6th Annual Newnan Robert Burns Weekend Coming February 4 through February 6 — A Sister City Celebration focusing on music, dance, storytelling and poetry!
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, the world holds hands and sings Auld Lang Syne. Who wrote the lyrics to this global tune? Lovers and romantics the world over look into each other’s eyes and whisper, “My luve is like a red, red rose.” Who crafted such a well known elegy to love? The answer is the Scottish poet Robert Burns, forever known as the Bard of Scotland.
Robert Burns, affectionately called “Rabbie,” was born in Ayr, Scotland, which for reasons quite contemporary, just happens to be Newnan’s sister city! At the end of January each year to honor Rabbie’s birthday — lovers, romantics, musicians and dancers around the globe hold a rousing good time in his memory. For the 6th (almost consecutive, was canceled in 2021) year Newnan will be hosting its own celebration — this year on February 4 through 6, 2022 — and everyone’s invited!
The Newnan Cultural Arts Commission, the Order of the Tartan and the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society are joining forces to bring a collection of hometown entertainers together to commemorate Newnan’s Sister City relationship with Ayr, Scotland and to celebrate Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns who hails from Ayr. There are three days of activities lined up.
On Friday, Feb. 4, 7:00 p.m., experience an enchanted trip through Scotland in song and dance at downtown Newnan’s Wadsworth Auditorium. The evening kicks off with the popular “Tartan & Tweed” fashion show by Underground Runway’s Emily Westergreen. Come see locals prance, strut and sashay down the aisle and across the stage wearing casual, elegant and dynamic Scottish themed fashion. Wear your own tartan or don a kilt and join in!
Once these models have found their seats your Musical Tour Through Scotland begins. Many of Robert Burn’s best known poems have been set to music and these will be performed by our region’s most powerful vocalists. A live band known for traditional Celtic splendor will enhance and enthrall. You won’t be able to keep your feet from dancing! And Southern Arc Dance is supplying an elegantly choreographed moment too! Show produced by the multi-talented Joe Arnotti of Arnotti-Stephens.
At 8:30, for those who’ve purchased a separate “After Party” add-on ticket, the festivities move down the street to the McRitchie-Hollis Museum for a rollicking good time. Meet the performers, dance some low country jigs and enjoy lite fare and libations.
Tickets to Friday night’s Celtic Concert with Fashion Show are just $15. The After Party ticket is only $10.00 for a total of $25.00! What a fabulous date night, family night or Girls Night Out! Tickets for both are available at eventbrite.com.
On Saturday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m., Leaf and Bean in downtown Newnan is hosting a Whisky Tasting with Scottish Fare and Live Music. Taste Scotches from all five unique distilling regions. Your table will be set with signature Celtic dishes designed to match the libations. Price is only $45.00 per person and is limited to just 50 ticket buyers. Paper tickets for the whisky tasting only available at Leaf and Bean.
And finally, Sunday, Feb. 6, 10:00 a.m., Sacred Scottish Tunes, Newnan Presbyterian Church. Come to NPC’s Sunday morning service and be treated to a different performance by singer Joe Arnotti as softer, sacred tunes are played that illustrate the faith of the Scottish people. Also hear the majestic Highland Pipes. Their music will be woven into a special Sunday morning Kirking Service making for an uplifting and joyous worship experience. The service is free and the grace unfettered.
Slainte! (Cheers)
Call 678-416-3121 for more information. Eventbrite.com for tickets.
