A P.E.I. tradition

Burns concert set for Friday, Jan. 29 in Charlottetown

The Caledonian Club’s annual Burns concert will be held at the historic Kirk of St. James, 35 Fitzroy St., Charlottetown on Friday, Jan. 29 with a storm date set for Saturday, Jan. 30.

Admission is $15, adults, under-12, free.

It will be hosted by the club president, Horatio Toledo. Feature vocalist is Eddy Quinn of Fiddler’s Sons fame. The Belfast Pipe and Drum Band will ring the rafters of the Kirk and folklorist, writer, musician. Historian/ clansman Jim Hornby will delight with selections of the Bard’s poetry. Rounding out the program will be the musical talents of clansman Todd MacLean.

It is written that the first supper was held in memoriam at Burns Cottage by Robert Burns’ friends on 21 July 1801, the fifth anniversary of his death, and have been a regular occurrence ever since.

The Caledonian Club of Prince Edward Island has celebrated with an annual Burns Concert since 1889.

To appropriately mark the occasion, there will be a haggis ceremony honouring the national dish of Scotland with the parading of the candle-lit haggis into the sanctuary cradled on the specially crafted tray carried by financial secretary Douglas MacNevin and led by an assembly of Pipers.

The Burns’ “Address To A Haggis” will be recited by clansman Roddy MacLean. There will be a reception following the concert with haggis and light refreshments served and a membership table will be available throughout the evening.

For more information visit our website www.caledonianclubofpei.ca or email us to caledonianclubofpei@gmail.com.