco, blues, gypsy and of course many styles of Celtic music.
Patricia De Gabrielle is a Celtic harpist, bodhran player and vocalist, and has been a performer for many years. She has also been involved in theate, musical theater and drama. Patricia brings a unique warm quality to the stage, and her passion for singing a sweet, Irish ballad will bring a tear to your eye. She sometimes plays zills, or castanets for the livelier numbers, and has composed some beautiful songs. Patricia is a skilled actress and comedienne with a spontaneous wit as sharp as a razor.
When she and Patrick met and began playing music together, there was a certain magical quality to the blend of instruments. From the time they busked together in Ireland to playing music for many weddings, house concerts, and other events, they’ve created a musical journey with a very special quality.
Patrick De Gabrielle was born in Dublin Ireland. As the youngest member of a theatrical family, Patrick grew up on the road, touring from town to town, with the Shannon Players, one of the last traveling shows of its kind in Ireland. He took up the guitar at age 11 and has earned a living playing it ever since, playing all styles of music and is a registered teacher for the Royal Conservatory of Music in Classical Guitar.
Now, he has come full circle, home to where his heart was all along, beating to the pulse of Celtic Music. Patrick is a dynamic performer, as well as being a very skilled guitarist, vocalist, and composer. He has the ability to capture the audience and hold them spellbound with his Irish charm, clever wit, and fine musicianship.
They also own and operate a Bed and Breakfast, called Tir Na Nog, located near East Sooke Regional Park, where their guests may be treated to a little live music played just for them.
Tickets are limited, email to: boogies@briarmoon.ca.
Come out for our opening boogie of 2014 with great Celtic music for Robbie Burns’ Day.
The Shirley Community Hall is located 20 km NW of Sooke on West Coast Road at Sheringham Point Road.