Tunes of the highlands come to Longboat Key

Music lovers were treated to a blend of traditional Irish, Welsh and Scottish tunes this St. Patrick's Day on Longboat Key.

Tasha Robinson, a harp player of 35 years, played her medley for attendees of the March 17 holiday celebration at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church. Rev. David Marshall and Director of Music and Organist David Stasney offered a warm welcome.

Robinson shared the Celtic tunes while educating listeners about her instrument of choice.

She played iconic songs like "Danny Boy" and "Loch Lomond," along with other songs through the decades, like the traditional Irish slip jig, "Fig for a Kiss." For some, she accompanied the harp with vocals, but for other tunes she focused solely on teasing out the harp's ethereal notes.

Robinson trained at the Cincinnati Conservatory, University of Toronto and the Glenn Gould Professional School. She has played internationally with various organizations, including as the principal harpist with the Ocala Symphony for over a decade.

Attendees, almost all of whom fittingly wore their brightest green attire, shared their appreciation for this year's program. Robinson invited them to come up to the stage and get a closer look at the harps, and many visitors excitedly said it was the first time they ever got to pluck a string.

After the show, attendees made their way into the community hall for a meal of corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, soda bread and other themed treats prepared by congregation members.