The Laurentian University Pipe Band and Dancers is celebrating its 10th anniversary this Saturday evening with its annual Robbie Burns Ceilidh.
The event, honouring the life and poetry of 18th century Scottish poet Robert Burns, takes place starting at 6 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 on Weller Street in Minnow Lake.
The evening will include the address and toast to the haggis and entertainment by Andy Lowe, who will perform a number of Burns songs and Scottish favourites, Nickel City Wind Quartet, and Laurentian University Pipe Band and Dancers.
There will also be Scottish Country Dancers for the audience to participate in. As well, the band will feature some of their newest young recruits who are learning to play bagpipes and drums.
In keeping with the theme of the night, the Legion will also be serving up scotch pies with mash that can be purchased separately during the event while supplies last.
The Laurentian University Pipe Band and Dancers were founded by David Young, a student at Laurentian University at that time and then president Judith Woodsworth.
The ensemble first came together at their inaugural Robbie Burns Night Fundraiser 10 years ago. The band wore a number of mixed match kilts and some wore their own family tartans.
The pipe band now wears the Laurentian University Tartan, which was custom made for the pipe band by Lochcarron of Scotland and is registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority.
The band and dancers perform at a number of ceremonial events on campus such as Convocation, Sports Hall of Dinner and President's Ball as well as various charitable walks, parades and events in the community supporting our local Veterans.
The band has performed for a number of dignitaries, which included former Governor General Michaëlle Jean and Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
Tickets for this celebration can be purchased by phoning 705-626-2601 or at the door. General admission is $20 per person, or $15 for students.
New members and experienced players are also invited to join the band on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. at Carl Nesbitt School in New Sudbury.
