From our first performances at Bryant Park in 2012, the ASF Pipes and Drums on the Fountain Terrace has grown to be a central part of the New York Tartan Week event calendar offering free community programming to all. This year over 18 groups and performers will take part in programming between April 4th and 6th, with 12 of the performing groups journeying from Scotland to take part in New York Tartan Week and march in the New York Tartan Day Parade.
“We are so aware of the organizational and fundraising effort it takes for the young bands and performers to journey here to New York. Many tell us how it has taken them over two years to fundraise for their trip over. ASF are delighted to add to their experience of the NY Tartan Day Parade and all that is New York with a performance with us at Bryant Park” noted Camilla G Hellman, President, American Scottish Foundation (ASF). Participating youth groups include Oban Pipe Band, Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band, Fettes Pipe Band, Falkirk School Pipe Band, ACT Scotland, the Denny High School Dance Academy.
Celebration of Scottish music
In addition to the great youth pipe bands, Songs for All Choir, the Highland Divas, Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai MacDowell will return for his second visit to NY Tartan Week. All of this comes together with help from celebrated piper Craig Weir and Gaelic award winning singer, Joy Dunlop. Joy is once again leading on the organizing of the third annual New York Tartan Week MOD and will perform with winners of the MOD in Bryant Park on Saturday morning. The programs on Saturday and Sunday mornings begins with Highland dancers coordinated by Shot of Scotch who organize for visiting dance groups to join them in a wonderful program
This year will also be an opportunity to hear close up Pipers and drummers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo who will perform as part of the Tartan Day Observance on Friday April 3 and see a short performance from the Atholl Highlanders on Saturday April 4 prior to their joining the Parade. The celebration of Scottish music will be closed out on Sunday with a one-hour concert featuring Claire and Scott Mackenzie of Noisemaker, Calum Pasqua, Shot of Scotch dancers and the great sound of The Laurettes.
For more information, please visit the ASF website at: www.americanscottishfoundation.org