Old-fashioned Scottish Ceilidh (kay-lee)

It was my honor and privilege to take

part in the celebration of Union Presbyterian

Church's 200th homecoming.  My part was

to provide some fill-in keyboard music between

segments of dance, music, and storytelling.  I am

very thankful to Jane McPhaul of Southern Pines

for including me in these festivities.  Our paths

have been intertwined over the years through

education, shared friendships, and even our

Scottish heritage (my mother's lineage of Black

and Gaines are both Scottish).

The opening evening was held at Pinehurst's

Fair Barn.  That night's Scottish Ceilidh

(kay-lee), was a traditional gathering for families

and friends for fun, fellowship, music, dance,

and refreshments.  Below are some sights and

sounds of the evening.

The entrance to the Fair Barn

 The Program

Children were actively encouraged to participate,
primarily on the wooden dance floor.

Lively traditional music greeted the arriving crowd.
This is "Cousin Amy: Old Time String Band."  It
consists of David McDonald, Amy McDonald and
Steven Hedgepeth.

Me, my wife Judy, and her cousin Sharon McDonald.
Judy and Sharon can also claim the McKenzie clan.

Our Mistress of Ceremonies was Flora McDonald Gammon.
Hailing from Waynesville, NC, she is an educator, historian,
and an accomplished musician.  She led the gathered crowd
in the songs I would play: God Bless America, This Land is
Your Land, Lock Lomond, and Coming Through the Rye.

Kilts and other authentic garb were everywhere.

This fuzzy picture still gives an idea of the
spaciousness of the grand Fair Barn.

The Quicksilver Cloggers were an instant hit.

Carolyn Hatcher, accomplished flutist, shared her talent,
accompanied by Mary on the keyboard.

The children begin to form a line to march behind the
bagpipe to the tune of "Scotland the Brave."

 Here's the video of the march.  Turn your

volume up or down, depending on your 

tolerance for bagpipe music.  

The children can catch their breath during storytelling
by Elizabeth Garner.  Her rendition of "Old Bony Legs"
held their attention well.

 I loved this spontaneous spiral dance (I

learned it as "Skinning the Snake" during

a song by Tri-County Bluegrass Band.

Faith Hurley McArthur did a different type of
storytelling, sharing the fascinations of sheep with
her audience.

Valerie Stancik, professional harpist and vocalist
charmed the listeners.

There were other performers plus some
informative exhibits as well.  Thank you
to all participants.

Two more days of homecoming celebration would
follow at Union Presbyterian Church.
Scottish heritage is alive and well in Moore County.