(PRINCETON, NJ) — Get ready for an evening of high energy Scottish folk-rock as The Princeton Folk Music Society presents The Tannahill Weavers on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Christ Congregation Church in Princeton. The band features a unique combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment, and rich three- part vocal harmonies that make their performances unforgettable. They are noted for being the first Scottish folk group to incorporate an instrument long thought to be too loud to play nicely with other traditional folk instruments: the highland pipes.

Roy Gullane (guitar and lead vocals) and Phil Smillie (flute, whistles, bodhrán and harmony vocals) formed the band in Paisley Scotland as the traditional folk-rock movement was getting started in 1968. The band now also includes Iain MacGillivray (highland bagpipes, fiddle,and whistles) and Malcolm Bushby (fiddle, bouzouki and harmony vocals). Iain, who is the Clan leader of Clan MacGillivray, comes from piping family: both his grandfather, Donald, and father Duncan are former world champions. Malcolm is considered to be one of the UK’s finest folk musicians, noted for his handling of dynamics and ornamentation, and beautiful tone, which lend a soulful, haunting and exciting magic to his music. 

The band is named for the Scottish poet Robert Tannahill (1774-1810), who was known as the 'Weaver Poet." They have recorded several of his songs.

The concert takes place Friday September 20, 2024 at Christ Congregation Church (50 Walnut Lane) in Princeton, NJ. Tickets online or at the door (if not sold-out): $25 ($20 members, $10 students). Tickets and livestream access are available at www.princetonfolk.org. Ample free parking.  Doors open at 7:30pm.  Showtime is 8:00pm.

“The music may be pure old time Celtic, but the drive and enthusiasm are akin to straight ahead rock and roll.” – Winnipeg Free Press 

“…the Tannies are the best that Scotland can aspire to (and believe me, that is THE BEST).” – The Living Tradition

The Princeton Folk Music Society has encouraged the growth of folk music in central New Jersey for over 59 years. As they continue to explore new ways of presenting and promoting folk music while ensuring a Covid 19-safe environment for their audiences, their concerts this season will available for viewing by live streaming, as well as on-site in Princeton. They welcome everyone to join them, in person or virtually for their concerts.