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Sonas, Gaelic for happiness, formed in the summer of 2006, after Tina and Margie, two sisters who had been playing Cape Breton style music together for a few years, decided they wanted people to hear this great music. Playing fiddle only by ear, Tina wanted to learn how to read music, so enlisted the help of Amy, a classical violin teacher. Tina played a few tunes for Amy and she was hooked. Amy joined Tina and Margie at the Ceilidh Trail School of Celtic Music in CB, Nova Scotia last year (Tina and Margie had been there before) and when they got back home, they decided they were going to form a Celtic band with a strong Cape Breton style influence. Sonas was fortunate to study with some of the great masters of Cape Breton style fiddle and piano accompaniment: Troy MacGillivray, Kimberly Fraser, Jerry Holland, Howie MacDonald.
Playing at a St. Patrick's day private party this year, they met a classic rock band who was also playing that night, and were invited to open for them at a local pub. Word got out and Sonas was approached by another local southern rock band who was also interested in hearing them play and perhaps opening for them as well.
After practicing for nearly a year, they are now ready to play for the masses. Sonas still holds true to the Cape Breton style, playing traditional Irish/Scottish tunes, but is still growing, expanding and exploring all Celtic music. Their tunes are upbeat, foot-stomping reels and jigs, yet they add a gentle, delicate tone to the airs they play.
They are also proud to be musicians in the Cameron Scottish Music Ensemble.
Sonas is indebted and forever grateful to those two bands, World Within and Boothill Express, for their support and help in promoting Sonas. Please leave us comments....we'd love to hear from you!