FERGUS - Just in time for National Tartan Day, Wee Alec Productions is bringing Scottish music and heritage to people’s computer screens.
The Fergus Company is behind the virtual called National Tartan Day An At Home Celebration!
For Scott Moir, the owner of Wee Alec Productions, this is the first event his business is running for Tartan Day since 2019.
“Fergus itself is a town that celebrates National Tartan Day and I just didn't want to go another year without not doing something for Tartan Day," he says, "I kind of think of it as an important day, it took us a long time to get it going here.”
He mentions by going online, it gave Wee Alec Productions some unique opportunities to bring in performers from Scotland and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to help people celebrate.
“It’s been a little stressful at times, it’s just a whole other thing for me," says Moir, who mentions it developed from the original idea to host one virtual performance, "But I’m happy with the program, the way it worked out, so I just hope lots of people will tune in.”
On Tuesday, April 6, participants will get to see virtual performances by a number of artists, including Martin Gillespie, Brighde Chaimbeul and Cassie and Maggie MacDonald. An informative talk about tartan fashion, and the history of tartan, will also be presented by Veronica MacIsaac.
“It was just kind of a different angle, and I thought it fit very well with the program," says Moir about the presentation by MacIsaac.
Those who purchase a ticket for the event, will receive a link for it through email. The link will be accessible until 11:30 p.m. on April 11.
"If you don't have time to watch it that night, you can watch it later in the week," he says, "Or you watch bits of it, watch it again."
All the performances were pre-recorded, but Moir says this gives ticket holders the opportunity to re-watch them in the comfort of their own home.
“It should be very welcoming,” he adds about the experience, “I think it has a very welcoming feel to it because everyone is in their domain.”
Sponsored by the Fergus Scottish Festival, the event costs $20, or is pay-what-you-can, to help cover the costs of the performers.
“I think people are kind-of happy to see something,” mentions Moir about the positive feedback he has been receiving from businesses and residents within Fergus.
“It opens it up for different markets too and I hope we have people from a few different areas.”
When it comes to future events, Moir says he is open to doing more virtual ones to continue promoting traditional and Celtic music.
“This whole last year is changing how the whole music industry works and I think it's a part of everything now, it’s going to change everything, ” says Moir, “ I can see myself being involved somehow, whether it's a combination of live and online.”
For more information about the event, or to purchase tickets, click here.
