Festical Venues, Schedule & Tickets

Saturday March 14

2 shows:
2:00 PM & 4:00 PM

King o' Men - A Robbie Burns Stage Play & 250th Birthday Tribute

Featuring John Hardie & Rob MacDonald

A literary and musical costumed event that will send you spinning back in time to the glorious days of Scotland’s most legendary poet and lyricist. 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robbie Burns, a cultural icon in Scotland and around the world. This tribute features Rob MacDonald, a local piper, Chairman of “A Swarm of Drones” and a Burns aficionado. He’ll be telling the fascinating story of the life and times of Burns and playing some of the tunes Robert set words to.

His performance will be followed by King o’ Men, an exciting new one-man play directed by writer and actor John Hardie and making its Vancouver premiere at CelticFest. The production imagines one of Burns’ closest and oldest friends reminiscing to a curious journalist following the news of the great poet’s final passing. This show will appeal to loyal fans of Scotland's favourite literary son as well as those who are new to Burns’ story and works.

Here's what Chris White, Artistic Director of the Ottawa Folk Festival, had to say about a recent production of the play at the National Arts Centre: "With minimal set and few props, Hardie delivered the piece with enormous skill and subtlety, somehow managing to be humorous, informative and intensely moving all at once. The performance, which elicited an overwhelmingly positive audience response, is one that I will be forever grateful to have witnessed."

Tom Lee Music - Music Hall
3rd floor - 929 Granville St.

$12 at the Door

Sunday March 15
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

The Great Big Session
Session Leader: Paul O’Brien

It’s a party, a Ceili and a jam session all in one! The Seisiún (session) flows from the heart of Celtic tradition, as acoustic guitarists, fiddlers, penny whistlers, singers and bodhran players gather together to create the music they love. Sessions are informal, spontaneous events where musicians typically sit around a table as if they’re at a friendly card game, bringing classic instruments and vocals to the tuneful and interactive gathering.

All players, singers, dancers and lovers of great Celtic music are welcome to join in to this year’s Great Big Session, led by respected guitar, bouzouki and bodhran player Paul O’Brien. Whether you decide to make music yourself or simply soak up the unique sounds and atmosphere, you’ll be part of a magical musical gathering!

Co-presented with Tom Lee Music

Tom Lee Music - Music Hall
3rd floor - 929 Granville St.

$5.00 at the door