Second Annual Burns Supper to Feature the Greenwich Pipe Band and Stefanie Kies

Celtic culture aficionados are getting ready to celebrate the 258th birthday of Scottish national poet, Robert Burns.

On or near January 25 every year, the Scots celebrate the birthday of their beloved bard with dinner, music, poetry, and a wee dram (or two).

Stasha Healy, a Greenwich resident who attended the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, was frustrated that there were no Burns Suppers in the area, so she created one herself in 2016 and 50 people joined her.

The Greenwich Pipe Band will play at the event as will Stefanie Kies, who wowed the audience last year with beautiful renditions of Burns’ songs.

What is a Burns Supper?

It’s an evening to gather with friends old and new to pay tribute to Robert Burns with performances of his songs, readings of his poetry, and toasts. It’s also an excuse for a party in January.

“Even if you have no Scottish connection, it’s a great way to shake off the midwinter blues,” said Healy.

Because of her affiliation with the University of Edinburgh, the university is inviting area alumni.

Burns’ Influence on American Writers and Songwriters

Burns’ influence on American writers and songwriters is deeper than many realize. The 2016 winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Bob Dylan has acknowledged that “A Red, Red Rose” was his single most important inspiration; Steinbeck got the title for “Of Mice and Men” from “To a Mouse;” Salinger’s inspiration for the title “Catcher in the Rye” was Burns’ “Comin’ Through the Rye.”

Tickets are only $65 for a buffet dinner including traditional Scottish fare like haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (mashed potatoes); roasted turkey will also be available. Entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, coffee, and a whisky toast are included in the price; a full cash bar will be available.

Break out your tartan, polish your “Braveheart” brogue, and come join the fun to celebrate the Ploughman Poet at this new Greenwich tradition.

All are welcome! Find out more and reserve tickets at BurnsSupperGreenwich2017.eventbrite.com.

The Burns Supper is Saturday, January 21, 2017, from 6-9pm at Knights of Columbus, 37 West Putnam Ave in Greenwich.


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