Ashley MacIsaac Ontario Festival of Small Halls

Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac brings his electrifying musicianship to The Spire in Kingston on Friday, October 2, 2026, as part of the Ontario Festival of Small Halls.

Cape Breton is in MacIsaac’s DNA. He began learning the fiddle at an early age, mentored by respected musicians from the region and shaped by performances in island halls, clubs, barns and kitchens. Those roots remain at the heart of a live sound known for its intensity, authenticity and unmistakable passion.

MacIsaac emerged as a major Canadian artist during the 1990s following the release of Hi How Are You. Awards, touring, interviews and high-profile appearances followed as his bold musical personality captured attention across the country and beyond. He brought Cape Breton fiddle music to audiences who may never previously have encountered it, combining deep respect for tradition with the excitement of a contemporary performance.

His career has since taken him around the world. MacIsaac has toured with celebrated composer Philip Glass and influential Irish group The Chieftains, demonstrating how comfortably his musicianship can move across genres and creative settings. He has also appeared as a featured performer during an Olympic opening ceremony and received an honorary doctorate from University College of Cape Breton.

Through all those accomplishments, the fiddle has remained central. MacIsaac plays with a physical energy that can make a traditional tune feel urgent and new, while preserving its connection to the communities and musicians who carried the music forward.

The Ontario Festival of Small Halls is built around memorable performances in distinctive community spaces. The Spire’s historic Performance Hall offers Kingston audiences a fitting setting in which to experience MacIsaac’s commanding stage presence and musicianship up close.

Gather your friends and prepare for an evening of Cape Breton spirit, remarkable technique and music designed to bring a room to life. This is a licensed event.

Event Details

Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
Doors: 7:00 p.m.
Show: 7:30 p.m.
Location: The Spire, 82 Sydenham Street, Kingston
Admission: $45 plus HST and fees; $52.20 online
Format: General admission
Presented by: Ontario Festival of Small Halls
Category: Music
Tickets: Purchase through the Ontario Festival of Small Halls