BELFAST -- Just an hour from Waterville, more than a dozen Scottish and Irish musical groups will perform at the Maine Celtic Celebration 2009 in Belfast, the weekend of July 17-19.

One of the headliners is Frank Taylor, a.k.a. "The Flying Scotsman." Born in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Taylor immigrated to New Brunswick on the last day of 1969, thereafter performing in Canada and beyond since 1970, according to a press release from event organizers.

"The Flying Scotsman" accompanies himself on guitar and bodhran (Celtic drum) and also plays mandolin, banjo and autoharp. He will play at the Benefit Barbecue Dinner at the Boat House in Belfast July 17 at 6:30 p.m. and on the main stage at the Belfast Common at 1:15 p.m. July 18 and at 1 p.m. July 19.

Meanwhile, Chris Brinn will sing and play at the Maine Celtic Celebration with The Napper Tandies, alongside Randy Billings and Matt Smith. The Napper Tandies will be part of the entertainment that will open the show at the Benefit Barbecue Dinner fundraiser that kicks off the Maine Celtic Celebration at the Boat House that Friday evening.

The group will also perform on the main stage at 4:45 p.m. July 18 and in the Sessium (Celtic music jam session) at the close of the show on July 19 at 3:30 p.m. For more information, go to www.mainecelticcel ebration.com.