Highland Games After Dark

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games offers visitors the opportunity to experience the Highlands of Scotland firsthand though traditional music, food and activities. But what some might not realize is that when the sun goes down, the fun is only beginning.

The Highland Games After Dark begins on the evening of Thursday, July 12, with the “Gathering.” Here, the masses flock to MacRae Meadows at Grandfather, enjoying bagpipe music and sheep herding demonstrations, while awaiting twilight and the opening ceremonies.

As the sun sinks behind Grandfather Mountain’s mile-high peaks, the clan leaders convene to announce the presence of their family’s line. Some bang their chest and yell as the enthusiastically primitive ceremony progresses, all in an effort to invoke the “Spirit of the Clans” upon the weekend’s traditional Scottish experience.

The Celtic Jam takes place on Friday night and features performers who blend the traditional Celtic sounds of the isles with the traditional bluegrass sounds of the Southern Appalachians. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children.

The lineup for the Celtic Jam includes Chelsea House Orchestra, Colin Grant Adams, Jil Chambless and Scooter Muse, Tuatha Dea, Uncle Hamish and the Hooligans, Saor Patrol and Cutthroat Shamrock.

Returning from last year, Jil Chambless, Saor Patrol and Cutthroat Shamrock span the diverse Celtic genres showcased after dark at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Chambless’ musical styling’s favor a more traditional Celtic sound, while Cutthroat Shamrock and Saor Patrol’s music is a showcase of contemporary tribal rock.

Saturday night’s Celtic Grove returns the four headliners: Tuatha Dea, Uncle Hamish and the Hooligans, Saor Patrol and Cutthroat Shamrock.

Saor Patrol, a group from the heart of Scotland, plays a unique tribal Celtic rock sound that has earned them comparisons to ZZ Top and Motorhead. Uncle Hamish and the Hooligans are a five-member Celtic rock band from the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Self-described as “pure primal energy with a Celtic twist,” Tuatha Dea’s eclectic sound blends the tribal vibe of primitive drums with conventional and nonconventional instruments, such as guitar, bass, modern and Native American flutes, as well as a myriad of vocal styles to create a truly unique sound.

For more information on the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, phone (828) 733-1333 or visit http://www.gmhg.org.

For lodging and other travel information, contact North Carolina High Country Host at (800) 438-7500.