Whether you are a clansman or woman, you’ll want to tartan up for a night of Celtic entertainment coming to the Vernon Performing Arts Centre April 9.
Hosted by the Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band (KHPB), Tartan Up! includes piping, dancing and singing provided by the Shuswap Pipes and Drums, Argyll School of Highland Dance, Scottish Country Dancers, Andrew Mercer’s Okanagan Celtic Choir, Kilt 45 and, of course, the Kalamalka Highlanders.
“Our concert this year is in honour of Tartan Day, April 6, the date in 1320 when Scotland signed the Declaration of Arbroath, declaring itself an independent monarchy under Robert the Bruce,” said KHPB member Kerry Parks. “Tartan Day is celebrated all over the world. For our concert on April 9, we are inviting all those attending to wear some tartan.”
And for those who have never sported traditional highland garb such as a kilt, sporran (pouch), ghillie brogues (shoes), and a sash, there is a difference between a plaid and a tartan.
“A tartan can be a plaid, but a plaid is not always a tartan,” said Parks. “A tartan is a woven fabric which represents a clan, a region, or a political entity such as a city or county. The tartan the Kalamalka Highlanders wear is the official tartan for the City of Portree on the Isle of Skye.”
Everyone wearing tartan to the concert will be eligible to win one of two prizes on offer, either a performance by a mini band comprised of members of the Kalamalka Highlanders, or an unplugged performance by Kilt 45, a Celtic vocal ensemble made up of four members of KHPB.
“Each group will be happy to come and help the lucky winners celebrate a special occasion of their choice, perhaps an anniversary or birthday,” said Parks, adding there may be some restrictions on the date and time.
Tickets for the Tartan Up concert are available at the Ticket Seller box office in the Vernon Performing Arts Centre (phone 250-549-7469, or order online at ticketseller.ca). Cost is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $18 for students/juniors.
