Celtic Christmas Sojourn presented by WGBH
Article by Contributor Tricia Bielinski
I’ve always been a fan of Celtic music. The sounds of fiddles, cello, and flutes amongst others seem to have a way of deporting me to the emerald green country of Ireland and Scotland where damp days and fireplace lit pubs beckon thoughts of cozy Christmas. When I saw that WGBH would be presenting A Celtic Christmas Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in Providence, Rhode Island I quickly purchased a ticket.
Commonly known as The VETS, this performing arts center in downtown Providence is the perfect venue for great performances. Work first began on The VETS in the 1920s during the rise of the grand Masonic complexes across the United States. The economy was not in favor and the construction stalled two years later.
After WWII the community made a push to get it completed and in 1950 it officially opened. The building has a majestic presence with four tall columns on the face of the structure that light up red and green during the holidays. The curtain is a deep purple and the building is beautifully decorated with custom painting and ornate touches.

A Celtic Christmas Sojourn has been touring New England during the holidays for the last sixteen years. It’s a delightful experience that showcases singing, music, and dancing from Pagan, Christian, and Celtic traditions. I was entranced and thoroughly enjoyed sipping my wine while marveling at the fiddlers, Irish dancers and folk singers, all set against a festive yet rustic backdrop that really made you feel as if you were celebrating Christmas abroad.
I’m already looking forward to next year’s performance and I highly recommend this to all who seek to make the most of the season!