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Calling all Celts for the Solstice Tartan Ball in New West

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who are Celtic, and those who wish they were. Both kinds of people are invited to celebrate at the upcoming Solstice Tartan Ball, set for the Columbia Theatre on Friday, June 21.
Tiller's Folly
Tiller's Folly performs June 21 for the Solstice Tartan Ball at the Columbia Theatre.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who are Celtic, and those who wish they were.
 
Both kinds of people are invited to celebrate at the upcoming Solstice Tartan Ball, set for the Columbia Theatre on Friday, June 21.
 
“Whatever your ancestry or orientation, if you identify as Celtic or enjoy the company of those who do, you are invited for an evening of music and merriment,” says a write-up about the event. “This is to be a celebration of culture, diversity, and expression, so polish up your brogues, don your regalia, or put on whatever you like and join us as we welcome in the summer with the Tartan Ball.”
 
The event features the musical talents of Tiller’s Folly, the Whiskeydicks and Pat Chessell.
 
Tiller’s Folly – the trio of Bruce Coughlan, Nolan Murray and Lawrence Knight – are skilled musicians and storytellers who have been entertaining audiences in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. for more than 21 years with a music mix that includes guitar, banjo, fiddle and mandolin.
 
“From the outset, Tiller’s Folly has aspired to create acoustic music that is thoughtful, progressive, yet timeless in nature. To create music that was representative of our Pacific Coastal home,” said Coughlan, the group’s vocalist and guitarist, in a press release. “Borrowing from the traditional music of the British Isles, we set out to preserve a measure of the West’s colonial heritage in songs and stories.”
 
They’ll be joined by the Whiskeydicks, who incorporate “cello played like a bass,” plus trumpet and drums, into their music.
 
Rounding out the program is Chessell, a Vancouver-based singer-guitarist who began his career as a teenager as a guest with Belfast singer Danny Burns of the legendary Irish group The Wolfhound. Now in his early 30s, Chessell has become known as one of the most exciting Celtic acts in Western Canada.
 
Doors open at 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. show. Tickets are $35. Buy through www.eventbrite.ca, or see www.thecolumbia.net for more information.