This weekend is Labor Day, which means it's time for the 141st Scottish Highland Gathering & Games. There will be Pipe Bands from the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. Marine Corps Band. Highland Dancing. Scottish Fiddlers. Scottish Country Dancing. Celtic Rock and Folk Songs. Highlander Rubber Stamps (where else can you find "Live Long & Prosper"--in Gaelic?).
And, of course, men in kilts. Everywhere. Brae, brawny, bonnie men.
Like this:
A whole race track of them:
At Justin Herman Plaza, across from the Ferry Building, the Caledonian Club of San Francisco (sponsors of the Games) had a kick-off. One of my favorite Celtic bands was featured: Tempest. I've listened to their sound evolve over the years and laughed because the lead singer is Norwegian. In fact, there is only one Irishman in the band--the others are Cuban, Austrian, and Californian. (From Fresno--where do you learn to play Celtic fiddler in Fresno?) I bought their latest CD and am listening to it now. On the current song, they've teamed with another favorite Celtic band of mine, Wicked Tinkers, who provide the bagpipes, the tapan (an Irish drum) and the didgeridoo.
If you're interested, check out their website: www.tempestmusic.com
Here's their latest picture:
It's no substitute for seeing them in person, where they have all sorts of fun interacting with the audience. Okay, at least they seem to be enjoying themselves!
Of course, I had to call Hubs and hold the phone up during the concert. Poor man was stuck at work.
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