Saturday marks the birth of the 18th-century bard Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, lyricist and favorite son. Countless highly ritualized Burns Suppers will be held across the western world to celebrate the man who penned the New Year’s song “Auld Lang Syne” and Scotland’s unofficial national anthem “Scots Wha Hae” with grace, some toasts and an ample serving of haggis.

If haggis doesn’t whet your appetite, then perhaps you can whet your whistle with Vashon’s Cliff’s Beer at the Vashon Allied Arts event, Drinking Songs: A Robert Burns Day Choral Celebration, slated for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Blue Heron.

Founded in 2012 by choral conductor and UW doctoral candidate Brad Pierson, the project-based Seattle choral ensemble called whateverandeveramen. is dedicated to performing high-quality choral music in venues not typical for choral music, with the goal of inspiring a new appreciation for the music. The group invites audience members to sing rather than sit as spectators at their events, with the intent of engaging people in the experience of group singing.

The ensemble of singers will lead the evening of Burns’ songs plus other traditional Scottish and Irish drinking songs. No prior singing experience is necessary, as the singers will teach the songs throughout the evening. Beer for thirsty singers will be donated by Cliff’s Beer, which makes this event for adults 21 or older only.

Tickets are $12 for VAA members and seniors or $16 for general admission and are available at VAA, the Heron’s Nest and www.vashonalliedarts.org.