Well, it happened again.

That familiar feeling of community brought together by spectacular live music for a memorable evening – except this time is also fostered festive spirit!

Something clicks at our holiday shows and the bands have each audience member hanging off of every note.

One of the sweetest, tell-all moments is when the small halls erupt into thunderous applause and cheers, demanding an encore. That happened three times during the course of the weekend – and in each venue, the crowd was still standing and clapping long after Còig had the left the stage for good.

With their witty banter, down home personal stories, and tremendous talent on multiple instruments, Còig and Change of Step hand delivered holiday spirit to Almonte, Seeley’s Bay and Maxville.

This weekend, Newfoundland’s The Once is ready to do the same at a sold out show in Merrickville and are ready to wrap up our Deck the Small Halls series in Dacre. The Once played two sold out shows last year with the Festival, gracing stages and wooing crowds from far and close to home. One trio of friends travelled all the way from Niagara Falls last year to see them perform both shows!

There’s a reason The Once has such a loyal following: they’re an award-winning trio, known for their haunting yet personable interpretations of traditional music, mixed with unique indie folk style.

Tickets for the Merrickville show are officially sold out, but there are still some available for Dacre’s offering at the DACA Centre! Join us: details here.

Come find your festive side at this unique small hall; an exterior of strong, weathered logs re-purposed from local barns, gives way to community inside that one can only find on a back road in the Ottawa Valley and Eastern  Ontario.

We can’t wait to hang our stars above the stage, put up our Small Halls Christmas tree and get carried away on the seamless melodies of The Once!