Tartan Day South Highland Games & Celtic Festival Featuring Rathkeltair

Reflecting the surge in Celtic identity in North America, the 5th Annual Tartan Day South Highland Games and Celtic Festival is being held this weekend at multiple venues in Cayce, South Carolina (See Link below for more details).  From the event web site is the following quote: “ Our event is a four day celebration of Celtic heritage in our area. The festival is an array of unique sports, music, foods, and exhibitions.  The event is one of a kind in the midlands of South Carolina.   Thousands of patrons attending Tartan Day South events every year since 2011, the growth and reach has been phenomenal in just four short years.  Come join us for a few days of Celtic Pride right here at home! "

One of the Celtic bands headlining the event is Rathkeltair, a familiar presence on the Celtic Festival circuit. Named after the historical site in County Down in Ireland near the birthplace of band member Nick Watson, Rathkeltair brings a wealth of experience and music making ability to their latest album "Durty Wullie". Watson, the band’s drummer, previously played with the ward winning “Field  Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band”, and band member Trevor Tanner is the former front man for 80’s MTV era band “The Bolshoi”. Neil Anderson on the Pipes is a founding member of the Seven Nations (Clan Na Gael) which continues to be a familiar presence on the Celtic Festival musical circuit. Anderson has played with several Celtic Rock bands including Scythian and the Grammy award winning band “The Chieftans”.

Following is an interview with Rathkeltair’s Manager, Robert Adolph, originally published by Transceltic in a July 17, 2013 article “A Celtic Tribal Celebrtaion: Albannach, Brother and Rathkeltair at Celtic Fling:

1. Do Rathkeltair Consider themselves Ambassadors of Celtic Culture?

Yes, we are lucky in that we have band members who strongly identify with Celtic culture. Nick Watson, from County Down in Ireland (vocals, drums, percussion) has played with the award winning Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band. Neil Anderson, the bands piper, is an accomplished musician on the Highland and Uillean pipes and has previously played with Scythian, Seven Nations and the Grammy award winning band “The Chieftains”. Neil was a founding member of Seven Nations which was then known as one of the founders of Celtic Rock.  Neil would set up outside the festivals and play at the gates before it was accepted to include this new music (Celtic Rock) within the festival grounds. Well, eventually they had to let him in and here we are now.

2. What impact does the band’s Celtic identity have on Rathkeltair’s music?

The band has a sense of heritage and command and pride in the Irish and Scottish background of the music and considers that they have been given an outlet for the expression of that heritage. Nick is from Ireland, Trevor’s mother is Scottish and Neil is a piper.

3. Tell us about the Band’s latest album – “8”

This album represents an advance for Rathkeltair in that the rock influences are heavier. The album has strong drumming and strong piping and a new element which is the Banjo. The album reflects the bands method of seeking out traditional Celtic musicians and trading up on their influences.
We are a self-reliant in that the band market and sell our music.  Band member Nick Watson has his own studio where we also produce.

4. Describe Rathkeltair’s interaction with the Audience

We are a fun band who takes the music seriously.  We rely on Trevor to write humorous lyrics which enhances the interaction with the audience.  Another element is Trevor’s sardonic wit, his father is English and his mother Scottish and that together brings it out in him.

• 5th Annual Tartan Day South Highland Games & Celtic Festival

  • When: March 26 - 29, 2015
  • Where: Cayce, South Carolina
  • Website: http://tartandaysouth.com/

http://tartandaysouth.com/

http://www.transceltic.com/pan-celtic/celtic-tribal-celebration-albannac...