Chances are, you’ve heard at least one rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” in the past couple weeks, bidding farewell to 2015 with lyrics that are opaque at best to 21st-century Americans. The traditional New Year tune is just one of the many surviving texts by 18th-century Scottish poet Robert Burns, and local project-based chorus whateverandeveramen. is seeking to celebrate and share his poetry this January. The chorus is following in the tradition of the Burns Supper, a celebration of the poet’s life and works through ale, haggis and song.
In their third annual Burns celebration, whateverandeveramen. will be hosting three distinct events where audiences can appreciate Burns’ lyrical Romantic poetry through song, and sing along with his more playful rhymes (conveniently often set as drinking songs). Founder and Artistic Director Brad Pierson has been hosting Burns Suppers since 2012, and states that “our riff on the traditional Burns Supper includes the performance of a cappella choral settings of his poetry, along with several traditional drinking songs which encourages participation from our guests.”
Join Pierson and we&a. on Wednesday, January 13 for their newest event at Naked City Brewery and Taphouse. The Greenwood-based brewers have been developing a special Scotch Ale to be released exclusively the night of the event. Buy tickets here for an informal evening of rousing songs and craft beer; tickets are $10 and include a $5 drink ticket.
The celebration continues Saturday, January 16 in a more traditional concert format in collaboration with Vashon Allied Arts. The 8-voice chorus will present a lively program filled with settings of Burns’ poetry, and audiences are encouraged to partake in the keg of exclusive Naked City brew. Tickets are $18 general admission (21+), and can be purchased on the Vashon Allied Arts website.
The culminating event of the celebration comes in the form of a traditional Burns Supper at Lark, in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef John Sundstrom. A one-night-only menu (Sundstrom’s personal interpretation of the traditional Burns Supper meal) is paired perfectly with wine, beer, and a traditional Scotch toast, all to the tune of whateverandeveramen.’s Scottish melodies. Perfect for foodies, singers and the poetry enthusiasts in all of us, all-inclusive tickets are $100 and may be purchased here. (Bonus: check out the insanely tantalizing menu.)
For more information, check out whateverandeveramen. on their website and SoundCloud; they are also easily searchable in the iTunes store and on Spotify. Their unique take on this Scottish tradition is quickly becoming a Seattle tradition itself–don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Scottish culture with one of Seattle’s most passionate choral ensembles.
Whateverandeveramen. Presents: Robert Burns