What a fantastic evening we had as we welcomed Elias Alexander to join us for a House Concert right here in Linlithgow as part of his visit to Celtic Connections. House Concerts are very popular in The USA and Canada and they’re beginning to catch on here. This is my second such concert (the first being Andrea Soler) but this one had the added buzz of an Outlander connection – though that was not the main focus.
I first met Elias as he led the Outlander contingent in The Tartan day parade in New York last year, and have followed him ever since.
A hugely talented musician, and a great personality, I was very excited when I heard he was going to be over in Glasgow for Celtic Connections and looked for an opportunity to meet up. A few short conversations later, and the meet up had developed into a House Concert.
With a mix of local Outlandish, UK friends, some Linlithgow locals and of course neighbours (as may have been a bit loud for a school night) we were ready to go.
Elias first introduced us to his Borders Pipes- very different from the traditional Highland bagpipes we are used to (and quieter for indoors)
An amazing fiddler and guitar player too, we were entertained with traditional Scottish, some American Appalachian music and some Gaelic singing too. A multi – talented performer.
A quick break to refuel and we went into sessions where Elias was joined by our very own Frank from Boorach on the Bodhran
An unexpected treat was Kayleigh performing an Irish Jig – stunning.
We rounded the evening off with some contributions from Frank, Alison with a beautiful rendition of Ae Fond Kiss, and Nora – Elias’s friend from the USA, and another very talented performer.
A great night was had by all.
And we look forward to meeting up again in New York at The Tartan Day Parade
PS Many thanks to everyone for sharing photos and videos, more are available on our Facebook page.
