Samuels Library to Host Scottish Cèilidh Fundraiser With Music, Dancing, and Community Spirit

Samuels Library is turning up the tempo this March with a lively fundraising event featuring traditional Scottish music, energetic dancing, and a healthy dose of community cheer.

The Scottish Cèilidh Fundraiser will take place at the library on Friday, March 6, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., and promises an evening filled with food, music, dancing, and culture. The event features award-winning musician Seán Heely, an internationally known fiddler, singer, harpist, and composer who brings both energy and authenticity to this centuries-old Celtic tradition.

A Cèilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a Scottish social gathering centered around music, storytelling, and dance. Historically, friends and neighbors would gather in homes, clear the furniture, and celebrate with songs, reels, and laughter. The library is recreating that spirit of togetherness for a good cause—raising funds to help bridge a gap in emergency funding needed to keep the library’s programs and services running strong.

Erin Rooney, Executive Director of Samuels Public Library, says the Cèilidh will be more than just a concert. “We’re bringing people together to dance, to laugh, to enjoy great music, and to support something that’s at the heart of our community, our public library,” she said during a recent interview at the Royal Examiner studio.

No dance experience required

For those unfamiliar with Scottish dance traditions, there’s no need to worry. A professional dance caller will guide attendees through each step, making it easy for beginners to join in the fun. Whether you’ve danced a reel before or not, the format is friendly, welcoming, and designed for all ages and skill levels.

Joining Heely on stage will be a full ensemble, including a guitarist, percussionist, and a percussive dancer who blends Scottish, Irish, and Appalachian styles. Rounding out the musical lineup will be Tracy Jenkins, a skilled bagpiper who has studied and performed traditional Scottish music since middle school.

Jenkins will travel from Tennessee for a reunion performance with Heely. The two have collaborated in the past, and organizers expect their performance to be one of the evening’s highlights. Jenkins will be playing the Scottish smallpipes, which he says blend more easily with other instruments in an indoor setting than the louder highland pipes.

Family-friendly kickoff earlier in the day

Before the evening festivities begin, a free children’s program will be offered at 3:00 p.m. at the library. This interactive session will introduce young learners to Scottish music and dance through storytelling and hands-on activities. It’s open to all ages and provides a fun and educational way to experience the Cèilidh tradition.

Fundraiser details and ticket information

Tickets for the evening event are $50 per person and include access to all music and dance activities, plus food and beverages. For groups, there’s a special deal: buy four tickets and get one free. Tickets are available online via PayPal or in person at the library’s circulation desk. Attendance is limited, so organizers recommend getting tickets early.

The Cèilidh is sponsored by Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast, Friends of Samuels Library (FOSL), and TransForm Development, with additional community sponsors still being sought. All proceeds go directly to Samuels Library’s emergency fundraising efforts to maintain core programs and services amid ongoing funding uncertainty.

Library supporters hope this event not only meets their financial goals but also brings people together in a shared celebration of culture and community. Rooney says that’s been the key to the library’s success so far. “Our community has stepped up again and again. Whether through donations, sponsorships, or showing up to events like this, they’ve kept us going,” she said.

Kilts encouraged—but not required

Guests are invited to dress comfortably and wear shoes they can dance in. Kilts, tartans, and other festive attire are welcome for those wishing to get into the full spirit of the evening. But at this Cèilidh, everyone is welcome, no costume or dance skills required.

To learn more, purchase tickets, or become a sponsor, visit www.samuelslibrary.net or contact the library at 540-635-3153 or development@samuelslibrary.net.