On The Road Again...

It's that time of year again...time to pack the bags in preparation for a journey away for weeks on end. Whether heading to Maxville, Seattle for the Enumclaw Games or overseas for the Europeans, Bridge of Allen and of course, the Worlds, we are all on the same page...
Similar to last year, I am headed over to Ontario in time for the 64th Annual Glengarry Highland Games - this time as a spectator. It'll be different not playing but at least I will have the day to catch up with some great friends while listening to all of the bands that have made the trip! The problem will be to coordinate the schedule in order to get the most out of each Grade's contests!
Stop by the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band tent if you're around as that'll be home base. In hopes of a repeat North American Championship, here is the 2010 medley performance (guess which one I am!):


(Video courtesy iainrm via YouTube)

Be on the lookout: 78th Highlanders Halifax Citadel is going to give everyone a run for their money if they continue to sound like this. Coming off a win at Kincardine this year, this band will be out for blood:


(Video courtesy of Scott Currie Ltd. via YouTube)

While I'll be enjoying the heat and humidity of Ontario, James P. will be preparing for the Glasgow weather. Not quite breaking news but James P. is heading overseas to join up with the Inveraray & District Pipe Band to play at Bridge of Allen, the Worlds and Cowal in addition to doing the usual solo piping circuit over there! Having great respect for the musicianship of P/M Stuart Liddell and D/S Stephen McWhirter, James P. is looking forward to 'playing the sweet music'. He's got quite the schedule and won't be back on Canadian soil for another six to seven weeks so If you run into Jamie Jr., hit him up - I'm sure he'll have a stash of reeds on him.
As a little taster, here is Inveraray at the 2011 Scottish Championships:


(Video courtesy of dronechorus via YouTube)

After this weekend, Aaron and I go straight to Quimper, Brittany to hang out with Bagad Kemper for the week leading up to the Festival Inter-Celtique. Not only will Aaron be playing with Peel at Maxville and the Worlds, he'll be on stage with Kemper for the Championnat National des Bagadoù. Although James P. was there last year competing in the MacCrimmon Trophy event (see August 28, 2010 post), this will be my first time attending the Festival. Everyone has told me that it is an experience of a lifetime so I have high expectations! Stay tuned for blog posts from Brittany AND Scotland!

P.S. Don't forget to set your alarm clocks to watch the live stream of the European Championships this weekend!

Fingers crossed that everything is packed...off to Ottawa in less than 12 hours.
-JLT