When it comes to the Glengarry Highland Games, music is always one of the first things that comes to mind. This year’s Games promise an extraordinary musical experience, offering something for every fan of Scottish and Celtic tradition.
At the heart of the celebration will be an impressive lineup of pipe bands. A near-record 52 bands will compete for the North American Pipe Band Championship™, while additional bands will perform during the Friday night Tattoo, bringing the total number of participating bands to 61. These musicians will travel to Maxville from across North America, including Utah, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and nearby New York State. Canadian bands will also make the journey from Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and many communities throughout Ontario.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the weekend is the Saturday evening massed band performance. Imagine the power and excitement of 1500 pipers and drummers marching and playing together in a spectacular display of sound, precision, and tradition.
For those who want to experience the more classical side of pipe music, the Piobaireachd Society Gold Medal (Canada) contests will take place on Friday in Maxville at the Anglican and Presbyterian churches. In addition, amateur piobaireachd competitions will be held on Friday, followed by professional piobaireachd on Saturday on the main grounds.
If that wasn’t enough reason to be at the Games, then there’s more with the best of celtic bands performing throughout the Games. At the Friday Night Tattoo, Rum Ragged brings their JUNO-nominated Newfoundland folk music to the stage. These new champions of East Coast music take the distinct folk music of their home and add some contemporary twists all done with a grand sense of humour. Their impressive vocal harmonies and storytelling will delight Games fans with an unforgettable concert. For those who want more Rum Ragged, the band will be playing in the entertainment Tent on Saturday.
Throughout Friday and Saturday, the Metcalfe Centre and The Tent will keep the dance floor full and the energy high with performances from some of Glengarry’s finest bands. The lineup includes Hadrian’s Wall, Bang on the Ear, Fridge Full of Empties, Stewart’s Glen and more appearing at various times over the two days. One of Glengarry’s hottest young acts, the County Lads, will perform Friday night in the Tent before Bang on the Ear, and they will return to close out Saturday night’s entertainment. Full schedules for these performances and more are available on the Games website at glengarryhighlandgames.com.
Glengarry’s fiddlers start off Friday afternoon with the Scottish Youth Fiddlers Showcase in the air-conditioned Arena Hall followed with a concert by guest fiddler Koryne MacDonald now from Cape Breton accompanied by Iain MacQuarrie also from Cape Breton on piano. On Saturday, MacDonald leads a workshop for fiddlers in the morning leading up to a not -to-be missed Scottish Fiddle Concert in the afternoon featuring the Cape Breton guests and a host of well-known names in Glengarry fiddling.
With so much talent, tradition, and energy packed into one weekend, the Glengarry Highland Games offer an unforgettable celebration of Scottish heritage. Join the thousands from across North America who come together to the Games and enjoy the music, the culture, and revel in the best entertainment of the summer.
See you at the Games! Plan your trip at glengarryhighlandgames.com and on the Games Facebook page.
