Entertainment

The 2011 Portland Highland Games will feature a number of excellent entertainers.

Men of Worth

The folk-music duo, Men of Worth, was formed by James Keigher (Ireland) and Donnie Macdonald (Isle of Lewis, Scotland) in 1986. They each play a handful of instruments, among them mandolin, guitar, concertina and bodhran, a handheld drum. James and Donnie are now living in Southern Oregon and Northern California respectively.

Men of Worth’s tunes and songs are authentic, closely connected to their heritage. Scotsman Donnie Macdonald sings some in his native Gaelic, while Irishman James Keigher includes time-polished pieces saved from the oral traditions of his native County Mayo.

The emotion and tradition of their homeland song heritage stayed with the pair. "We could not grow away from those sounds," said Macdonald, "so we have preserved them as accurately and authentically as we can, in our performances." "We entertain people with the real music of our regions; we have an ancient yet fresh musical story to tell."

Sometimes that music comes from prosaic sources – Keigher wrote one song after overhearing two old ladies gossiping about him in a village market – and sometimes from traditional music passed down the generations. Several of Macdonald’s songs come from his mother’s own poetry and from Hebridean crofters’ airs.

Together Men of Worth blend their voices with harmony and support their collection of songs with their varied selection of instruments. They have a very simple approach to their presentation, and in keeping with tradition, remain true to the music and story. Their show is a unique combination of humor, exciting tunes, and soulful, heartfelt ballads.

Men of Worth are an international act and have earned much respect and success in two decades of touring. They have played concerts across the US, from Alaska to Texas. They also take guided tours to their own musical roots; leading folk fans to the western isles of Scotland and to Ireland’s heartland to hear the real music of the isles in its own home. Cultural presentations in schools have received rave reviews by students and teachers alike. Performing concerts, festivals, and having recorded ten albums, Men of Worth continue the very tradition from which they evolved.

Rebecca Lomnicky & David Brewer with Peter Willis

Rebecca Lomnicky, the 2009 Glenfiddich Scottish Fiddle Champion, is the second American and youngest to have won this competition during its 20-year history. This “Champion of Champions” was born in Oregon and won her first Scottish fiddle competition right here at the Portland Highland Games in 2004. Rebecca went on to win the junior division of the US National Scottish Fiddle Competition the following year at the age of 13.

Since then she’s become known as the “Pipey Scottish Fiddler” for her unique and lively fiddle bow and fingerings, along with her soulful airs that’ll make you long for the misty Scottish Highlands and take you back to the days of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Glenfiddich judges certainly felt this way, as they awarded her the coveted title of “Glenfiddich Champion” and Silver Quaich in 2009 at Castle Blair in the heart of Highland Perthshire, Scotland!

David Brewer is a founding member of the popular west coast Celtic band, Molly's Revenge, and has performed nationally and internationally with highlight appearances at the Chicago Irish Festival, twice at the Shanghai International Music Festival in China, the Ballarat Federation Tattoo in Australia and most recently in 2009 at Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Scotland.

A Scottish descendant and native of Oregon, David discovered traditional music on public radio at the age of 11. He soon traveled to Scotland to study with master teachers. David is now an avid teacher, studio musician, and unarguably one of the most energetic and charismatic performers of the Scottish pipes in the world today. David's pure joy and passion for playing is evident at every show.

Rebecca and David will be joined again this year by Peter Willis, an outstanding guitar-player in his own right from Pendleton, Oregon. A fabulous Scottish trio you won’t want to miss!

Beltaine

Dual Dulcimers, guitar, flute and marimbula offers a unique and bright sound to Celtic and traditional music from around the world. Beltaine is a Northwest trio that shines as bright as their name. There is a strong synergy among the members of Beltaine, as all members play both melody and harmonies on multiple instruments. The music is eclectic but not electric, with emphasis on traditional dance music and powerful songs. In live performances, Kris, Brian, and John keep it light and lively with spritely tunes, stories, and jokes – soon everyone gets to be a part of the magic of Beltaine!

Cathy Speer

Cathy Speer has been a musical guest at the Portland Highland Games for a number of years. It has become one of her favorite places to perform. With her loyal guitar, Cathy sings both traditional Celtic songs and those that she has written. Her pure and gentle voice can soothe even the most savage beast! Folks who listen come away relaxed and uplifted.

Cathy loves her Scottish heritage and owes much of her love for Celtic music to her grandmother's southern musical roots. "What I love about singing folk music is the telling of a story in a way that touches the soul."

Cathy lives in Hillsboro, Oregon, with her two youngest children who sometimes perform with her. She invites you to come and listen, and even to sing along. You may contact her to sing at your special event or venue. callmekate56@yahoo.com