By Darlene Brace
The third annual Pipes and Ale Fundraiser will be held at the Chautauqua Suites Hotel and Expo Center. This Celtic-themed event is scheduled for May 9th, from 6-11pm, with doors opening at 5:30pm. Join them for an enjoyable Ceilidh (gathering) hosted by the 96th Highlander Pipes and Drums, featuring a night of Celtic music, delicious food, and plenty of fun. This event serves as a fundraiser to support the 96th Highlanders band that entertains communities throughout the region.
The highlight of this event is the amazing music performances. The evening’s entertainment will begin at 6pm with Step in Time, a Celtic duo based in Youngstown, New York. This high-energy husband-and-wife duo plays Irish and Scottish folk music. Marcia Jones plays the bagpipes, penny whistle, Irish flute, concertina, and bodhrán (an Irish drum), while her husband, Monte, plays the guitar, tenor drum, and the bodhrán. Together, they perform at festivals and events throughout Western New York, and this performance will set the vibe for the rest of the evening.
Next, the 96th Highlanders will perform from 8-8:30pm. The 96th Highlanders Pipes and Drums, based in Jamestown, NY, was established in 2001. This pipes and drums band performs in parades, concerts, and competitions mainly across Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Erie counties in New York, as well as in Erie and Warren counties in Pennsylvania. They host the Pipes and Ale event, as well as the annual Jamestown Regional Celtic Festival & Gathering of the Clans in Mayville, NY. The band also participates in various fundraisers and Highland events. They play traditional Celtic music to entertain and promote their heritage featuring full Scottish attire, including Ferguson kilts.
At 8:30pm, the night’s entertainment continues with O’Ryan’s Belt, performing until 11pm. O’Ryan’s Belt is made up of six of the finest Celtic musicians and singers from Western New York, showcasing a delightful mix of jigs, reels, hornpipes, pub songs, and ballads. This group features Marcia and Monte Jones from Step in Time, and they frequently perform at regional venues and events. Their instrumentation includes the penny whistle, Irish flute, concertina, accordion, mandolin, and bodhrán.
Around the time O’ Ryan’s Belt takes its first break, there will be a massed band set, which means that anyone who wants to join in playing the pipes and drums can participate. Many Celtic pipes and drums musicians and bands from nearby areas, such as Buffalo, Canada, and Ohio, will come to show their support. These musicians often attend and perform at each other’s events. There will be at least 30 pipers and 15 to 20 drummers participating in this session, which can be described as a Scottish jam session. It will take place for about thirty minutes, after which O’ Ryan’s Belt will continue performing for the rest of the evening.
In addition to the fantastic Celtic music, your admission ticket includes pizza and beer. There will also be a variety of basket raffles and a 50/50 drawing. If you have ten or more people in your group, you can reserve a table. For those interested in staying overnight, discounts on rooms at Chautauqua Suites are available, and you can find more information at chautauquasuites.com. For additional details about the Pipes and Ale Event and the 96th Highlanders, please visit 96thhighlanders.com.
By attending the Pipes and Ale event, you are supporting the 96th Highlanders Band. The 96th Highlanders take great pride in their heritage and represent the Jamestown area in parades and festivals from spring through fall. They also perform at other fundraisers and are dedicated to helping the local community. Additionally, the 96th Highlanders offer free pipes and drums lessons on Thursday nights from 5-7pm at the Chautauqua Daycare Center on 5th and Church Street in Jamestown.
Join the fun at the Pipes and Ale event in Mayville on May 9th. Whether you are of Celtic heritage or not, you are guaranteed to have an amazing night filled with great Celtic music that will make you feel connected to the Celtic culture. Enjoy a fun night out while supporting a great band and helping to keep their Celtic heritage alive.
Chautauqua Suites Hotel and Expo Center is located at 215 West Lake Road in Mayville, NY and can be found online at www.chautauquasuites.com.