Memphis Scottish Society

= to foster education and promote understanding of things Scottish =

Information

Robert Burns 1759-1796

The Legend of Burns Nicht

The most powerful law in the scientific world is the law of unintended consequences! In 1801, on the fifth anniversary of the death of Robert Burns, nine men who knew him met for dinner in Burns Cottage in Alloway to celebrate his life and works. The Master of Ceremonies was a local minister – a liberal theologian and an equally liberal host. Hamilton Paul and his guests shared Masonic brotherhood with Rabbie and Paul devised an evening which looked a bit like a lodge ceremonial, centred on a fine fat haggis; with recitation and singing of Burns’s works and a toast (in verse) to the memory of their friend and hero.

It was such a jolly evening, all agreed to meet again the following January for a Birthday Dinner for the bard, little knowing that they had invented a global phenomenon that we know as the BURNS SUPPER – which still broadly follows the Reverend’s original plan.

Burns’s popularity grew rapidly after his untimely death and the idea of meeting annually to share his poems and songs in the bonds of friendship caught the public imagination. Some Ayrshire merchants in Greenock followed with the first Burns Club Supper in January 1802 and the West coast towns with strong links to Rabbie reached out and joined in the new festival: Paisley, Irvine, Kilmarnock and Dumfries.

Typically, a dozen or more men sat down to dine – as often working men as the middle classes – sometimes in a bar Rab had frequented. But the real link was his poetry with its message of love, freedom and the essential value of humanity. Many early suppers were organised by Burns Clubs who exist today, but a big boost in participation came with the big literary Burns Suppers, the original organised by Sir Walter Scott in Edinburgh in 1815 with Hogg the Ettrick Shepherd giving the Immortal Memory. [read more]

Used by kind permission of scotland.org

Clark McGinn comes from Ayr but has been speaking at Burns Suppers for what his audience often says is a long, long time. He is the author of the popular ‘The Ultimate Burns Supper Book’ based on his experiences internationally and has just published ‘The Ultimate Guide To Being Scottish’

Memphis Scottish Society’s

29th Annual
Burns Nicht Dinner

If you have ever sung Auld Lang Syne or enjoyed a wee dram of Scotch, you are enjoying Robert Burns’ influence. Burns Suppers are celebrated annually around the world, paying homage to the legacy left by Robert Burns, the National Poet of Scotland. Burns is known equally for his poetry and song collecting; many people consider his work of collecting the songs and tunes of Scotland to be his greatest contribution to the preservation of Scottish heritage.

Patron’s Reception

The Patron’s Reception will be held Friday night, January 20th, 2012, starting at 6:00 p.m. in the patina-rich Memphis WaterWorks again. Amidst antique garden elements and furniture, and selections of new cast-stone garden fountains, planters and statuary you will enjoy Scottish treats and Whiskey tasting, wooed by the lyric entertainment of Andy Cohen & Larkin Bryant. The cost is just $35 dollars. Patrons ($75) and Benefactors ($100) may enjoy both the reception and Burns Nicht.

Tickets for Burns Nicht ONLY are:

$50 per person for a full Scottish evening of music, dinner, entertainment and a silent auction
Tables for 8 people can be reserved for $375

Burns Nicht Dinner will be held at:

Woodland Hills Ballroom

at the intersection of Houston Levee Road (Hall Road) & Woodland Hills Drive
10000 Woodland Hills Drive
Cordova, TN 38018
[Map]

Saturday, 28 January, 2012

The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the festivities begin at 6:00 pm.

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Piping in the Haggis

Bagpipes, drums, Scottish dancing, poetry and dinner, all to celebrate Robert Burns, Scotland’s favorite bard

Entertainment

We are pleased to have Andy Cohen & Larkin Bryant return this year to provide entertainment for both the Patron’s Reception and Burns Nicht. You won't find a more musically rewarding evening than at evening of music with Andy Cohen and Larkin Bryant. Together, Andy and Larkin create a unique sound that merges their distinct musical backgrounds with a virtuoso musicianship that is both simple and exquisite.

Please register by January 14, 2012
if you are planning to attend the Burns Nicht Dinner!

Vegetarian entrée available with advance notice.