Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Happy New Year
That's it really, nothing big. Have a great last day of 2008, and look forward to lots of band in 2009.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Christmas List

Dear Santa Callum:
We have been a good band this year, and we have a fairly long list. I hope you're sitting down. Last Christmas, we weren't sure we be around this year to write a letter, but I guess fortune smiles on those who just won't give up. First off, thanks for the new chanters that you brought last year. They have been great, and are easily the best chanters [for us] we've had. Those 1986 Sinclairs were pretty good, too, but after we lost two pipers in the C holes, it was time to trade up. Oh, and thanks for coming up to speak with some of the guys in the Maxville beer tent. Jim, Meg and Jordan were pretty certain that they saw you there, and of course we all believed them.

So, the first thing we need for Christmas is a sponsor. You know, the Legion has always been great to us, and we get to use the hall in return for piping at various functions as they need. We are immensely proud of that role, and will always continue to fulfill it, but we need a "sponsor" with deeper pockets, one who can really support the band financially, in return for the significant benefits that come with having your name splashed all over town, across the province, and wherever the band plays. [In 2008, that included several SK locations, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and North Dakota.] They say that Saskatchewan has among the healthiest economies in North America at the moment, and wouldn't that be a great way for a company to support the arts and culture in Saskatchewan?

OK, the second thing we need is kind of related to the first. We are in need of new uniforms. The pleats are falling out of many of the kilts we have had for years now, and lots of the "Modern MacTavish" is looking a little like "Weathered MacTavish, Ancient Colours With a Touch of Beer and Curry Sauce." I believe the curry sauce may be from the curry and chips stands at the Worlds in 2005 or 2006, or possibly from the tremendous curry buffet next to the Winnipeg Convention Centre, but I don't remember seeing anyone wear their kilt there. Possible culprits: Sean Hall, Gregor Burton. Hey, I'm just sayin....

As you know, Santa, it's hard to make a pipe band in a small city where people get more excited about perogies than they do about pipe bands, but it would really help if all the talented people who COULD play in a local band DID play in a local band. Know where I'm headin'? Santa, you pickin' up what I'm layin' down? Do that magic Christmas dust thing that worked so well for the Riders in 2007, and almost worked this season, until they ran out of legs to break, and played the wrong quarterback.

So, see what you can do. OK? It's been an interesting year Santa, and we can't complain [who would listen?], but you can always sweeten the pot slightly, and we'll be there to say "thanks!"

Who knows, maybe someone in the band would be moved to compose a Christmas Suite of Good Intentions in Bb or something?

Yours sincerely,
The CRPB

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Lift a Glass to Alexander!
The band recently got some very good news in that famous brewer Alexander Keith's will be a major sponsor for the Mid-Winter Celtic Festival, one of the band's long-standing fundraisers. Our thanks to the guys who make this happen. We've worked with Keith's previously on projects, and they always turn out well, so we're looking forward to this one. Wherever you are, make sure your next case of beer is Keith's!

This year's Festival is going to be February 6th and 7th, with events and O'Hanlon's Pub [another great band supporter] and at The Exchange, which is a fantastic venue for a ceilidh. The band will be airing some new members and material that night, and we have a full slate of performers, including the Saskatoon band Circling Over Shannon.

There will be a full day of music Saturday at O'Hanlon's, and also Friday night after work, and there are more events to come, so stay tuned to the Festival web site!