Birthdays, Bagpipes & Pandemics – in Vancouver

In a world turned upside down because of Covid 19, it’s good to know that music can help comfort some of those isolated in their homes, condos and retirement residences around the Lower Mainland. That’s what I did this past week. It was Bill Ewing’s 90th birthday, and his daughter in Toronto wanted to do …

Bagpiping in Vancouver, Bagpiping in Cape Breton

It was a great week of Celtic music. Lots of piping, fiddling, Gaelic singing and plenty of dancing. The 23rd Celtic Colours International Festival, held from October 12-19 all over Cape Breton Island drew sell-out crowds to all the official events, and many of the unofficial ones. Hurricane Dorian stripped much of the “colour” from …

Gearing up for 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Bagpiping in Vancouver

St. Patrick’s Day in Vancouver can be one of the busiest weeks of the year for a Scottish bagpiper – and it’s not even a Scottish celebration. As a Nova Scotian Scot, I find it amusing in Vancouver that there seems to be little difference between Scottish & Irish culture.  For Irish events, like St. …

Wrapping Up 2018 Bagpiping in Vancouver

It’s been a great 2018. As both the bagpiper for Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tours and the chair/executive director of the BC Highland Games & Scottish Festival, we have had a very busy year. The Rocky Mountaineer season is wrapping up next week, with another great year and thousands of international guests passing through the main …

Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver Bagpiper on the job

It’s a busy year at the Rocky Mountaineer. Record number of guests from the US, UK, India, China and many other countries are discovering the luxury train through the mountains. I am pleased to be playing for my 8th season with this company of great people. Here’s an article about the Rocky Mountaineer trip from …

Shamrocks and Thistles, bagpipes and bodhran’s in downtown Vancouver

It may be St. Patrick’s Day, but when the Celtic nations get together for a party, it’ll be tough to miss the Scots. Downtown Vancouver will resonate with music this weekend as the 2017 Vancouver Celtic Festival kicks off on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday March 17. Vancouver’s Robson Square is the center of the action …