There’ll be the traditional Scottish fare, dancing, bagpipe music — and, of course, the address to the haggis — served up next week at an annual Robbie Burns fundraiser in Coquitlam.
The six-time world champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band will present its dinner and silent auction next Saturday at the Executive Plaza Hotel, a themed event that builds awareness and collects cash for its youth organization, the Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Band.
Made up of four bands and a beginner’s instructional program, the RMM was founded in 1994 after two members of the SFUPB (Robert and Malcolm) were killed in a car crash. Today, it is one of the most successful young pipe bands in the world; however, uniforms and instruments cost each member more than $2,000. For tickets at $80 per person to the SFU dinner, visit Eventbrite.com or email [email protected]. Otherwise, call Joanne Snow at 778-552-6618.
Meanwhile, Coquitlam’s Place des Arts will host its fifth annual Robbie Burns dinner on Jan. 28 — the same night the Chinese usher in the Lunar New Year for the rooster.
Dubbed “Gung Haggis Fat Choi” to recognize both events that coincide on the same day, the Scottish fete will be catered by Michael Fera, program and events co-ordinator at Place des Arts. His menu includes: scotch broth with rolls and butter; rustic Scottish beef stew or hearty root vegetable stew served in a bread bowl; a winter salad with birch syrup dressing; and tipsy laird.
Afterward, the Celtic band Blackthorn will whip it up in honour of the Bard of Ayrshire’s birthday, who was born on Jan. 25, 1759. Fiddler Rosie Carver, a Place des Arts’ faculty member for the past seven years, said Blackthorn will offer many “Rabbie Burns” songs including A Red, Red Rose — his second most popular song after the New Year’s Eve favourite Auld Lang Syne.
Maillardville native and piper Vincent Coulombe — the nephew of Blackthorn’s Michael Viens — will deliver the address to the haggis while Matt Dolan will pipe it in.
Carver said residents should get their tickets soon as, in years past, the dinner are show are likely to sell out. Call 604-664-1636 or visit brownpapertickets.com. The supper and concert are $41. The concert only is $21/$16. Go online at placedesarts.ca for more.
