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| Albannach on stage |
“Albannach (Gaelic for “Scottish” or “Scotsman”) is a Scottish Band. Their traditional music is heavily percussive, driven by bass drums, bodhráns and a single bagpipe. From the first, eponymous album in 2006, Albannach has promoted a sentiment of Scottish patriotism in songs such as “Uprising,” a tribute to famed patriot William Wallace; they have covered songs like “1320” by Scottish folk artist Gordon Menzies of the band Gaberlunzie. Several songs on early albums referred to the Island ofBarra, the Outer Hebrides home of Albannach’s bagpiper, Donnie MacNeil. Vocal songs that survive in the touring repertoire are sung either a cappella or with minimal accompaniment, emphasizing their lyrics. Examples of these include “Scotland is Her Name” and “Peaceful is the Glen”; the latter commemorates the Massacre of Glencoe, while the former is more directly topical and even political in its implied support for an independent Scotland. With these exceptions, the bulk of the touring repertoire, and of the band’s discography, remains instrumental.” Wikopedia
Albannach will be performing at the St. Augustine Celtic Music and Cultural Festival.
Here’s a schedule of events; remember, guests of the St. Francis Inn during the festival will receive free general admission tickets (valued at $7-$10 each) and we are almost full.
The 5th Annual Celtic Music & Heritage Festival®, St. Patrick’s Day Parade,
& Whisky Tasting Event
<
span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> In The Nation’s Oldest Celtic City-St. Augustine, FL
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 – CELTIC WHISKY TASTING – The Celtic Festival kicks off Friday night by celebrating the best in Celtic Whiskys with five offerings and an insightful presentation about the whiskys. Our Whisky Tasting Event begins at 7 PM on Friday, March 13 at Francis Field. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $45 and seating is limited.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, THE5th ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE steps off at 10 AM from Francis Field in St. Augustine, follows the bay front to the Bridge of Lions, takes a right down Cathedral Place, and returns to its origin via Cordova Street. This event is free with viewing along the sidewalks of the parade route. Register to participate in the parade at www.celticstaugustine.com.
Floats, marching bands, pipes and drums, horse drawn carriages, military units – the St. Augustine St. Patrick’s Day parade has them all, plus Star Wars Storm Troopers in kilts, pirates, and much, much more! Come to the ONLY St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Northeast Florida.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MARCH 14 & 15, THE 5th ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE CELTIC MUSIC & HERITAGE FESTIVAL®, presented by Romanza, will take place at Francis Field, 29 W. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Gates open at 11 AM each day. Events are scheduled from noon to 10 PM on Saturday and from 11 AM to 6:30 PM on Sunday. You are encouraged to wear a kilt, bring a chair or blanket, but no coolers, no skateboards, service dogs only.
This authentic cultural event, voted Best of St. Augustine 1st Runner-Up Event for 2013 & 2014, features traditional Irish music and contemporary Celtic rock with performances by Albannach, Dublin City Ramblers, Irish Echoes, Makem & Spain, Poor Angus, Rathkeltair, Searson, Whiskey of the Damned and more! Enjoy Scottish pipes and drums, participate in or watch Highland Games, visit the Celtic Clans and learn about your heritage, browse among Celtic vendors, sample Celtic food and watch your children have fun in the Kids’ Zone.
This festival honors St. Augustine’s remarkable Celtic history and heritage. St. Augustine is not only the Nation’s Oldest City; it’s the Oldest Celtic City in the United States!
General Admission is $7 through February 28 (increasing to $10 on March 1).
The VIP Weekend Package is $45 through February 28 (increasing to $55 on March 1). This is an $80 value! A Weekend VIP Ticket Package includes 2 FREE beers or wine, a FREE Festival tee shirt, separate VIP tented seating, restrooms and bar.
Children 12 and under are free, as are all active duty and retired military with current identification.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 – HIGHLAND GAMES CLINIC
2-6 PM – Opportunity for anyone interested in competing as athlete for introduction & training, but not limited to the novice athlete.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MARCH 14 & 15 – HIGHLAND GAMES
·
$25 per person March 14 & 15 to compete for the weekend.
· Registration includes free general admission to the Festival, athletic participation, and free lunch.
· Awards will be done at the close of each full day’s competition for each of the define division of athletes.
· Athletes are marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14 at 10 AM. Competition starts immediately after the Parade.
HIGHLAND GAMES EVENTS
· Open Stone Put (16 lb. thrown for distance in any style)
· Heavy Hammer Throw
· 56 lb. Weight for Distance
· 28 lb. Weight for Distance
· Caber Toss (size and weight of caber differs between the classes of athletes)
· Sheaf Toss (16 lb. burlap bag tossed with a pitch fork for height)
· 56 lb. Weight for Height
St. Augustine’s historic district is bustling with charming restaurants, shops, B&B’s, horse-drawn carriages and a centuries-old Spanish fort. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy the joyous and untamed music, poetry and dance of the unique Celtic tradition. With forty-two miles of pristine Atlantic beaches, St. Augustine is a wonderful destination for a romantic getaway or gathering of friends and family during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Discover the charm of St.
Augustine … Call 1-800-OLD-CITY or visit www.getaway4Florida.com for your free vacation guide.
This event is supported in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. Tickets and more information about The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival are available at www.CelticStAugustine.com.
