Highland Way band shares the sound and feel of Scotland for festival

When Brian Caldwell picked up the rhythm guitar more than 23 years ago, he developed a passion for music that would send him far from his Glasgow, Scotland, home.

Off he went on a path toward founding one of his homeland’s traditional bands.

Highland Way, a Celtic band that formed 12 years ago, has spread its sound across nations, from Scotland and Nova Scotia to Ireland and California.

Now the five-piece ensemble is gearing up for its upcoming show Saturday and Sunday at Scottish Fest, a weekend in ode to the country’s culture at OC Fair & Event Center.

“It’s sort of like being home,” Caldwell said in his brick thick burr as he stood before the fairgrounds’ hangar and strummed notes on his guitar. “I love it and it’s great fun.”

The bandleader said he plans to return to his roots by wearing a kilt during both shows.

Though the knee-length garment is a nod to the traditional dress of men in the Scottish Highlands, Caldwell said he finds the dress’ sporran, a pouch worn around the waist, to serve as the perfect pocket.

“It’s handy for the flask,” he joked.

The band, which has performed at the fairground’s Scottish Fest for eight years, will serve as the soundtrack to the event where attendees will watch dancing competitions and heavy athletics testing feats of strength.

Joining Caldwell onstage is guitarist Jim Soldi, who has played with Johnny Cash, fiddler Paul Castellanos, accordionist Sharon Whyte, drummer Bob Sale and bassist Glen Fisher.

The full kilt-clad ensemble is set to play on the center stage before the festival’s vendors and food stations where they will perform traditional Celtic jigs and modern and original compositions.

“We want to have a great time and keep people upbeat,” Caldwell said. “We want to encourage dancing and audience participation.”

A moment he looks forward to in a show, Caldwell said, is when each musician has the opportunity to show off his or her chops by free styling their instrument. Caldwell said he also likes to walk into the crowd and play the guitar among listeners.

During both concerts, dancer Krisztina Scheeff will showcase her footwork by step-dancing onstage.

“When we play festivals, we want it lively,” said Caldwell, who has performed with Highland Way at Redlands Bowl and Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. “It’s a great opportunity for everybody to learn about our country’s music and dance.”

In addition to listening to the traditional sounds of the old country, Caldwell said visitors should try the festival’s selection of meat pies and taste his personal whiskey favorite, Glenmorangie.

And to further experience the culture and history of Scotland, the event will feature Scottish Highland games, a competition designed to test the strength, skill and technique of ancient warriors. Contestants will compete in a number of games, from a caber toss where athletes throw a large wooden beam, to a Farmer’s Walk where participants pick up 150-pound weights and see how far they can walk with them.

Linda Keasberry, the OC Fair & Event Center’s event sales and services manager, estimated that the festival is in its 20th year at the fairgrounds and that guests enjoy the festival’s variety of food, entertainment and vendors.

The schedule of events will include Highland dances, piping and drumming contests, archery and vintage cars.

And to trace what Scottish connections a visitor might have, the Scottish Clan and Tartan Information Center will help guests learn of ancestry as well as which tartans are appropriate for a family’s name.

Other musical acts during the festival will feature, among others, the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, Celtic troubadour Neil O’Neill and Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles.

Caldwell said he and the bandmates don’t have a superstition to practice before they open a show, but after a concert, they will be sure to toast each other.

“I want to open everybody’s ears open to the sounds of Scottish music,” Caldwell said. “It’s about our country’s culture and it’s always a great dance.”

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If You Go

What: Highland Way at Scottish Fest

When: Noon and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

Cost: $3 to $18

Information: (310) 951-4302 or visit scottishfest.com