Join us for the 20th annual Greater Moncton Highland Games &

 Tartan & Tides is a celebration of our region's ties with Scotland, and is made possible by the Greater Moncton Scottish Association through a funding grant from the Scottish Connections Fund.

The concert takes place in St. John’s United Church, a historical building with deep, direct ties to the area’s Scottish community. The Church of Scotland sent Reverend William Henderson to this region as a missionary in the mid-1800s. He ministered to Presbyterians from Salisbury to Moncton to Shediac. Over time, those congregations shifted and some members of Moncton’s Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregation Churches formed St. John’s United Church. The current building, a red brick, English Gothic Revival church, opened in 1915. It is the third St. John’s United Church to sit at the corners of Alma and Victoria Streets since 1882. Scottish names and cultural influences are still prominent in today’s congregation. We are grateful to the St. John's United community for opening their doors to us and allowing this celebration in their beautiful church.

The concert is being held in advance of Tartan Day, celebrated on April 6, and our 20th anniversary Greater Moncton Highland Games & Scottish Festival (June 9-13, 2026). Tartan & Tides showcases Scotland’s living traditions while fostering diaspora pride in Atlantic Canada, with performances by acclaimed Gaelic singer Cathy Ann MacPhee, World Highland Dancing Champion Marielle Lesperance and the Change of Step dancers, award-winning New Brunswick fiddler Samantha Robichaud and her student group, The Plucky Pizzicatos.

PERFORMERS

Riverview’s own Samantha Robichaud is an electrifying fiddler, step-dancer, vocalist, and composer whose dynamic stage presence and musical versatility have captivated audiences across North America and beyond. She has released eight critically acclaimed albums, including her most recent, Simplicity, showcasing her own compositions, co-written works, and carefully curated pieces from her contemporaries. Samantha’s accolades include the 2013 MusicNB award for “Collaborative Musician of the Year” and the prestigious Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin, awarded in 2005 as part of the Daniel Pearl Foundation’s World Music Days.

The Plucky Pizzicatos are a talented group of young fiddlers from the Greater Moncton Area, under the direction of Samantha Robichaud. The group, originally formed in 2017, performs at local fundraisers and nursing homes, building friendships, learning accountability, and enjoying a creative outlet while learning diverse tunes – from Old Joe Clarke and Road to Boston to Baby Shark and Despacito.

Born on the Gaelic-speaking island of Barra, Scotland, Cathy Ann MacPhee is recognized as one of the finest Scots Gaelic singers alive. Steeped in tradition and taught by her mother and grandmother, she began singing at local ceilidhs as a child, eventually recording several albums and touring the world. Known for her powerful voice and deep repertoire, she is a passionate ambassador for Gaelic language and culture. An inductee of the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, Cathy Ann currently calls Nova Scotia home.

Brought together through the initiative of nine-time World Champion Marielle Lespérance, Change of Step showcases the beauty of Scottish Highland dancing for a wide audience. The group is comprised of highly accomplished dancers who have won numerous regional, provincial, national, and international championship titles and have extensive performance experience. Expect rhythmic, intricate choreography that is grounded in an appreciation for traditional music, and showcases the strength and grace of modern highland dancing (with some step dancing added for good measure!).

From a late-night jam session at Celtic Colours to a 20-year musical career, Beòlach has delighted audiences around the world with knowledge, passion, and talent. Their third recording, All Hands, was nominated for a Juno, four East Coast Music Awards, two Canadian Folk Music awards, and made Folkworld’s Top 10 Albums for 2020. Members Wendy MacIsaac (fiddle, piano, stepdance), Mac Morin (piano, stepdance, accordion) and Màiri Rankin (fiddle, stepdance) will perform as a trio and in collaboration with Change of Step for a performance sure to have your toes tapping and your hands clapping!