Celtic Fiddle Guru

08/29/2026

Just back — and straight back into action!

What a summer it has been! I've just returned to Richmond after an incredible few weeks — visiting family in Scotland, co-hosting the "Back to Nature" Yoga Retreat with Inner Vision Yoga and friends in the Scottish countryside, and then over to the stunning Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia for the Artfilled Wellness Retreat. What a journey.

Photos and videos coming very soon — I can't wait to share it all with you!

But first... tomorrow!

🛶 3 Mile Float & Fireside Celtic Fiddle Jam
📅 Tomorrow — Saturday 30 August
📍 James River Runners, Scottsville, VA

And here's the thing — you don't need to play the fiddle to come along! Float down the James River in the morning, then join us for live Celtic music by the fireside in the afternoon. Come for part of the day or stay for all of it — everyone is welcome.

Hope to see some of you there tomorrow — drop a comment or send me a message if you're coming!

Virginia

08/26/2026

Welcome back W&M and all Alumni!!
William & MaryWilliam & Mary Tribe Athletics

08/26/2026

Feeling a wee bit out of sorts this morning, I did what any sensible soul would do — I went looking for good food and good company. And I found both.

I'm Colin MacLeod from CelticFiddleGuru.com, and I've just driven down from Canada after the Cape Breton Wellness Retreat, dropping my lovely co-driver Mariola in Kennebunkport along the way. My reward at the end of that long road? A stop at Eat Sprout in Annapolis, and a truly uplifting morning of conversation with Nic and Josie.

The whole idea behind Eat Sprout is helping people grow — and you feel it the moment you walk in. It's a family-owned, organic eatery across from the Annapolis Mall on Jennifer Road: scratch-made food, fresh-roasted coffee from Chesapeake Coffee Roasters, and kindness served alongside every plate. And they're celebrating 10 years this year — congratulations to the whole team!

Open every day, 7am–7pm. If you're weary, or just in need of a little kindness and something delicious, this is your place.

📍 Across from Annapolis Mall on Jennifer Road
🌐 eatsprout.com · 📷

Next time you're in Annapolis, stop by — you never know who you'll meet.

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

Hello, Colin MacLeod, www.celticfiddleguru.com here. I’m in Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and the water reminds me of this weekend’s Fiddle and Float workshop with James River Runners (https://www.facebook.com/jamesriverrunners) near Scottsville, VA.

🛶🎻 3 Mile Float & Fireside Celtic Fiddle Jam
This Saturday & Sunday, August 29–30 · James River Runners, Scottsville, VA

⏰ Just days away — don't miss this one-of-a-kind weekend on the James: float, fiddle, and fireside, all rolled into one!

📍 Saturday, Aug 29
10:00am – Welcome & safety briefing
10:30am–1:30pm – Self-guided 3-mile float (tube or canoe), Warren-to-Hatton stretch
1:30pm – Return & lunch
3:30pm–5:30pm – "Slow Down to Speed Up" play-by-ear fiddle workshop with Colin MacLeod (Celtic Fiddle Guru)
5:30pm – Free time / concert-only guests arrive
6:00pm–8:00pm – Evening concert with Colin MacLeod (two 45-minute sets), featuring Tom Paquette on guitar
8:00pm–10:00pm – Fireside Celtic fiddle jam

📍 Sunday, Aug 30
8:30am – Morning tune
9:00am – Breakfast & pack down
10:00am – Depart

Whether you're floating the river, joining the fiddle workshop, or just coming for the concert and jam, there's a spot for you. Ages 14+.

👉 Book your float & camping: book.peek.com/s/5ac60a50-973c-4b4e-8268-dfb8c59f5183/Y2ZDw
👉 Music Experience (workshop + fireside + morning tune):
Adults ($95): https://celticfiddleguru.com/EVENTS
Ages 14–17 ($65): https://celticfiddleguru.com/EVENTS
👉 Full details: celticfiddleguru.com/float-and-fiddle-james-river

Spots are limited — grab yours before Saturday!



Hope to see you there!

Colin

08/22/2026

Join us for Founder's Day at the museum this Saturday, August 22nd! The celebration includes:
🤠Memorial wreath laying
⭐️Mayoral proclamation
👀Historical lecture
🦌Rendezvous reenactors
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Bagpipes
🎂Birthday cake

08/20/2026

A Scottish Afternoon at Gauthier Vineyard 🏴

No Scotland, No Party! 🥁

Calling on the Tartan Army — Gauthier Vineyard is going full Highlands for one unforgettable afternoon, and you're invited. Think Brigadoon, but it actually shows up more than once a century.

📅 Saturday, September 12 | Noon – 5:00 PM
📍 5000 Farmers Drive, Barhamsville, VA

Bagpipes and drums will march you in. Highland dancers will steal the show. A world famous solo Celtic fiddler will set the mood. Then the ceilidh kicks off and everyone dances — no experience required but fun expected. Between it all: local wine, craft Scottish ale, great food, and axe throwing for anyone feeling bold.

FREE admission. Bring your whole clan and your friends.

Gauthier VineyardCeltic Fiddle GuruAlewerks Brewing CompanyThe Wandering SausageAxe RepublicThistle & Shamrock Dance AcademySaint Andrew's Society of WilliamsburgSaint Andrew's Society of Richmond, VA

08/08/2026

Kilted up and ready for the VA Homeschoolers Unconvention @ the Virginia Museum of History & Culture! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎻 #
Loved meeting so many curious young musicians (and their parents) today — talking all things Celtic fiddle and play-by-ear learning. This is what community looks like.
ByEar RVA ScottishMusic

08/08/2026

🎻 What a day at the VA Homeschoolers Unconvention! 🎻

So great to connect with homeschooling families today at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond — sharing the joy of Celtic fiddle, the “Slow Down to Speed Up” play-by-ear method, and chatting with parents and kids about how learning music by ear can build confidence, memory, and creativity (no sheet music required!).

Thank you to VA Homeschoolers for putting on such an inspiring event, and to everyone who stopped by the Celtic Fiddle Guru table to say hello, try a tune, or ask about lessons.

If your family is looking for a fun, low-pressure way to start (or continue) a fiddle journey, I’d love to help — online and in-person lessons available.

🔗 celticfiddleguru.com