Celtic Weekend

It’s pretty cold out there today, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay locked up inside the house by the woodstove. Folks of the agrarian lifestyle for generations knew that winter was a time for “visiting”—hitching the sleigh or strapping on the skis to head on over to neighbors and friends, share food and drink, tell stories and sing songs.
In the Old Country, people would gather at the local pub by the large inglenook fireplace, have a pint and play tunes late into the darkened evening before heading home. Of course, there were no televisions to fill the quiet void of a nearly empty home, and no radio. People had to make their own merriment and music.
If you are a musician, you already know that it is a very different experience to sit at home, by yourself, plucking or blowing or drawing the bow. It can be relaxing and therapeutic, but it also lacks the energy and camaraderie of playing for or with others. Where is the joined laughter, the swapping of stories, the chance to learn a tune you didn’t even know you didn’t know?
We don’t have to relegate winter community gathering to a forgotten past. We can still enjoy such camaraderie today. And what better time to reawaken these traditional means of wiling away the lonely days of winter than in celebration of the birthday of Robert Burns?
Now, unless you’re a proud Scot, you may be wondering, “Robert who?” So here’s the backstory.
Just as we have our own beloved poets—Mary Oliver, Longfellow, Thoreau, Dickenson, and so many others—Scotland’s favorite poet of the people was Robert (Bobby) Burns, who lived around the same time as our country was being formed. And though he had tried his hand at farming, accounting, veterinary services, and even weathermongering, nothing seemed to stick.
Burns was just about to board a ship to help manage a relative’s plantation in Jamaica when his first book of songs became a hot seller. He stayed and published many more books of songs, which is how we know him today. Some of these he wrote himself, and some of them are much older tunes and ditties collected in local pubs. If a singer could only remember a verse or two, Robert Burns was happy to invent many more to flesh out the piece! 500 songs are now attributed to his pen, either as originals or collected pieces. I’m sure you’ve heard Old Langsyne (old long since). That is a Burns original.
Robert Burns was born on January 25th, so we’re having two special events at Farmstead Creamery to celebrate that weekend. You don’t have to be Scottish to attend (though if you do have a clan tartan about, all the better!) because songs, stories, and poetry are for everyone. A people’s tradition lives on in the people. It must be tended.
Here’s the scoop on how we’re celebrating this weekend.

Robert Burns Farm-to-Table Dinner and Concert, Sat Jan 26, 6pm
Come celebrate the Scottish Heritage with us at Farmstead! Live music by Laura Berlage, a three-course dinner by Chef Kara, and great community. Single seating at 6:00, reservations requested. Food allergies accommodated. Limited to 24 guests.
Menu: Garden salad with orange poppyseed dressing and fresh dinner rolls. Braised lamb with carrots and rumbledethump (traditional potato dish). Raspberry Cranachan dessert.

4th Sundays Celtic Music Session, Sun Jan 27, 2-4 pm
Join us in the Fiber Loft for a festive afternoon of Celtic melodies and songs. Bring an instrument, sing along, and learn a new tune at the gathering. Co-hosted by Laura Berlage and Beth Allison. Musicians of all skill levels are welcome–as are listeners! Sessions run on 4th Sundays of the month (unless otherwise noted). Food and refreshments are available. No cover charge.

So brush up your brogue (if you wish) and celebrate the Celtic spirit in us all—wherever you may be. While I don’t know how to dance a Highland fling, I will be playing on the harp at both events. Want to come a-visiting and join us this weekend? See you down on the farm sometime.