Leon Dubinsky, seen about 30 years ago, inspired countless musicians over the decades. PHOTO/WARREN GORDONSYDNEY, N.S. — A Cape Breton artist, theatre director and actor known for creating the unofficial anthem for Cape Breton Island died on Tuesday.
Dubinsky grew up on the Esplanade in Sydney, attended Sydney Academy and spent his childhood and teen years with other artists. “It follows right on the heels of our mutual friend Ralph Dillon so it is a lot to process right now.”Leon Dubinsky, seen about 30 years ago, inspired countless musicians over the decades. PHOTO/WARREN GORDON - Contributed
Dawn Beaton, a musician with Celtic Colours International Festival, has fond memories of working with Dubinsky. “Leon was an instrumental member of Summertime Productions, which spearheaded the first formal concert for The Rankin Family Band as it is known today,” said Rankin. “He helped to bring together the five of us for our first show, 'The Mabou Jig,' which set in motion the making of our first recording in 1989.