Don’t miss “An Afternoon of Pipes, Fiddles, Jigs and Reels”, taking place on Saturday, March 28 and featuring the RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers with special musical guests The Oakfield Players and the Celtic band Shabraque. This lively event starts at 2:30 in the Mason Auditorium at Perth and District Collegiate Institute, and is presented by generous local sponsors Oakfield Park, Coutts Coffee Roastery & Café, Riverwood Pizza Company and the Perth Academy of Building Arts & Science, along with support from media partner myFM Perth 88.1.
While you may have seen the RCMP Pipes and Drums marching in a parade on Canada Day in Merrickville or at the North Lanark Highland Games in Almonte, this band is much, much more than that. Its specialty is public performances showcasing its accomplished dancers. The RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers are renowned for their up-tempo jigs and reels meant to spur audiences to tap their toes and clap along to the lively beat of the music. The dancers are world-class, with some having competed at international competitions. The band and dancers take the audience through an entertaining journey culminating in “musical fireworks”, which is a unique twist on a very well-known traditional Scottish tune. For more information, check out rcmppipesanddrums.com.
Every Sunday afternoon during the winter at Oakfield Park just outside of Perth, talented local artists get together for “Traditional Sundays” to perform session-style and socialize with each other. The public is invited to drop by the welcoming Oakfield Park clubhouse to enjoy the jigs and reels while sitting by the roaring stone fireplace perhaps savouring a pint, a glass of wine or a wee dram. Those in the room experience the warmth and coziness as if they were transported to a small pub on The Emerald Isle. These Oakfield Players will appear as special musical guests on March 28.
In addition to The Oakfield Players on winter afternoons, the clubhouse hosts monthly concerts in an intimate setting by professional musicians from the Perth-area, Canada, the U.S. and across the pond. For more information on Oakfield Park and upcoming performances, check out oakfieldpark.ca.
Shabraque is a Celtic stage band that grew out of the RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers several years ago. Unlike session players, it features vocalists backed up by guitar players and percussionists who perform kitchen-party style. The audience is encouraged to sing along to their timeless folk songs. Check out Shabraque’s Facebook page for more.
Tickets for the Perth concert on March 28 are available from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434). For concert information, please email concert@rcmppipesanddrums.com.