Steel City Rovers from Ontario Canada will headline the Belle Mont Celtic Fest, May 12-13 at historic Belle Mont Mansion, 1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, AL
TUSCUMBIA-The wait is over! The Belle Mont Celtic Fest, May 12-13, is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of the culture of Scotland and Ireland when the museum will host outstanding Celtic music performances by this year’s headliner, the Steel City Rovers from Ontario, Canada, joining returning artists Chambless and Muse, the Piper Jones Band (featuring noted bagpiper E.J. Jones) and native Scotsman Ed Miller. The performances will be on the outdoor stage on the lawn at historic Belle Mont Mansion, 1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia. The musicians are all well-known in circles of Celtic music festivals across the nation and perform regularly in Scotland, Ireland and in Canada.
“This is an opportunity to see and to hear some of the finest Celtic music that has ever been performed in the Shoals area”, said Ninon Parker, Site Director of Belle Mont Mansion, who explained that this is the second year for Belle Mont to present a Celtic festival and that the Belle Mont Celtic Fest is the only one of its kind in Alabama. “Last year’s inaugural Belle Mont Celtic Fest was a great success, establishing it among popular Celtic festivals and potentially drawing a large number of visitors from outside the Shoals area, as well as providing a fun two-day event for Shoals residents looking for fun and something a little different for their week-end plans.”
Scooter Muse, well-known Celtic musician based in the Shoals area, describes this year’s featured bane, the Steel City Rovers, as “simply the best of the best!”
“They are a rousing group, playing not only traditional tunes, but adding a kick of their own, sometimes called ‘Celtibilly’, making their performances fun for audiences of all ages. The Rovers are including the Belle Mont Celtic Fest in their Southern U.S. Summer Tour. You will not want to miss this opportunity to experience the Steel City Rovers!”
The Rovers are Mark Fletcher, who performs on a number of instruments (Scottish smallpipes, mandola, accordion, and Irish whistle), lead vocalist Ryan McKenna, Joel McKenna on guitar and vocals, Dave Neigh on fiddle, and Dave Gould on drums and percussion.
The Celtic Fest will feature something for everyone, even the kids, who will be able to visit up close and to pet a shaggy Highland Cow. Near and Far Scottish, a traditional Celtic merchandise vendor will be onsite offering tartans, tankards and more. Crafts and life-skills of the early 1800’s will be demonstrated. Arts and Crafts vendors will have wares to sell. Lectures, performance talks, demonstrations and parlor music played on hammered dulcimers will round out the event. Bring your blankets and chairs and plan to stay to enjoy the full experience at Belle Mont. Food vendors will be onsite throughout. In the case of severely inclement weather, the festival will move to the gym at Northwest Shoals Community College.
Friday is a free Museum Day, from 10:00 until 4:00. Friday evening concert is 6:00 – 9:00, Ticket required – at the gate $20 for adults, cash preferred; or purchase in advance through Event Brite and receive a discounted rate. Saturday’s all-day festival is 10:00 – 7:00, ticket required – at the gate $20 for adults, cash preferred; or purchase in advance through Event Brite and receive a discounted rate. For both ticketed events (in advance and at the gate) – Kids under 12 years are free and Youth/Teens are $5.00.
