Music at the





ALEX BEATON
Scottish Folksinger

ake a great baritone voice, add a kilt and a guitar and what do you have?  Whether you are at a Highland Games in the wilds of North Carolina, or a Burns Night in California, chances are you will hear Alex Beaton.

Alex is the quintessential entertainer who is at home on the concert stage as well as clubs and on the banquet circuit.  His virtuoso guitar playing and engaging stage presence compliments his rich baritone voice.  This winning combination has made him the most popular and successful Scottish folksinger in North America with a large and loyal following all across the continent.

Alex was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and began his professional career with the Cumberland Three, one of Britain's most popular folk singing acts of the sixties.  He launched his solo career in New York in 1968, appearing in clubs and in concerts throughout the United States.  During the seventies, Alex displayed his versatility, performing Country and Pop music to audiences nationwide.

Although he enjoyed his success as an entertainer, he recognised that there was a desire among American audiences for traditional Celtic music.  He knew that the natural outlet for his music was the Highland Games that can be found all over the continent, wherever there are people of Scottish heritage.  He founded Glenfinnan Music Ltd. and began to open a market for the traditional singer an the gatherings.  Now, at every one, the folksinger is there along with the athlete and the piper.

Alex has met with international acclaim and has made numerous radio and television appearances both in America and Great Britain.  His repertoire includes a wide range of musical expression from poignant ballads to rousing Celtic classics.

If you want to spend some time immersed in the sounds of Scotland, and know more about the land that gave birth to the ancestors of many Americans, sit in the audience and experience Alex Beaton.



Now in its 20th year, Smithfield Fair has become one of the foremost and most recognized presenters of Scottish music in North America.  At the same time, they are critically-acclaimed for their original songs.  Through constant television and cinema exposure, radio and internet radio airplay, the group has established itself internationally for quality songs performed with intense harmonies and driving rhythms.  Their record label, Stevenson Productions, has release their 20th anniversary collection, Twenty for Twenty, as well as Charmer: The Perfect Café, a 35th anniversary collection of original songs by Smithfield Fair’s predecessor.  These two collections represent over 35 years of music from brothers Dudley-Brian (guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Bob Smith (acoustic bass, percussion, vocals) and Dudley’s wife and songwriting partner, Jan Smith (guitar, accordion, vocals).  Performing at the cream of Scottish events throughout North America, as well as festivals, concert halls and coffeehouses, Smithfield Fair has been a mainstay of the Louisiana Highland Games since their founding.  For more information on the band, go to www.smithfieldfair.com.

 
 

ROBERT VALENTINE
Master-of-Ceremonies

Bob was born in New York, the son of Scottish immigrant and a Swedish-American mother, but as a graduate of the University of Kentucky considers the “Bluegrass State” his home.  For over 30 years, he has been known as a public speaker, entertainer, actor, and director, a “hobby” he maintains through his private company, Theater Arts Enterprises.  He is the author of four books, more than a dozen plays, and has appeared on television and film, and is the founder of The Spinners!, Kentucky’s only professional storytelling troupe.  The group was recently featured on the Nostalgia Network and on the Americana Television’s Storyteller’s Theater.  For over 15 years, he and his sidekick, Dr. Bob McGaughey have entertained and instructed as a two-man comedy team in the mold of Rowan & Martin.  Bob is a Past-President of the Murray Caledonian Society and regularly schedules speaking and performance engagements at the Scottish Heritage Festivals.  He is President of Medical Claims Services of America, a Kentucky firm specializing in health claims management.  Bob and his wife, Vicky, live in Paris, Tennessee.  Visit Bob's website at www.robertvalentine.com.





We are proud to say that this year is our third year to include pipe band competition; so there will be plenty of that heavenly sound to listen to.  The Highland Games of Louisiana will have performances by the Baton Rouge Caledonian Pipes and Drums and several other bands in addition to individual pipers from outlying bands in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.
For information call Toni Bova at 225-344-7228.
or email to tbova@lahighlandgames.com


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