A Celtic Concert with The Chivalrous Crickets Celebrating St. Andrew's Day

On St. Andrew’s Day, Nov. 30, 2022, the Museum of the American Revolution, the St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia, and Celtic-infused folk band The Chivalrous Crickets presented an evening of live music and storytelling exploring the intersections of Scottish heritage and the American Revolution. From the Scottish Highlands to the Appalachian Mountains, the band played popular tunes like “The Skye Boat Song” as they connect with the stories of General Hugh Mercer, Flora MacDonald, and others who served their cause, from the Battle of Culloden to the Battle of Princeton.

Watch the event, which was presented in partnership with St. Andrew's Society of Philadelphia, below.

About General Hugh Mercer & The St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia
Born in Scotland, but eventually settling in what is now Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, General Hugh Mercer was a member of the St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia, named in honor of Scotland’s patron saint and founded in 1747. His sword is one of the Society’s prized possessions, which has been on display at the Museum since 2017. Mercer’s tomb at Philadelphia’s Laurel Hill Cemetery has been cared for by the Society since his remains were relocated there in 1840.

About The Chivalrous Crickets
Exploring the roots, branches, and crossroads of Celtic and American folk music since 2018, The Chivalrous Crickets members bring their backgrounds in Scottish folk music, as well as Appalachian and early European art music to the stage. Specializing in historical and orchestral instruments, the Philadelphia and Princeton-based band is known for their lavish vocal harmonies, rich instrumental textures, and traditional repertoire treated with creative new twists. Upcoming performances this season include the Main Line Early Music Series in Bryn Mawr, Pa.; the release of their Christmas album, "A Chivalrous Cricketmas" with Gotham Early Music Scene, N.Y.; Bethlehem, Pa.'s Celtic Classic Festival; Mohonk Mountain House's Scottish Weekend and Summer Festival of the Arts; "A Twelfth Night Feast" at Bethlehem, Pa.'s Ice House Tonight; The Dean's Concert Series at Jefferson, and their annual cruise with Schooner Victory Chimes out of Rockland, Maine.

The Chivalrous Crickets Members
Fiona Gillespie: vocals, whistle
Paul Morton: banjo, Baroque guitar, theorbo, guitar, vocals
Genevieve King: fiddle, vocals
Benjamin Matus: dulcian, small pipes, German Medieval pipes, vocals
Benya Stewart: vocals, guitar, mandolin, bodhran
Bradley King: bass, cello, vocals