Not Your Usual Burns Ceilidh 2025:
A Night to Remember in Somerville
The Scottish spirit was alive and well in New England on January 24 at the second annual Not Your Usual Burns Ceilidh. Nearly 300 revelers packed The Crystal Ballroom in Somerville for an unforgettable evening of poetry, music, and, of course, dancing.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd—seasoned Burns Night veterans and first-timers alike—ready to toast Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns and enjoy an evening of tradition with a modern twist.
Photo: Evan Jackson
Photo: Evan Jackson
No Burns Night would be complete without the Address to the Haggis, and this year we were treated to a rousing rendition by Larry Bethune, joined by none other than David Clay, British Consul General to New England, who “translated” the piece for those in the audience who do not speak Scots. Their lively delivery had the audience cheering (and perhaps feeling a bit more appreciative of the humble haggis).
Photo: Evan Jackson
Summer McCall called a fantastic ceilidh, guiding the crowd through energetic favorites such as the Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow. Whether you were a ceilidh pro or stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, Summer made sure everyone was moving, laughing, and thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Jesse Ofgan, photo by Evan Jackson
Summer’s band was made up of young musicians from New England, many of whom had studied in Scotland, including Adam Hendey and Jesse Ofgan. We are grateful to the Scottish Government in the USA for providing a grant that let us feature these amazing traditional musicians, as well as young Highland dancers from the Stiles School of Scottish Dance.
Photo: Evan Jackson
As the evening drew to a close, the crowd gathered for a special moment of celebration. A birthday cake was brought out to honor NHSCOT and NTSUSA, marking fifty and twenty-five years, respectively, of their dedication to Scottish heritage. Kirstin Bridier, Terri Wiltse, and president of Scots in New England Bob Creighton were among those who raised a glass for a series of heartfelt toasts—to the King, to Robert Burns, to Scotland, and to absent friends.
The evening ended as traditional ceilidhs always do, with the holding of hands and the singing of Robert Burns’ classic Auld Lang Syne.
Looking Ahead: Scotland’s Hoolie in the City
For those who can’t get enough of Scottish music and culture, another exciting event is on the horizon! On April 5, 2025, Scotland’s Hoolie in New York will take over Carnegie Hall, bringing an unforgettable night of traditional and contemporary Scottish music to one of the world’s most iconic venues. Featuring an all-star lineup of Scottish folk, rock, and trad musicians, this promises to be a can’t-miss celebration of Scotland’s vibrant musical scene.
We hope to see YOU at Not Your Usual Burns Ceilidh 2026! Will you join us? Until then—slàinte mhath!
