Greenwich Pen Women, from left: Deborah Weir, President; Kia Heavey, Letters member; Stasha Healy, Letters Chair and Burns Supper organizer; Leigh Grant, Letters member. Contributed photo.
Does your family tree have any Scottish Branches?
Join Those Who Love Pipe Bands, Poetry, and Celtic Music at the Third Annual Burns Supper in Greenwich on January 20, 2018 and celebrate “Auld Lang Syne” writer Robert Burns.
As we prepare to sing “Auld Lang Syne,” Celtic culture aficionados are getting ready to celebrate the 259th birthday of the song’s writer, Scottish national poet Robert Burns. On or near January 25 every year, the Scots celebrate the birthday of their beloved bard with dinner, music, poetry, and a wee dram (or two).
Stasha Healy, a Greenwich resident who attended the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, was frustrated that she couldn’t find a Burns Supper in the area so she created one herself in 2016 and 50 people joined her.
The Greenwich Pipe Band will be playing at the event, as will Stefanie Kies, who has wowed the audience the last two years with beautiful renditions of Burns’ songs.
Ticket prices go up December 31: They make an unusual and super fun holiday gift!
Standing from left: Greenwich Chief of Police James Heavey, Josh Brown. Seated from left: Kia Heavey, Stefanie Brown, Mike Zavasnik, Deborah Weir. Contributed photo
What is a Burns Supper?
It’s an evening to gather with friends old and new to pay tribute to Robert Burns with
performances of his songs, readings of his poetry, and toasts. It’s also an excuse for a
party in January.
“Even if you have no Scottish connection, it’s a great way to shake off the midwinter
blues,” said Healy.
Burns’ Influence on American Writers and Songwriters
Burns’ influence on American writers and songwriters is deep: Bob Dylan has
acknowledged that “A Red, Red Rose”was his single most important inspiration; Steinbeck got the title for “Of Mice and Men” from “To a Mouse” Salinger’s inspiration for the title “Catcher in the Rye” was Burns’ “Comin’ Through the Rye.” Even Michael Jackson was a fan – he was working on a stage production of Burns’ work when he died.
Tickets are only $60 ($75 after December 31; $80 cash only at the door) for a buffet
dinner including traditional Scottish fare like haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties
(mashed potatoes); chicken will also be available. Entertainment, hors d’oeuvres,
dessert, and a toast are included in the price; a cash bar will be available.
Break out your tartan and come join the fun to celebrate the Ploughman Poet at this new Greenwich tradition. All are welcome! Find out more and reserve tickets at BurnsSupperGreenwich2018.eventbrite.com.
Burns Supper: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 6-9pm at First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, 1 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830