It will definitely be a different Canada Day in 2020. But it doesn’t have to be. After years of playing for new Canadians at Vancouver’s Canada Place, the citizenship ceremony this year is, like everything else in Canada, cancelled for 2020. No grand parade of dignitaries, no cutting of the cake with a big RCMP …
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 …
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 …
Read more “Shamrocks and Thistles, bagpipes and bodhran’s in downtown Vancouver”
A beautiful tune, played by PM Matt MacIsaac, with PM Katie Buckland and a Canadian Forces pipe band from a concert in November, 2012. A perfect way to commemorate a week of remembrance for our veterans and for our country.
There’s nothing like a room full of bagpiper and drummers to get your heart – and a season underway. The first competition of the piping season in the Pacific Northwest was successfully launched last weekend in Surrey. Â The BC Pipers’ Association Annual Gathering was held at Clayton Heights Secondary School in Surrey on the Easter …
The plaid is a sure sign of spring in British Columbia. Starting this weekend, the French Canadian community in the Lower Mainland is the first to host a festival that has been going strong for 40 years.  The Festival du Bois takes place the March  5 weekend in Coquitlam, and is the kick-off event of …
Read more “Shamrocks, four leaf clovers and bagpipes: St. Patrick’s Day in Vancouver”
After more than a month of non-stop rain and grey skies, the sun has returned (temporarily, I’m sure) to the lower south west corner of British Columbia. And that means only one thing – spring is around the corner. Already,  the snow drops are blooming in my front yard, and the bushes are sprouting new green …
Looking to satisfy that summer urge for piping, kilts and haggis? British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest is the place to be in 2015. It all starts this weekend with the annual Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival which kicks off the outdoor piping and drumming competitive season with a three day event at Topaz …
Read more “Seven great 2015 Scottish highland games & festivals near Vancouver”