Raise a toast for Robert Burns Night

Celtic souls come together to celebrate Scotland's favorite son and poet during Robert Burns Night, Jan. 25-26 at the Crescent Hotel. Each evening begins with a 5:30 p.m. social hour with cash bar, followed by a mighty four-course dinner with roast beef, along with the presentation of the haggis, a dish that shares characteristics with poetry in which neither should be seen in the making, but experienced in their final glory.

  The evening's program also includes traditional stories and songs performed by Scottish folklorist Ed Miller, an Edinburgh native who now lives in Texas, and is in high demand for his down-to-earth, funny and touching performances. He developed his style in Edinburgh pubs during the 1960s, and seamlessly merges the rough-edged outlook of Celtic stories and songs with the darkly romantic world of Texas ballads. This modern bard does Burns proud with his compelling, smooth voice.

  Also included in each evening's festivities will be a birthday toast with fine scotch to Burns, and bagpipe music by Great Highland Pipe Major Mark Stanfield. On Saturday night, special guests Tullentrain West Pipe Band make men in kilts oh-so-fashionable with authentic music and dress.

  Admission for Friday night is $40, and tickets for Saturday night are $45. For more information, or to make reservations, call 866-363-9545 or visit www.eurekacelts.com.