Let the Games Begin! :-)

  It’s August.  Kids are headed back to school, Summer vacations are winding down, and I’m getting ready for Parades with El Zaribah Shrine.  I’ll be kicking off with the Payson Rodeo Parade August 18, followed by the Kingman parade in September, Lake Havasu City in October, Anthem and Tempe in November, anywhere from one to three per month.  I’ll let you know exact dates, times, and places as the information becomes available.

     As Shriners these parades are all done at our own personal expense (transportation, lodging, meals, parade unit equipment, etc) in order to raise public awareness of our Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.  Hospitals where no child is ever turned away regardless of ability to pay.

Memorial Day 2012

This morning marked the 29th annual Memorial Day celebration at Phoenix Arizona's Pioneer Cemetery.  As in years past the Honor Guard was provided by the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Arizona.  It was a very moving ceremony and really brought the day into focus.

Slainte mhor,

 Pops

Relay for Life

Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay. Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups . . . people from all walks of life – all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.

The evening of May 4th I'll be piping the Luminaria Celebration at the ACS Relay for Life in Bullhead City, AZ. Come out. Make a difference. It may be your own life you're saving. :-)

The Evolution of Music Online | Off Book | PBS Arts

Veterans Day 2011

Friday, November 11th, 2011, after the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, the 224th Infantry Regiment Korean War Veterans placed a wreath at the Korean War Memorial at the Arizona State Capital.  This will likely be the group's final reunion as there are only a handful left.  I was honored to be their Piper.  God bless you gentlemen, and thank you for your service!



Played Vegas?

Last year I was asked to play for residents and families at the new Marquis Care at Centennial Hills Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center in Las Vegas. It was a holiday party, and I was the surprise entertainment. I used one of the un-occupied suites on the upper floor for a “Green Room” and I must tell you, these accommodations are VERY nice.

At the appointed time I entered the elevator playing Scotland the Brave and descended to the first floor, exited the elevator and marched into the party. The effect was wonderful. I was introduced and then played another tune, then the guest speakers, followed by a blessing and Amazing Grace. During the meal itself I switched to the small pipes and played to individuals, tables and groups.

I must tell you that the warmth and care exuded by the attentive staff was truly remarkable. This must be one of the finest facilities in the country! So have I played Vegas? Well yes, not “The Strip”, but I was able to help some very warm and caring people brighten the day of individuals who were having a hard time of it. I’ll take my gig anytime!

Slainte mhor! Pops :-)

Thrown in front of the Bus!

One of the neatest birthday parties I have ever played was for the hostess's husband's 40th birthday. As a surprise present to him she was going to take the celebrant and all guests (some 40 of them) "pub crawling". In a remarkable display of social responsibility she had rented a double-decker London Bus for the job.

I was to meet the bus half a block from the house and out of sight, and then when I received a phone call I was to Pipe the bus up to the house. The call came and to the skirling of Scottland the Brave and The Minstrel Boy I piped the bus up to the house where all were assembling in the front yard. I continued piping while guests and copious provisions were loaded onto the bus, and then as it drove off into the night.

I have always regretted not being able to accept their generous invitation to accompany them on their grand adventure. It must have been quite the party as late the next afternoon I received a call asking if I had found any items left on the bus!

Slainte! Pops :-)

A private service

It was a beautiful morning to be piping at Roadrunner Park.  While working through my tunes a friend approached me with a request.  His father had been given 90 days to live and he wanted a Piper for his funeral.  He wanted to video tape me so his father could see me perform.  I readily agreed and went through Amazing Grace. 

Sadly, the appointed day came even sooner than expected.  To begin the service I piped Danny Boy in the lobby as everyone was seated.  As soon as the service began I left and walked over to the Mausoleum where the interment would be.  A short time later the family and mourners arrived at the site and there was a brief additional service.  

At the conclusion of the graveside remarks I piped Amazing Grace to each of the four corners, and having finished piping to the East I slowly marched into the East playing Highland Cathedral.  The family and mourners departed for the wake, and I and my thoughts left for home.  Such days are bitter sweet, drowning in a dark sense of loss and dispair, and then the pipes, breaking the floodgates and releasing the grief.