For A ' That n' A ' That: An Annual Burns Cabaret
By MICHAEL VIENS
COQUITLAM - It was a capacity crowd at the Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam for their fourth annual Robbie Burns Cabaret on January 21. Master of Ceremonies Wil Stirling (aka Wilson Durward), along with featured performers Blackthorn, piper Jim McWilliams and members of the Tartan Pride Highland Dance Team, presented a highly entertaining and diverse programme of stories of Burns, his poetry and songs, piping, dancing and haggis.
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| AUDIENCE at the Robbie Burns Cabaret at the Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam. |
Wil served up an historical overview of Burns in poem and song. Blackthorn performed a great selection of traditional and not-so-traditional Scottish songs throughout the evening – many written by Burns – ranging from the humourous to the sublime.
Jim piped the Gathering of the Clans, joined Blackthorn on a number of inspiring musical selections and piped in the haggis. Tartan Pride, under the direction of Joan Murray, presented a wonderful assortment of creative dance numbers including a traditional Broadsword and a comedic musical sketch.
The Evergreen Cultural Centre lent itself well to the format of the evening with cabaret-style tables on the main level, which sold out quickly, and both balcony levels full as well with folks wanting to share in the celebration of Burns and Scottish culture.
General consensus from the audience – many of whom have made it an annual tradition – was that it was the best show yet. The Evergreen has already booked the show for a fifth year in January 2007.
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