Arts & Entertainment
Singing and Dancing at the Canadian American Club
Open mic night and Irish music are on the menu this weekend.
Looking for a way to shake the mid-winter doldrums? If so, there's always something going on at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St. in Watertown. The club got its start in the Boston area in 1937, making this year the organization's 75th anniversary.
"The main purpose of the club is to help promote Canadian American relationships in Massachusetts and New England, [while] keeping traditional Canadian music and culture alive in New England – a social club for anyone with Canadian Roots or interests," states Mary Mac, an active member and Board member of the club.
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Throughout the year, the club hosts a variety of events, including weekly dances, jam sessions, dinners, and concerts. On Friday nights, the club offers open mic nights downstairs in a small cozy pub from 8:30 p.m. until midnight. There’s no admission to open mic nights but as part of their community outreach, you’re encouraged to bring a canned good to donate to the Watertown food pantry.
"Anyone who plays an instrument or sings is welcome to come and join us," says Mac.
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The Saturday night dances feature a variety of Country, Irish, Celtic and Canadian bands. This Saturday, guests can dance and enjoy the Irish music of Erin's Melody and Margaret Dalton. Admission is $10. The weekly dances usually draw anywhere from 40 to 90 people.
Mac, age 59, encourages the community to come enjoy what the club has to offer.
"Since the nightclub scene is for 20-somethings, we don't have many places to go to hear live music and feel safe," she says. "Even though it is generally couples who come to the club, the single people are starting to see it's a great place to meet other people as most members are very welcoming to newcomers. [Come] for fun, food, music, and friendship."
Some highlights over the next few weeks include music by the country western band Country Masters on Feb. 25, a dinner-dance with music by the Wild Rovers on March 3, and a concert by Richard Wood, a fiddler from Prince Edward Island on March 10. For more information, call 617-924-9827 or visit the Canadian American Club's website.
