SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SCOTTISH CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL

March 28 , 2026 th Bergeron

INAUGURAL SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

SCOTTISH CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL

A Message from the President

Welcome, and thank you for joining us at the 2026 Scottish Celtic Music Festival. On behalf of the Scottish American Society of South Florida, I am truly grateful that you are here to celebrate the music, heritage, and community that connect us all .

This festival represents more than just a day of entertainment —it marks an exciting new chapter for our society. As President, my goal is to ensure that Scottish culture in South Florida not only survives, but thrives for generations to come. This reimagined festival is part of that vision.

None of this is possible without you—our members, volunteers, performers, sponsors, and guests. Your support, passion, and ideas are what keep this society moving forward. I took on this role to make sure your voices are heard and to help build a future where Scottish culture remains a proud and vibrant part of South Florida.

Thank you for being part of this celebration. I hope you enjoy the music, the spirit, and the community that make today so special.

Yours aye,

Jason Wright President, Scottish

American Society of South Florida

Honoring 41 Years of Presidents

Nigel MacDonald

Jud DeCew

Nigel MacDonald

Andy Anderson

Nigel MacDonald

Steve Albritton

Peter McWilliam

Cliff Borden

Steve Albritton

Maureen McWilliam

Peter Buchanan

Robert Ritchie

Ed West

Cheryl Gowing

Dave Campbell

1984-1988 1989-1993 1994 1995, 1996 1997, 1998 1999 2000, 2001 2002, 2003

2004, 2005

2006-2008 2009, 2010 2011-2014 2015-2018 2019-2023 2024-2025

Thank you to all past and current SASSF Presidents and Board Members. Your hard work and dedication to the Society is why Scottish Culture Thrives in South Florida!

More founding members

Secretary

Community

Clans and Societies Richard Campbell

Country Dancing Rinthy Aman

Musicians Jason Wright

Entertainment Jason Wright

Front Gate Linda Agnew

Highland Dancing Nigel MacDonald

Webmaster Virginia French

Social Media Jason Wright

Ticketet processing Cameron Wall

Sponsorship Package Andrew Mason

Hospitality

Hotel

Memberships

Massed Bands Kevin Patterson

Program Jason Wright

Publicity Jason Wright

Sponsors Robert Ritchie

Thrifty

Egan

2026 TICKET OUTLETS

Mason’s British Market

1624 E. Sample Rd. Pompano Beach

British Marketplace

6923 Stirling Road, Davie

British Depot

1322 E. Commercial Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale

British Depot

2402 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth

Pond Hoppers

2629 N Federal Hwy, Ft. Lauderdale

British Corner Market

2650 N. University Dr.

Hollywood Donut Factory

102 N. 28th Ave. Hollywood

Falcon Pub

2867 University Drive, Davie

Copper Kettle

13841 S Dixie Hwy, Miami

Some Founding members at the first Tartan Ball - 1984

Beth & Phil Cass, Maureen Campbell, Bob & Isobelle Ritchie, Bill Sloan, Helen Welch, Judd DeCew, Robert & Lacinda Ritchie Art Campbell, Nancy Sloan, Nigel& Elaine MacDonald

Thank you to all of the individuals, vendors, businesses, sponsors and volunteers who supported this years festival. It’s your support that keeps Scottish culture thriving in South Florida!

HIGHLAND DANCING

PAYMENT PROCESSING ACTIVITIES SPONSOR

Total Venue Control

Our sincere apologies and grateful thanks go to those Sponsors whose names do not appear in the program due to our printing deadline.

We like to thank all of our media partners that promoted the Festival, the staff at Bergeron Rodeo Ground, and the many others who have supported and helped make our new Scottish Celtic Music Festival a success.

HERITAGE SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Saint Andrews Pipe Band of Miami

BRONZE SPONSORS

Barbara and Gerard Wach

Pam Wright

Danny Reynolds

Elaine and Nigel MacDonald

Denise Johnson

Rinthy Aman

Jack and Evelyn Egan

Stef Campbell -In Memory of Art Campbell

New Celtic Connection Members

Andrew Mason - Masons British Market

Anne Marie Sharkey-Yibirin & Debbie Beaton - Realtors

Jason Wright - Mortgage Broker

Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club

Hosted by Gemma Briggs

Discover the rich sounds and stories behind Celtic music at our new Celtic Music Education Booth, led by acclaimed bagpiper and multi-instrumentalist Gemma Briggs from Clearwater, Florida.

Stop by to explore the fascinating history of traditional Celtic instruments, from the powerful Highland bagpipes to other instruments that have shaped the music of Scotland and the Celtic world. Gemma will share insights into how these instruments developed, the role they play in Celtic culture, and what makes their sound so unique.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Celtic music or simply curious about how it all works, this booth is a great opportunity to ask questions, see instruments up close, and learn how you can begin learning to play yourself.

Come visit, learn something new, and get inspired to start your own journey into the world of Celtic music!

Honored Scotswoman

Mary Smith (103 years young)

Mary Louise Smith was born and raised in Odenton, Maryland, in 1932. After marrying her husband, the couple moved to Lincoln, Michigan we’re they raised two children, Pam and Ricard. She later moved to Baltimore, Maryland and currently resides in Miami, Florida. Mary was employed at Harford Memorial Hospital, where she worked in the recovery room. Later in life, she moved to Towson, Maryland, where she continued her career and eventually retired from Greater Baltimore Medical Center at the age of 62.

With time newly available in retirement, Mary joined the Greater Baltimore Bagpipe Band. She embraced the opportunity and became a full-fledged bagpiper, performing at numerous events throughout the years and giving lessons to new pipers. She remained an active member of the band for 15 years before retiring at age 77.

Mary is especially proud that her love of Scottish music continues in her family. Her daughter, Pam Wright, is the lead tenor drummer, and her grandson, Jason Wright, is a bagpiper and current pipe major of the St. Andrews Pipe Band.

—a wonderful continuation of Mary’s musical legacy.

Saint Andrew’s Pipe Band of Miami

Beginners and experienced players are always welcome. www.saintandrewsmiami.com

Meet this years Entertainers

Seven Nations

Seven Nations got its start in New York City in 1993 as the part-time project of then-bartender McLeod, under the name Clan Na Gael. Lead singer Kirk McLeod states that late 1993 "was the first time we added bagpipes to the show," and therefore the origin of the band as it is today. The band's current line-up includes Kirk McLeod, Jim "Struby" Struble, Angelo Christian Miceli (drums), Jon Pilatzke (fiddle), and Brad Green (bagpipes.)The band regularly tours across the US, has appeared on ESPN, CNN World Beat, PBS and CBS, and has sold over 140,000 albums since 1996, without signing to a major label . The band's most successful release to date was And Now It's Come to This, released on Razor & Tie Records in 2002. The album's mainstream rock sound was considered to be a drastic change from the band's traditional style. A recent album, Thanks for Waiting, returns to the acoustic style and does not feature an electric guitar. The band also released a Celtic Rock Tribute to the Cure. Seven Nations latest release is Tales From The Eighth Nation (2014). Kirk McLeod's latest project is KIR (2016), a "new original endeavor from Kirk McLeod combining Gaelic, mouth music and cantaracht with popular music in a way that has never been done before."

Clover’s Revenge

is a dangerous intersection of two Irish musical traditions: Acoustic pub music & Celtic punk rock. Using the simplest possible instrumentation, the trio creates an explosive sound, with rich harmonies and provocative original lyrics, at speed. Fans say their shows are high energy and hilarious.

Together since 2015, the trio has performed at festivals and pubs throughout the southeast and also toured Ireland, Scotland, and England. Coming off the release of their highly anticipated CD, Among Your Friends, the band boasts over one million streams on Spotify featuring music from their latest project and their first two projects, Gotta Get O’Raggednized and Truants And Absolution.

Gaêlica

A international Celtic, Folk and World Music Band based in Miami, FL, United States, formed by Daniela Padrón (Fiddle, Vocals) Gabriel Figueira (Bagpipes, Woodwinds, Percussion, Vocals) and Rubén Gutiérrez (Guitars, Percussion, Vocals). With a history spanning over 20 years, the band has released 5 studio albums and received numerous accolades for their work. They were nominated for a Latin Grammy in the Best Folk Album category and have won 5 Pepsi Music Awards, including Best Folk Album, Best Folk Song, and Best Folk Artist,

among others. Gaêlica has performed extensively in the US, Europe, and Latin America, captivating audiences with their unique blend of original compositions and re-imagined traditional tunes.

Blue Skye Band

Blue Skye Pipes & Drums is a primarily female pipe band and Celtic performance band from Sarasota, Florida. Performing both traditional and contemporary Scottish and Irish music on bagpipes, drums, fiddle, and guitar, along with a rich variety of vocals. Their stage show has been enthusiastically received at festivals and events all across Floirda and beyond.

Femme Celtique

Femme Celtique combines the allure of Coreyanne Armstrong’s haunting bagpipes with the mystic rhythms of Meaghan Fuller’s driving percussion — beckoning you to join the dance. With almost 40 years combined on pipes and drums, these two sirens of the stage will weave their spell, captivating the senses as you’re transported to medieval times, days of enchantment, and nights of fire.

HISTORY OF THE SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND GAMES

For many years the City of Miami supported an International Festival where various ethnic groups demonstrated their music, dance, and crafts, and offered a sampling of their food. In the late '70s and early 80's, more and more groups were starting their own festivals, not participating in the International Festival. The Scots seeing this were keen to start a Miami Scottish Games. A small group of local Scots and "Scotophiles" were accustomed to traveling large distances to Scottish Games in Orlando, Dunedin, Atlanta, and Grandfather Mountain, but the rest of the community had little exposure to Scottish culture. When the old zoo grounds at Crandon Gardens became available, all the components came together for the Southeast Florida Scottish Festival. The small apparent size of the local Scottish community suggested that such an event would not succeed, but this was taken as a challenge.

In March, 1983, the Scottish American Society of South Florida was born with a membership of about twenty people, who met regularly in our private homes, enjoying good social time and food. Few of the founding members had much experience with Highland Games, but through their desire to learn new skills, share their talents, and perpetuate the culture, countless hours were volunteered to work together to make this event happen. Some of the members brought a family tradition of Scottish culture, especially the Ritchie and Buchanan families. However, Scottish folk dancing and bagpipes appeal not only to Scots, but bring together people regardless of origin. The founding President, Nigel MacDonald, Vice President, Bob Ritchie, and Director Ken Hislop were from Scotland, however other founding members were of Polish, Lithuanian, German, Jamaican, and other nationalities.

With 40 years of successful highland games in South Florida, we are hopeful the success of this new music festival format can provide another 40 years of sucessful events to come.

Police Pipe & Drum Corps of Florida

The Police Pipe and Drum Corps of Florida under the direction of Pipe Major David Campbell. The band is now wearing the Law Enforcement Memorial Tartan. The Band is comprised of Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters, both serving and retired, Military, and civilian members. The band has travelled to Savannah, GA, three times for the St Patrick’s Day Parade’s, Played with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and plays many parades and community events throughout the year. Visit our website at https://fppb2016.wixsite.com/mysite

Become a Member of the Scottish American Society of South Florida

Love the music, culture, and community you experience at our festivals? You can be part of it all year long by becoming a member of the Scottish American Society of South Florida. Our members enjoy a full calendar of events that celebrate Scottish heritage and bring our community together. From our lively Pipes & Pints gatherings and traditional ceilidhs filled with music and dancing, to our cherished Burns Suppers honoring Scotland’s national poet, there’s always something happening. These events create a welcoming space for everyone—from lifelong Scots to those simply curious about the culture.

Membership also helps support an important mission: keeping Scottish traditions alive and thriving right here in South Florida. Your involvement helps us host cultural events, support pipe bands and dancers, and share Scotland’s rich history with the next generation. If you enjoy what you see at the festival, we invite you to take the next step by joining our community and being apart of the tradition.

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Main Stage

12:00 – 12:30 Blue Skye Band

12:45 – 1:15 Gaelica

1:30 – 2:00 Clovers Revenge

2:00 – 2:30 Seven Nations

2:45 – 3:15 Blue Skye Band

3:30 – 4:00 Gaelica

4:15 – 4:45 Clovers Revenge

5:00 – 5:30 Seven Nations

5:45 – 6:15 Massed Bands play in Anthems by Blue Skye

Massed bands play off

6:30 – 7:15 Gaelica

7:30 – 8:15 Clovers Revenge

8:30 – 9:15 Seven Nations

Learn to play the pipes and scottish country dancing!

Celtic Music History & Demonstration

Led by Gemma Briggs

Scottish Country Dancing Led by Rinthy

12:00 – 12:30 Rinthy 12:45 – 1:30pm Gemma 1:45pm – 2:15 Rinthy 2:30 – 3:15pm Gemma 3:30pm – 4:00pm Rinthy 4:15pm – 5:00pm Gemma 5:15pm – 5:45pm Rinthy

Highland Mini Cows

Want to cuddle with a highland mini coo? Heres your chance! 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Highland Dancing

The dances you will see today, though all loosely called Highland dances, are divided into Highland Dances and National dances. Highland Dances were originally performed only by men, often before and after battle, and require considerable stamina. Many of the National dances, however, were devised for female interpretation and are less athletic and more graceful. Authorities on dancing have said that Highland Dancing is one of the most sophisticated forms of national dancing known. The main points to look for while watching Highland Dancing are the precision and timing of the steps and the leg, body and arm positions. The dancer should appear relaxed and well in control of the movements. Since 1950 the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) has set standards for performance and judge’s scoring. There are many accepted steps for each dance, some of which are required in competition by the SOBHD and others, which are optional. All dancers do not, therefore, dance the same steps.

TYPES HIGHLAND DANCES

HIGHLAND FLING

Danced on the spot without traveling steps since the Highland warrior originally performed it on his targe after battle.

SWORD DANCE

Warriors using their sword and scabbard in the form of a cross to mark the dancing spot traditionally performed this dance on the eve of battle. If the warrior danced without touching the sword with his feet it was believed that the clan would be successful in battle. The originator of the modern sword dance is thought to have been Malcolm Canmore, son of King Duncan, who after killing one of MacBeth's chiefs in battle in 1057, placed his sword on top of that of his opponent and triumphantly danced over them.

SEANN TRIUBHAS.

Seann triubhas is Gaelic for "old trousers" and the dance derives from the hatred of the Scots for the law enacted in 1746 forbidding the use of the kilt by the Highland clans. The dance symbolizes kicking off the trousers and the quick steps at the end of the dance suggest the freedom of movement afforded by the kilt.

STRATHSPEY AND HIGHLAND REEL

This dance starts with the slow tempo of the strathspey and later changes to the fast tempo of a reel. It is performed by four dancers in formation

SCOTTISH NATIONAL DANCES

SCOTTISH LILT

When girls started entering dancing competitions they had to dress in the same costume as the men. In 1952 the Aboyne games committee insisted that all female competitors wear the traditional costume of the 17th century, known as the Arisaidh Dress.

TULLOCH

This is a four person dance done to reel time. It begins in the shape of a square and ends in a line. The dancer finishes the dance in the position the dance begins.

FLORA MacDONALD

This dance is performed in the Arisaidh dress and honors the national hero who saved Bonnie Prince Charlie from capture after Culloden. Developed primarily for female interpretation, it is less vigorous than the Highland dances and draws from classical ballet for many of the steps.

(Wilt thou go to the) BARRACKS JOHNNIE?

This was originally a recruitment dance for the Scottish Army. It is usually performed wearing the highland dance costume. This dance is supposed to represent the strength, agility, and determination the soldier received while going through training. It is commonly danced to the pipe march The Barren Rocks of Aden.

The 42nd Highlanders

The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment is a re-enactment group that portrays the regiment as it would have appeared in the 1760s – 1780s. The actual 42nd Royal Highland Regiment (known as The Black Watch) was raised in the mid-1700s in Scotland, and fought in America during the Seven Years War (“French & Indian War”), as well as the Revolutionary War, fighting for the King. The re-enactment group just celebrated 41 years as a reenactment regiment. One of their first events was the Southeast Florida Scottish Games in Miami 41 years ago. Don’t miss their demonstrations of “Wearing the Great Kilt” at the Heritage Stage at 9:30 and 1:30, plus traditional military drill at their encampment.

Scottish Country Dancing in Southeast Florida

is an exciting form of group dance enjoyed around the world by old and young alike. It is social and cooperative, rather than competitive, and involves groups of mixed couples of dancers tracing progressive patterns according to predetermined choreography. Unlike Highland dancing, SCD can be enjoyed from youth to advanced years.

Groups of two or more dancers can participate, although most commonly danced in “sets” of six to ten dancers. A partner is not needed, making this form of dance suitable for singles as well as couples. It is a great way to make new friends while enjoying the music and physical, as well as mental, exercise.

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society was formed to preserve and promote this traditional form of dance. RSCDS publishes old and new dances and produces suitable recordings for many of the dances. There are branches around the world, so dancers can join a group or class wherever they may be. In addition to SCD, Ceilidh (Party) dances are also taught, especially before ceilidhs. These dances are generally simpler with less formal steps, so they can be taught quickly and enjoyed by large numbers of dancers. Many are “mixers”, where dancers change partners or groups in order to meet and greet more people, a great way to transform strangers into friends. Classes are available in the Fort Lauderdale area (Sunrise), held weekly throughout most of the year. Visitors are always welcome. Throughout the year workshops are held around the state in Gainesville, and Cocoa Beach. In addition, country dance balls are held in Sarasota and Dunedin, and there is dancing at highland games in Orlando and here in Southeast Florida. Visit our website for more information: www.rscdsorlandobranch.org

Honored Clan - Clan Campbell

Clan Campbell is one of Scotland's largest, most influential Highland clans, originating in the 13th century in Argyll. Known as Clann Diarmaid, they rose to power by supporting Robert the Bruce, eventually dominating the western Highlands, with their seat at Inveraray Castle. Led by the Dukes of Argyll, they played a major role in Scottish history.

Gail Woodcum The Weaver

Gail has been a weaver for over 37 years. It all started with a festival where she saw a weaver. “I knew it was something I just wanted to do,” said Gail, who is originally from West Palm Beach but whose family hails from Kentucky and is now residing in St. Augustine. She began learning the art of weaving in 1980.

Happening upon a particular flyer advertising a weaving class, Gail signed on. Her instructor advised her to take it slow, but Gail was already interested in stepping up her weaving game by tackling challenges meant for those with more experience. Eventually, her weaving instructor stopped teaching and Gail took over her classes.

Up to this point, five or six years of learning, Gail had never woven a tartan. The Scottish American Society of Palm Beach County asked her to give a weaving demonstration, so she conducted some research and taught herself tartan weaving. In 1991, the Scottish American Society of South Florida contacted her about demonstrating at the highland festival.

“I've been there every year since. I have demonstrated at several places including a St. Patrick's Day festival, the Fourth on Flagler in West Palm Beach, Bloomingdales in Palm Beach Gardens, and various others,” said Gail.

Though she is no longer teaching, Gail still weaves and is happy to be once again at the annual Scottish American Society of South Florida Highland Games.

Gail likes weaving tartan because she appreciates the interplay of colors. She enjoys being at the annual SASSF festival because she really likes interacting with people.

“I love it when the kids come, especially the little boys who are just fascinated,” she said. In addition to weaving for herself and her family, Gail on occasion offers private lessons. When she demonstrates at the festival, Gail uses a cotton thread which is stronger than wool. As a result of her involvement with the festival, she decided to explore her own ancestry, and guess what? Gail is 36% Scottish.

“Every time they update it (Ancestry.com), the Scottish goes up!” she said. If you see her at the festival, you will notice she is wearing the Skene tartan as her paternal grandmother was a Skene. Her maternal grandmother, on the other hand, was a Marshall.

This year Gail is happy to return to us to proudly showcase her craft. She learned of her own Scottish background while researching tartan weaving. Gail has taught handweaving for many years both in public classes and privately. Her works have been displayed and sold throughout the State of Florida and nationwide. She has demonstrated various types of handweaving and at many different

Scholarships

Fulfilling its mission to promote higher education and to showcase the Scottish culture, the Scottish American Society of South Florida annually offers scholarships in the arts (piping, drumming, highland dancing, fiddling) and academics for candidates in Monroe, Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Applicants must be students who have graduated from high school or will graduate in the 2023-2024 school year, and will attend any accredited technical college or university program. Since the scholarship program started, the Society has awarded 132 performing arts and 60 academic scholarships at a cost of approximately $21,500 and $37,400 respectively, and has spent approximately $10,000 on piping, drumming, fiddling and dancing workshops over the years.

For more information about our scholarship program and/or to download an application form, please visit:www.SASSF.org/Scholarships.

Congradulations to last years academic recipients

Christopher Licata and Meghan Karge

Local Cultural Organizations

Pipe and Drums Bands

St. Andrews Pipe Band of Miami

PM Jason Wright: 786-210-6388

Bagpipemiami@gmail.com

Police Pipe Band, Ft. Lauderdale

PM Dave Campbell: 305 481 3873

Palm Beach Pipes and Drums

PM Allan Baird: 561-613-5846

COUNTRY DANCING

Rinthy Aman: 954-791-6873

SOCIAL CLUBS:

Scottish American Society of Palm Beach:

Richard Campbell, 561-762-1685

Pipes & Pints / Dine to Donate

In 2011, we started a “Restaurant of the Month”, now known as Pipes & Pints. We all enjoy these evenings of conversation, food & Music.

Thanks to our host Restaurents for 2025 / 2026

Dangerous Minds The Quarterdeck The Field Billy’s Tavern BJs Brewhouse - Miami

SASSF receives a portion of sales and all are welcome. Check www.SASSF.org each month for time and place.

Flowers of the Forest

Cliff Borden, Past President of SASSF

Joseph Clifford Borden was born in Miami, February 17, 1939, to a multi-generational Florida family. He attended North Miami Senior High School and the University of Florida. Cliff joined the St. Andrews Pipe & Drum Band as a snare drummer in the 70’s. He was one of the founding members of the Scottish American Society of South Florida in 1983, along with his wife Mary Borden. During those early years, he organized the annual Inter Police & Fire Department Tug of War which was quite popular. He served as President in 2002 and 2003. Cliff left us on September 18, 2025, and will be sorely missed by not only his son Patrick, daughter-in-law C.L., his brother Mike and sister-in-laws Jeanne Borden and Darlein Borden, and his many nephews and nieces, but also by the SASSF members who knew him all these years.

Richard Kniffen

A Miami native, grew up fishing and diving in the waters of South Florida. He is a member of Clan Craig and Craig Key in the Florida Keys is named after his grandparents. Richard was a professional mariner for most of his life, serving as a commercial diver, captain of two of the University of Miami’s research vessels, a yacht broker, and then back to UM as Director of Marine Operations. Richard represented Clan Craig at the S. E. Florida games and assisted Marc Wolfson in his duties as Games M/C. He is survived by his wife Denise, to whom he was married for 33 years.

Born November 28th, 1952 in Elyria, OH to Jean and Thurman Gibson. Had one sister, Sheila, who passed away in 2015. In 1971 he Joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1981 as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. He proudly served on the USS Peleliu out of San Francisco n the Navy and later he served as a Merchant Marine. Rob was an avid scuba diver and instructor. He enjoyed all aspects of bagpiping; playing, teaching, and competition. Hes remembered as a Scotland enthusiast who enjoyed telling stories. He was a lifetime member of Clan Donnachaidh Society of Scotland. Rob was always willing to share his knowledge with any who would listen. He passed away on February 16th, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida