Month: March 2016

It was odd but unusually interesting recently with the unveiling of a sparkling new train coach by Canadian-based Rocky Mountaineer in the parking lot of a rustic-appearing Alstom company on Mare Island. Only the playing of bagpipes could make this catered, media-friendly event any stranger. Enter Fred Payne, a self-described “champion bagpiper” from Marin County… Read more »

Here I am (second row with the dark glasses) in a parade today. I like the Piedmont Highlanders, an east bay (San Francisco Bay) gig band I play with. It’s a good nurturing environment for my students to experience the camaraderie pipe bands provide. When I was 12, I played my first parade with the… Read more »