MAY-LONG MUSICFEST 2024 featuring DAVE GUNNING
Friday May 17 - Monday May 20, 2024

Do you like to jam with other musicians?  Are you a would-be songwriter?  Do you love to sing along?  If so, then this event is for you.  Come spend the May Long Weekend with us at one of the most beautiful locations on the Cabot Trail - and don’t forget to bring your instrument!  Sessions will be going day and night in typical Cape Breton fashion and musicians of all styles and abilities are welcome.  A spirit of fun and friendship is the only rule for the weekend! 

The May-Long Music Fest will take place here at the Markland Coastal Beach Cottages from Friday May 17 to Monday May 20, 2024.
Home to 27 charming log cabins, an amazing restaurant, a stunning location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and … a world class music facility, the Markland offers the perfect music retreat. 

The weekend will highlight the renowned singer-songwriter, storyteller, and all-around entertainer, Dave Gunning.  Dave’s honours and accolades are many including recipient of the Canadian Folk Music Awards, EMCA’s, Music NS Awards and of multiple Juno nominations.  Dave will be on hand throughout the weekend, performing Saturday night, conducting a song-writing workshop on Sunday, and not to be missed, a jam session with all those present and keen. Yes, jamming in the Octagon with Dave Gunning looking out to the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect. If you are a songwriter, either professional or amateur, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn from a Master and hone your craft in a fun and relaxed environment. 

While music will be the focus of the May-Long, there will be plenty more to see and do over the course of the weekend. The renowned artist Chris Gorey will be leading a wine-and-paint session and the chefs at the Markland will be serving up some of the most delicious food on the Island. Hiking, yoga, and massages not to mention a walk along the lovely beach … a weekend to fill your soul and harness your creativity.  

3 DAY PACKAGE - arrive Friday noon, depart Monday noon. 
Includes: 

• 3 nights accommodation (at the Markland)
• 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches (at the Markland)
• all music activities (workshops, jam sessions)
• concert on Saturday night 
• 3 day package for a couple = $1,250
• 3 day package for a single = $900

2 DAY PACKAGE - arrive Saturday noon, depart Monday noon
Includes: 

• 2 nights accommodation (at the Markland)
• 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch (at the Markland)
• all music activities (workshops, jam sessions)
• concert on Saturday night
• 2 day package for a couple = $1,000
• 2 day package for a single = $715

LOCAL PACKAGE
Anyone from the area who just wants to drop by & join in on the sessions/workshops without staying overnight at the Markland is more than welcomed.  There will be a fee of $100 which includes a dinner at the Markland on Saturday night, a concert ticket, and all the jamming you can ask for. 

For more information: contact Deron Donovan at (902) 322-0050 or deron_donovan@hotmail.com.

For tickets: contact the Markland at (902) 383-2246.


CAPE BRETON MUSICIANS - 2024

Everynight from 7-9pm in the Markland Lobby, starting in June 

Please join us for a Cape Breton evening celebrating the local talent of Bruce Courtney, Norman MacDonald, and Deron Donovan.  You're sure to be entertained in the comforts of the Markland lobby with their laughs, stories and vibrant Cape Breton music. A Glen Breton whiskey to top off the evening ... the spirit of Cape Breton keeps giving.

For more information, please call the Markland at (902) 383-2246.

In addition to our daily entertainment, we are proud to announce the following events in the Octagon, our newly renovated music space. Perched on the Markland property over looking the Atlantic Ocean, the Octagon can host upto 200 guests and is an acoustic delight for any musician. 

KitchenFest! Féis a’ Chidsin!  - Saturday July 6
Yes, the Octagon will be playing host to this annual event, to this "huge island-wide celebration that feels like one big kitchen party!" An immersive experience into the rich and vibrant Gaelic culture of Cape Breton Island, we are thrilled to be part of this event that truly brings the warmth of the kitchen-céilidh atmosphere to life.

Square Dancing - Saturday July 13
8-11pm
An evening you don't want to miss ... an evening with Chrissy Crowley, Jason Roach, Mary Beth Carty and Bradley Murphy ... an evening of music, of dancing and Gaelic singing. The best way to spend a summer's night in Cape Breton!! 

All Fired Up with Keith, Kyle and Colin MacDonald - Saturday September 28
We are thrilled to host the 3 brothers from Inverness, Keith, Kyle and Colin MacDonald. A first for us here at the Markland, we look forward to an evening of pipes, guitar, fiddle and piano ... in other words ... an evening of lively sound and Gaelic traditions. 


THE WEEKLY FESTIVE LOBSTER FEAST has returned for 2024!

Every Thursday starting mid May to July 15 from 1 - 3:30pm 

In Cape Breton, the lobster season generally kicks off in mid-May and we are at the Markland are ready to celebrate with a true Cape Breton tradition, the lobster boil.  Come and enjoy lobster at its very best.  Learn from the locals about the lobsters, their biology and the fishing industry.  Participate in the process of cooking and cracking.  And enjoy a luncheon complete with salads, homemade bread, Adrienne's famous pie, and a glass of wine or a local draught.  Truly a memorable event on the most northern tip of Cape Breton Island. 

Call the Markland to reserve at (902) 383-2246
$60/person (includes 3 course meal, choice of beverage, and an entertaining & informative show and tell)

ART SHOWS at THE MARKLAND - 2024

Talent abounds here in Cape Breton. We are so fortunate to be surrounded with artists of all vocations. The creative work that emerges after a long winter never ceases to amaze us whether it be music, paintings, needlework, photography, pottery, jewellery or writing.  This summer we are delighted to be showcasing the talent of an aspiring photographer and the works of a well known & celebrated painter. Their art will be on display in the Markland lobby and dining room so ... drop on by and take in the sights as viewed from the lens of an artist. 

July 1 - 28th, The Four Seasons 
William Rochon
A student at St. Francis Xavier University, William has honed his skilled with the National Geographic and with time and patience. With a camera always by his side, he captures nature, moments, and landscapes with an eye, an angle, a perspective that challenges and rewards. What "we" see is often not how William perceives and thus he is able to create photographs as art, delivering on introspection and beauty. We welcome you to this exhibit that celebrates Cape Breton in all its seasonal glory.  

August 1 - 31st, Capturing Light 
Christopher Gorey
It is with great joy that we welcome Christopher Gorey to the Markland this summer. A signature member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour and of the Society of Canadian Artists, Christopher is an artistic legend here in Nova Scotia. His watercolours and oil paintings grace the homes and collections of Canadians across the country and his designs can be found on the 1981 & 1987 Canadian commemorative silver dollars as well as the 2022 Alexander Graham Bell circulating dollar. 
His exhibit at the Markland while eclectic in its landscape (covering northern Cape Breton, England and Nova Scotia) focuses on the play of light. "Capturing the way light envelopes objects has always fascinated me. Whether it is the warm light filtering over a landscape in the late afternoon or the somber cool light of a rainy day, my subject matter will always be the light. I live and work on Cape Breton Island and it offers an abundance of material to pursue this quest."
Christopher is presently working in the media of watercolour and oil in an impressionistic, painterly manner. Along with originals on display, he will also include some Giclee fine art reproductions. 
What a treat! Welcome Chris to the Markland. 


THE BARRA MacNEILS IN CONCERT - BACK for a 11th YEAR ??  Stay tuned. 

Canada's well-known musical family will be back singing, dancing and celebrating for their 11th year?? We're hoping so ... watch this space. Their highly entertaining, energetic and intimate show sells out every year. It truly is a Maritime highlight! Come on out ... the evening is sure to entertain.The six MacNeil siblings are widely regarded as one of the greatest live concert acts in the Celtic world. Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the family group is deeply rooted in Celtic music, culture, dance, language and history. Their numerous critically acclaimed recordings have included their own original songs as well as tried and true standards, both instrumental and vocal. Very exciting indeed for all of us up here on the northern tip of Cape Breton!