"Lawrence Scots" is a coalition of Lawrence musicians and Scots enthusiasts who gather each year on
the last Sunday in January to celebrate our Scots heritage at "Lawrence Scottish Fest."

Join us for our 13th celebration on Robert Burns birthday, January 25, 2009
featuring music by Uncle Dirtytoes and Forest Green.

Kilts encouraged!

Festival in the Foyer, 5:30-7:00

The festival portion starts with a Celtic jam session (Bring your acoustic instrument! Dancing encouraged!) and Highland Bagpipes (usually Bill Read and Dana Morris from Kansas Territorial Pipes & Drums) PLUS - a Wandering Piper (usually Tom Averill on parlor bagpipes) a Clan Heritage booth (Peggy Baker), a KC Highland Games booth (Lori & Kevin Henderson) and a Scottish society booth (Topeka St Andrew Society). At 6:00 there is a brief opening ceremony as Larry Carter (producer, Master of Ceremonies) is presented the Lawrence Scots "Sword of Honor" by the Ceremonial Guard (Jeff Eubanks). With a cry of "Let the feasting begin!" the traditional Scottish treats (Rocky Road Bakeries) are unveiled. For the next hour, the pipers trade blocks of performance time with the Celtic jam session as Lawrence Scots freely sample the treats (while they last).

Concert in the Hall, 7:00-9:30

The concert portion starts with bagpipes as the Ceremonial Guard and the Master of Ceremonies place the Robert Burns portrait and the Sword of Honor center stage. (All rise!) The concert includes heritage by Rev Douglas Phenix (Topeka St Andrew Society), followed by traditional & contemporary Scottish music by Forest Green (Cordelia Brown, Larry Carter & friends) and either Maria & Megan (Maria Anthony, Megan Hurt) or their band "Uncle Dirtytoes." Every two years we invite a special guest to join us (Rowan in 2002, Jonathan Ramsey in 2004, Connie Dover in 2006 & 2008). The traditional "Haggis Ceremony" occurs right before the intermission, followed by Lawrence Scots sampling the Haggis Master's culinary creation. The evening ends with all performers on stage for "Auld Lang Syne."

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Scottish Fest Musicians What our musicians are up to lately On editing Robert Burns songs Why Forest Green re-writes Burns lyrics

Jean Wallace - The Ozark Mountain Maid Forest Green's tribute to a Scottish Seer Hugh Cameron - The Kansas Hermit Was Lawrence Founding Father a Scottish Seer?

History of our Festival 12 Years and Better Than Ever!

Celtic Resources Celtic Jam Sessions, Societies, Festivals & Radio

Photos from Previous Celebrations Lawrence Scottish Fest 2007 Lawrence Scottish Fest 2006 Lawrence Scottish Fest 2005

Recent Publicity Lawrence Journal World, January 2007 The Lawrencian, January 2006 Lawrence Journal World, January 2006 Lawrence Journal World, January 2002

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Topeka Saint Andrew Society NEW SPONSOR FOR 2008! Exploring the history, culture, and national character of Scotland and the Scottish people Brits Selling all types of British goods in downtown Lawrence. Community Mercantile Lawrence's cooperatively owned grocery store, encouraging personal, community and environmental health. Mass Street Music Dealer of fine guitars, mandolins, amplifiers and more.

Thanks to Mark von Schlemmer and the good people at Blue Planet Revolutions and Through A Glass Productions, we are making a documentary of this year's event. If all goes well, DVDs should be available by late spring or early summer. Check back for updates.

This website is a public service by Carter Enterprises

Lawrence Scottish Fest is another Lawrence Old Guard Production

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