Robert Burns, the Bard of Ayshire – Newnan’s “sister city” – will commemorate his birthday this week, and the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society, the Newnan Cultural Arts Commission, and the Order of the Tartan are joining forces to celebrate.
A series of events will be held next weekend at the Wadsworth Auditorium, the McRitchie-Hollis Museum, the Alamo, and the Newnan Historic Depot.
The first event, a concert honoring Burns, will be held Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wadsworth Auditorium. Tickets for the concert are $20. “Through Heather and Thistle,” a story of long love and friendship told through the songs of Scotland and the poems of Robert Burns, will be related. Jamie Laval will provide musical selections with a Scottish theme, with dance accompaniment by Southern Arc Dance Company.
“Coming through the Rye” and “Mairi’s Wedding” will be performed by the McGees, and “Highland Cathedral” and “Scotland the Brave” will be performed by the Oak Hill Pipe and Drum Band. Scottish Gael will be performed by Rusty Tate, and “Suo Gan” will be performed by Lalla McGee. “The Parting Glass” will be performed by Matthew Bailey, and “Auld Lang Syne,” with lyrics written by Burns, will be performed by all artists along with the audience.
After the concert, a special reception “after party” will be held at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum, with hors d’oeuvres and opportunities to mingle with the artists and storytellers. Tickets for this special event are available for an additional $15.
On the following day, Saturday, Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m., join the fun at a free ceilidh (Scottish folk dance and music) at the Alamo in downtown Newnan, followed by the ticketed Burns Supper and Formal Ceilidh, with haggis, at the Newnan Train Depot. Tickets for this event are $45. Tickets for all event on both days are also available as a combo for $80.
Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist, widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and celebrated worldwide. Many Southerners have Scottish ancestry and this event offers everyone a chance to celebrate Scottish heritage and history as well as Newnan’s special link to Ayshire as its sister city.
Find out more at Newnanburnsweekend.com, or at the Newnan Burns Weekend Facebook page, or you can order tickets at eventbrite.com or pick up tickets at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum or the Male Academy Museum. Call 770-251-0207 for more information.
