Celtic Celebration in Vankleek Hill

 

It was a night of Highland dancing, accordion music, fiddle playing and tap dancing on November 15 at the Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute.

The school hosted a concert called “Celtic Celebration,” to raise funds for the VCI symphonic band’s trip to Austria.

More than 500 people bought tickets to see local fiddlers and dancers as well as musicians who drove from Toronto.

Bobby Brown, who leads the band ‘Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent’, said it was nice to be back in the Eastern Ontario region.

“It’s good to be back in the area near Maxville. We used to play the [Highland] Games all the time, but we haven’t been in this area for a long time. It’s also nice to be able to help the students go to Europe,” he said.

The evening was a fundraiser for the VCI Symphonic Band, who are scheduled to fly to Austria and Germany later this year.

Local music-shop owner and world-travelling fiddler Bobby Lalonde was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.

“We’ve got many roots here in Vankleek Hill. My three kids went to VCI so when I got the call to come in and help with the fundraising to their trip to Europe, there was no question – I’m available that night, I am there,” he said.

Other acts included dancers Carley McDonell, Vivienne Walz and Sabrina Lamoureux.

The Ian MacLeod senior fiddlers also played some fiddle classics and a new composition written by fiddler Karyne Fraser.

She wrote and performed a piece called “My grandparents,” which delighted the audience.

VCI Principal Jeff Campbell was there to see his daughters perform some Highland dances.

Brianna and Kelsey Campbell were accompanied by Vankleek Hill piper Gilbert Young, who was wearing a full Highland dress.

“It’s always nice to contribute and support the students in their endeavor,” he said.

Students Ben Tremblay, Sabrina Antonescu and Valerie Higginson, who were at the door, said all 500 tickets were sold.