The Iona Heights Inn

Céilidh Matinee
2022-11-26 17:00 - 20:00, 2022-12-03 17:00 - 20:00, 2022-12-10 17:00 - 20:00, 2022-12-17 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | The Frolic’n Folk Pub & Grill, 4115 HWY 223, Iona, Nova Scotia, B2C 1A3, Canada
Musicians TBA
Get a taste of local celtic music & culture with our weekly ceilidhs.
Expect to see world-renowned talent & budding entertainers all from our native Cape Breton.
General admission seating ranging from $5-$10
First come first serve at the pub. No reservations

Trivia Night at The Frolic
2022-12-01 20:00 - 22:00, 2022-12-08 20:00 - 22:00, 2022-12-15 20:00 - 22:00, 2022-12-22 20:00 - 22:00, 2022-12-29 20:00 - 22:00
Come test your wits & win prizes!
3 Rounds – 12 general knowledge questions each round.
Play solo, or form a team. Funniest team name gets showered with accolades.
Hosted by your man – Ruarí Aonghas Lonce Murphy, every Thursday Night

Hauler
2022-12-02 20:00 - 22:00
Seamlessly blending and bending roots, rock, and traditional Cape Breton Celtic music together into a hearty homemade soup that can dynamically have you hanging off every lyric – or knock you flat on your arse – Cape Breton’s contemporary Celtic trio Hauler has been simmering on the stove and are now ready to serve themselves up with the release of their upcoming debut album.
Familiar faces from saltwater funk trio Slowcoaster Steve MacDougall and Mike Lelievre have been sharing stages since long before they had any to play on, bringing hard-hitting pop-rock to the masses between Cheticamp and China for almost 20 years, and this represents a timely and natural return to their acoustic roots. Teaming up with fiddler Colin Grant, Instrumental Artist of the Year at the 2017 Canadian Folk Music Awards and a versatile musician who bounces between genres like a token fiddler should, the trio weaves traditional Irish and Scottish ballads, indie folk originals, and traditional and contemporary tune instrumentals with a modern acoustic approach that proves Cape Breton music can reassuringly re-invent itself.
HAULER IS:
Mike Lelievre | guitar/bass/vocals
Colin Grant | fiddle
Steven MacDougall | guitars/vocals

RG Schaller & The Peacemakers
2022-12-09 19:00 - 23:00
The Frolic and Folk is excited to announce that Rg Schaller and the Peacemakers are coming for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
A unique 5 piece band on the rise in a sea of talent.
Also joining are singer/songwriters Duane Nardocchio and Sonnie Greening, as well as some very special guests.
Tickets available at door and online $20
Ages 19+

New Years Eve Eve with Pretty Archie
2022-12-30 21:00 - 23:30
This is for December 30th!

First come first serve. Not assigned seating. Doors open at 4PM
Midnight snacks, champagne, and swag included in your ticket price.
Ages 19+

Pinning down the sound of Cape-Breton-based quintet Pretty Archie has always been about as easy as catching a greased pig, but with the release of their new, self-titled album the band is confident that their unique mix of folk, Americana, bluegrass, Alt-Country, and East Coast music will appeal to a wider audience than ever before. Celebrating their tenth anniversary with what is arguably their finest work to date, the album was released on February 11, 2022 via Curve Music/Warner Music.
Pretty Archie, their sixth album, is one of which they are justifiably proud, for it represents a quantum leap forward in the evolution of the group’s sound. ”I feel each of our other records was a step ahead of the previous one, but this one is six steps ahead,” declares bassist/vocalist/songwriter Colin Gillis. “We are proud of everything we’ve put out, but this is at a different level.” ‘Familiar Feeling’ the first single from the album, is nominated for Canadian Folk Music Awards ‘Single of the Year’
Helping the group realize the formidable creative achievement that is Pretty Archie was internationally-acclaimed record producer and engineer Mark Howard, whose star-studded resume includes work with the likes of Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, U2, Tom Waits, The Tragically Hip, Peter Gabriel, and more. Howard’s fortuitous recent relocation to Cape Breton allowed Pretty Archie to take advantage of his skills, and the band couldn’t be happier with the results.
To record Pretty Archie, Howard and the band set up shop in the rustic setting of an A-frame lakeside cottage in Cape Breton. Lead vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Brian Cathcart explains that “Mark is very much about the vibe of the room, and this worked out perfectly. We were in the house for two weeks, basically doing a song a day, and we did evening sessions that had a cooler relaxed feel.”
“It was all basically recorded live off the floor, with minimal overdubs,” adds Colin. “That’s something we had always wanted, and Mark was able to do that. There’s a certain ambiance and energy in recording that way.”
Describing the new album, Brian states “it is more focused, even though you still can’t quite put a finger on it. For us, it definitely has way more of a country vibe. This record leans more towards alternative country or Americana, rather than the super commercial country out there.”
The catchy “Reasons” is one of the tunes that changed considerably in the studio, as Brian explains. “Originally that was rather a ‘cry in your beer’ song, but Mark wanted it faster. He had the 808 drum machine rhythm and we just sped the tune up to that, so now it is short, sweet and punchy.” There’s a similar upbeat tone to “Familiar Feelings,” another song that showcases the band’s instrumental prowess.
Brian digs deep vocally on the haunting ballad “Feel It In My Bones,” while, at Howard’s suggestion, “Someone New” became a duet, featuring Austin-based Maritime honkytonker Whitney Rose, with the contrasting vocals adding real resonance. Brian is especially proud of “Maritime,” a song written right in the studio that features these poignant lyrics – ”If your heart breaks down, we’ll use mine. It is weathered and weary, but it is Maritime.”
Cathcart explains that “as a band, we wear our East Coast hearts on our sleeves. We are very proud of where we are from, but our focus now is exposing people internationally to our part of the world.” Gillis adds that “if you are genuine and true to yourselves, then people will attach themselves to that, no matter where you are from.”
Pretty Archie have long been regional favourites, with a stack of Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Award nominations to their credit. They are now looking globally, and with Pretty Archie they have an album ready for international prime time play. Do yourself a big favour and check it out.

Open in Spotify
Open in Spotify

New Years Eve with Pretty Archie
2022-12-31 21:00 - 23:30
First come first serve. Not assigned seating. Doors open at 4PM
Midnight snacks, champagne, and swag included in your ticket price.
Ages 19+

Pinning down the sound of Cape-Breton-based quintet Pretty Archie has always been about as easy as catching a greased pig, but with the release of their new, self-titled album the band is confident that their unique mix of folk, Americana, bluegrass, Alt-Country, and East Coast music will appeal to a wider audience than ever before. Celebrating their tenth anniversary with what is arguably their finest work to date, the album was released on February 11, 2022 via Curve Music/Warner Music.
Pretty Archie, their sixth album, is one of which they are justifiably proud, for it represents a quantum leap forward in the evolution of the group’s sound. ”I feel each of our other records was a step ahead of the previous one, but this one is six steps ahead,” declares bassist/vocalist/songwriter Colin Gillis. “We are proud of everything we’ve put out, but this is at a different level.” ‘Familiar Feeling’ the first single from the album, is nominated for Canadian Folk Music Awards ‘Single of the Year’
Helping the group realize the formidable creative achievement that is Pretty Archie was internationally-acclaimed record producer and engineer Mark Howard, whose star-studded resume includes work with the likes of Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, U2, Tom Waits, The Tragically Hip, Peter Gabriel, and more. Howard’s fortuitous recent relocation to Cape Breton allowed Pretty Archie to take advantage of his skills, and the band couldn’t be happier with the results.
To record Pretty Archie, Howard and the band set up shop in the rustic setting of an A-frame lakeside cottage in Cape Breton. Lead vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Brian Cathcart explains that “Mark is very much about the vibe of the room, and this worked out perfectly. We were in the house for two weeks, basically doing a song a day, and we did evening sessions that had a cooler relaxed feel.”
“It was all basically recorded live off the floor, with minimal overdubs,” adds Colin. “That’s something we had always wanted, and Mark was able to do that. There’s a certain ambiance and energy in recording that way.”
Describing the new album, Brian states “it is more focused, even though you still can’t quite put a finger on it. For us, it definitely has way more of a country vibe. This record leans more towards alternative country or Americana, rather than the super commercial country out there.”
The catchy “Reasons” is one of the tunes that changed considerably in the studio, as Brian explains. “Originally that was rather a ‘cry in your beer’ song, but Mark wanted it faster. He had the 808 drum machine rhythm and we just sped the tune up to that, so now it is short, sweet and punchy.” There’s a similar upbeat tone to “Familiar Feelings,” another song that showcases the band’s instrumental prowess.
Brian digs deep vocally on the haunting ballad “Feel It In My Bones,” while, at Howard’s suggestion, “Someone New” became a duet, featuring Austin-based Maritime honkytonker Whitney Rose, with the contrasting vocals adding real resonance. Brian is especially proud of “Maritime,” a song written right in the studio that features these poignant lyrics – ”If your heart breaks down, we’ll use mine. It is weathered and weary, but it is Maritime.”
Cathcart explains that “as a band, we wear our East Coast hearts on our sleeves. We are very proud of where we are from, but our focus now is exposing people internationally to our part of the world.” Gillis adds that “if you are genuine and true to yourselves, then people will attach themselves to that, no matter where you are from.”
Pretty Archie have long been regional favourites, with a stack of Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Award nominations to their credit. They are now looking globally, and with Pretty Archie they have an album ready for international prime time play. Do yourself a big favour and check it out.

Open in Spotify
Open in Spotify

Céilidh Matinee
2023-02-04 17:00 - 20:00, 2023-02-11 17:00 - 20:00, 2023-02-18 17:00 - 20:00, 2023-02-25 17:00 - 20:00, 2023-03-04 17:00 - 20:00, 2023-03-11 17:00 - 20:00, 2023-03-18 17:00 - 20:00, 2023-03-25 17:00 - 20:00 and 3 more dates
Get a taste of local celtic music & culture with our Saturday ceilidhs (kay-lee).
Expect to see world-renowned talent & budding entertainers from all over our native Cape Breton.
General admission seating ranging from $5-$10
First come first serve at the pub. No reservations. Minors allowed up until 10PM

Rg Schaller & Duane Nardocchio
2023-03-24 19:00 - 23:00
$5 cover
Live music 7-11PM
Kitchen open till 9PM

Crowdis Bridge
2023-03-31 20:00 - 22:00
From multiple ECMA performances to busking with Matt Anderson on the PEI ferry, Crowdis Bridge has been entertaining folks in small towns and strange places since 2008. Lovers and purveyors of roots and traditional music, they are steeped in bluegrass, old-time, folk, Celtic and country-blues. This Cape Breton group of multi-instrumentalists, vocalists & songwriters creates a musical landscape as amazing and diverse as the island they call home.
$20 cover charge (put on your bill)
Kitchen open till 9PM

Open in Spotify
Open in Spotify
Open in Spotify

Cape Breton Celtic Trad Sessions
2023-04-02 16:30 - 19:30, 2023-04-09 16:30 - 19:30, 2023-04-16 16:30 - 19:30
Come and enjoy a casual gathering of musicians who have come together to play traditional Cape Breton celtic music.
Anyone is welcome to join in, or just sit back and enjoy the tunes.
Sundays at The Frolic 430 – 730pm
Full kitchen and bar service.
Minors allowed till 10pm

The Town Heroes Acoustic Show
2023-04-14 20:00 - 22:00
Whether a sweaty rock show or an intimate acoustic environment, The Town Heroes want you to be entertained.
Born and raised in small town Nova Scotia, Mike Ryan and Bruce Gillis have played together for the past 10 years — touring the world, releasing 5 critically acclaimed albums and winning an array of industry awards. Anthemic choruses, danceable arrangements, and tender falsettos highlight their catchy yet thoughtful songs. At heart, a perfect soundtrack for contemplating life with a bounce in your step.
Musically, the band blends their 90’s alt-rock influences with singer-songwriter stylings in the vein of Neil Young or Ryan Adams. On stage they move like intense caricatures – soaked in sweat, pushing every chord, note and beat to the limit. A structured wall of sound emerges; familiar yet distinctive. Camaraderie shows in their musicianship, their song-writing highlights what they are: friends playing music for the love of it, in it for the long haul.
The band released their sixth full length album Home during the summer of 2021.
Home is a concept album. The entirety of the storyline takes place over a two week period during a summer in Cape Breton. The 9 songs, told from 3 different perspectives, tell the chronological tale of coming home, youth, summer love, and ultimately lost love. A father — longing for what he left behind — returns to his hometown after moving to San Francisco for work. A young “local” boy falls for his daughter, a short romance ensues, and the romance dies upon her inevitable return home. The album captures the energy and spirit of a youthful summer and coming of age.

Open in Spotify
Open in Spotify
Open in Spotify
