The Gaelic word cèilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a word which simply means visiting and socialising with friends, and here in the Outer Hebrides it's an age-old tradition born from the blackhouse days gone by.
The invite is simply to 'come round for a wee cèilidh', and requires no fuss or formality. Just bring yourself (and something to drink!)
On Saturday 22nd May, we invite you once again to join us for another online gathering full of storytelling, music and song from the comfort of your own home.
For our May gathering we’re very pleased to welcome one of Scotland’s foremost guitarists Anna Massie into the virtual cèilidh house.
A skilled multi-instrumentalist, she also excels on the fiddle, mandolin and tenor banjo and is renowned for her work with musicians like Blazin’ Fiddles, Mairearad Green and RANT.
The three-time nominee for Best Instrumentalist at the Scots Trad Music Awards, Anna is a truly talented musician and it’s a real pleasure to have her perform with us this month.
We’re also joined by Chloë Bryce a wonderful fiddler from Tain in Easter Ross, whose music is informed by a deep regard for the old tunes and songs deeply embedded in Highland culture.
She has studied the fiddle and Gaelic song at the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton.
A singer and composer of innate creativity, her talents have also taken her on tours from the UK to France and further afield to Australia.
Finally, we're delighted to bring you a brilliant young Gaelic singer and award-winning accordion player by the name of Ruairidh Gray from Daliburgh in South Uist.
Hailing from a musical family, Ruairidh has been singing all his life and has won several medals at the Royal National Mod.
As well as attending the Royal Conservatoire of Music, he has also performed at the famous Bolshoi Theatre as well as much closer to home!
As lockdown life eases, we’ll continue top celebrate the joys of community and connection to each other, no matter how far apart we may find ourselves from friends and family in these unusual times.
To take part, please sign up here to join the Harris Cèilidh Community and secure your invite code along with the latest dates, times and other details, including ceilidh cocktail recipes and more.
Hope to see you next Saturday evening, "Thigibh a chèilidh!"