A Local Legend

August 10, 2011: We raise a pint in honor of Frank Murray, a great man who passed away this week.

Frank, a Korean War veteran, moved to Arizona in 1954 and managed a cotton gin in the West Valley during the day while tending bar at night. For over 50 years, Frank was in the bar business in some way, shape, or form.

He worked at the Dubliner Irish Pub before becoming the manager at Seamus McCaffery’s – which he eventually purchased after ten years. And in 2009, he opened the Turf Irish Pub nearby. For those of you who knew Frank, you knew that Phoenix was his town. Frank was a visionary for downtown Phoenix and for that, he will always be remembered as a legend.

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

Slaintè Frank!

Wedding Bagpiping

       I piped for a wedding yesterday down in Gilbert, a small satellite of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area about 40 miles from home.   It was at a facility named Shenandoah Mill.  If you are an event planner or wedding planner you really need to give this facility a look.

      There is something wonderful about piping for weddings.  The gathering of extended family and close friends, the excitement, the little cousins running about, it is just a very warm feeling.  For me, a piper,  I feel very blessed to be a part of it.

       While it was Phoenix in August the temperature was under 100 and there was a breeze.  Huge thunderheads were building in the Eastern sky and during giving and taking of vows and rings, three dove briefly circled over the couple.  Just beautiful!  The assembled guests also took part in the exchanging of vows, something that seems to becoming more common.

        After the lighting of the unity candle I piped in from the back playing “Rising of the Moon” (yes, it was an Irish family) and up to the couple.  I then led them out, followed by the guests, to the reception line playing “Highland Cathedral”, and continued piping as the reception line passed into the main room.

       And then the party began!

"Dog Days of Summer"

Well, it’s broken 100 degrees in Phoenix so its time to hang up the wool argyle and kilt, and break out the lightweight kilts for Summer.  In just a few weeks the one hundred degree mark will seem like “cool” weather! 

Actually, this time of year you begin to look forward to the out of town gigs in Flagstaff and the High Country.  They give you the much needed excuse to go where its not so hot. 

Things seem to slow down a little here in the Summer.  Funerals remain relatively constant, but garden weddings slow way down, and so do back yard parties as it gets still warmer.  Even the municipal street fairs shut down for the season.  But after a busy Spring that is not such a bad thing!  J 

Be well, I’ll write again soon. 

Pops

Another St. Patty's slips into the books

One more party tonight and we can close the books on St. Patty's 2011.  Block parties, street parties, birthday parties, and more than a little "busking".  This old man is getting tired!  Still, a grand time seems to have been had by all.

Slainte Mhor!

Pops  :-)

New Project?

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and I am thinking about releasing an “extended play” single. I’m thinking about a medley of The Crusader’s Hymn, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Marine Hymn, and America the Beautiful. Politically correct? Maybe not. Offensive to those who want to behead us? I can only hope so.

Anyway, what are your thoughts? All these tunes can be played on the bagpipe’s narrow nine note range and while definitely not “traditional bagpiping”, they really don’t sound that bad together. Please, give me your thoughts on the project.


Slainte,

Pops

St. Patty's Parties

Well now, as you can see St. Patty’s Day is nearly upon us. And for those of you intending to celebrate with private parties it’s time to start planning your event. Should those plans include a piper I have a word of caution for you.

While there are over six million people in the Phoenix Metro area alone, it has been estimated that there are fewer than two hundred fifty pipers in all of Arizona, not all of whom hire out. Many of us who do have found that a very good time (and obscenely lucrative) can be had simply pub crawling and playing for tips. So they will not be available.
The message is clear if you want a piper for your St. Patty's party contact them as early as possible!

There now.  You've been warned.  Now party on!

Slainte,
Pops :-)

Down but far from out!

In keeping with the optimistic view point of my last post I must assume that January has had all the adversity for 2011 rolled into just one month! I had some health problems which were compounded by a lack of insurance, and while they have knocked me down, they have not knocked me out! I am mending well and will be back in the swing of things in February. A huge thank you to all my friends and supporters, without whom this may well have gone a different direction.

Now, it goes without saying that I did not get a new single out in January, and will be doing good to get one out in February. So in March I am shooting to release two. I’ve also had to pass on a few gigs, but that should just about be over with as well.

As you can see, I’m well enough to resume posting, so you’ll be hearing from me more often in the weeks to come.

Don’t forget, St. Patty’s Day is just around the corner!
Warmest regards,
Pops

Goals and resolutuions :-)

2011! The “oughts” are over. Last year saw things improve dramatically for the McGees, and if this year brings the same progress it will be a very good year indeed! If it is any indication “11” is already off to an auspicious start. I am making bookings all over the state; my singles on CD Baby (http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/MichaelNealMcGee ) are selling. Actually it appears the singles have been selling all along, it is just taking three to four months for the sales from the various digital distributors (iTunes, Amazon, etc.) to post to my CD Baby account.


So what am I committing to do in 2011? I’d like to release at least one single per month, and this coming year have a Christmas album rather just a couple of singles. I’d like to expand my repertoire to include more casual music. I’d like to start “busking” at some of the fairs and festivals. I’d also like to keep my blog more current.

Sounds like I’m going to be hard pressed to get it all in. But the thing I want to do most, and what almost all these goals tie to is that I want more opportunities to share my music with you.

So time is short and I have a lot to do. Better post this and get busy. Oh wait! Posting this is one of the goals.

Have a great year,

Pops :-)