From fiddles and bodhrans to penny whistles and fifes, traditional Celtic and French Canadian music has been ringing off the tall wooden palisade surrounding the Fort Langley National Historic Site, on and off, for more than 150 years.

Voyageurs and the Hudson’s Bay Company fur trade may be a distant memory, but the musical tradition continues this B.C. Day long weekend when Vancouver-based Blackthorn offers up lively jigs and reels, heart-wrenching airs and ballads and intricately woven harmonies, as they headline a free concert at the fort on Monday, Aug. 3.

“We always say our music is based in the traditional music of Scotland, Ireland and French Canada, said Blackthorn’s Michael Viens (guitars and bodhran).

“People, if they’re Scottish or Irish, are going to recognize the stuff we do,” said the musician.

And guest piper Jim McWilliams will join Blackthorn on stage to perform some old Scottish hits from the 1770s, Viens added.

You don’t have to be Scottish, Irish or French Canadian to appreciate what Blackthorn does, he said.

“But if you have a kilt, wear it,” he laughed.

The Langley Community Music School Western Fiddlers will open for Blackthorn at the outdoor concert, which is a decade-old tradition at the fort. Past performers have included such Lower Mainland favourites as Roy Forbes, Jack Stafford and Tiller’s Folly.

“Name a band, and we’ve probably had it. There have been so many over the years,” said Fort Langley Community Improvement Society’s Bays Blackhall, who has been organizing the concert, through the Fort Festival Committee, for as many years as it’s been happening.

“Gee, we’ve had some wonderful acts,” she said.

Blackhall estimated that the concert draws between 900 and 1,000 people each August long weekend.

Families are, as always, invited to bring a picnic supper and settle in for a lively evening of toe-tapping music as the sun sets.

“”Everyone brings their picnic and blankets or chairs.The kids dance on the grass. It’s really sweet,” she said.

“It’s a lovely atmosphere.”

The concert will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., but admission to the historic fort site will be free all day, with a number of activities planned for visitors to observe or take part in.

Brigade Days celebrations, happen all weekend, including fur trade period re-enactments, black powder demonstrations, and the arrival of the canoe brigade at the waterfront at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

See related story on page 14 for more details.