u/Maelstrom_Witch

I just wanted to let the community know that author Brendan Myers suddenly passed away yesterday after some heart troubles.

I will miss his posts on facebook, and I will cherish the books of his that I have purchased.

I'm certain that the Morrigan will have plenty to say to her warrior now that he's joined her on that side of the veil.

I just wanted to let the community know that author Brendan Myers suddenly passed away yesterday after some heart troubles.

I will miss his posts on facebook, and I will cherish the books of his that I have purchased.

I'm certain that the Morrigan will have plenty to say to her warrior now that he's joined her on that side of the veil.

Hi folks, I am a semi-wandering bagpiper looking for busking spots next week in BC - I've done a tiny bit of research (enough to discover I'll need a permit for downtown Nelson, no problem, happy to apply) but I'm hoping folks in the area would know where a busker would do well?

I play both the Great Highland bagpipes (the "usual variety) as well as the Scottish smallpipes, the quieter and warmer version.

My family has a cabin in Crawford Bay and I really want to spend a week out there, but gas prices are... cray cray.

Much love! 😄

Hey folks, I have a question for you. I’m a bagpiper in a fairly large city full of bagpipes, for some background. When playing at events such as funerals and weddings (99%of the trade it seems) I charge $150 minimum to show up in uniform, tune up, and play 1-2 tunes.

I have no idea how to price myself for local festivals or events that are a full day or multiple days.

At a local medieval faire I played this year, my pay was 100% tip but I could play as much or as little as I wanted, and could move around the grounds.

I’m ok with that but with something out of town should I charge enough to cover a hotel plus tips if I agree to X time playing?

Thoughts, please!

If it makes any difference I am in Alberta, Canada.

Yes I know exactly what that sounds like but you’re here, aren’t you? 😎

Ok I need to increase my household income. I have a good paying part time job. I need to make more $ in a somewhat sustainable fashion and bagpiping is my best bet.

I play Scottish smallpipes as well as GHB. I’m grade 3, so I am capable of playing in a fashion that will not disgrace the piping community.

I have a busking permit, but in my city there is not much of a busking culture so tips are small and far between.

I have just emailed every funeral home in the city and surrounding communities.

Where you come in, kind reader, is to possibly suggest other venues I could contact

Some ideas I’ve had to contact
- wedding planners
- local cafes
- small markets

Am I missing anything obvious?

Hey, just a tired and broke Calgarian looking for somewhere more affordable to live.

I’ve lived in Calgary almost all of my life and the thought of leaving scares the crap out of me but I don’t think I can stay much longer.

On top of needing a job I also would like to know if there is a supportive community for the air/army cadet program out there and what sort of bagpipe bands are in the area.

Actually while I’m at it, jobs - my husband is an excellent residential & finishing carpenter, I am a medical supply clerk/admin of sorts and we have an 18 year old son who would need a typical 18 year old’s job 🤣

Most of my band mates roll their eyes a bit when piobaireachd is mentioned but I’ve always found it fascinating. It feels like a secret code to me. I am incredibly new to ceol mor so I have a lot to learn.

I try to explain it to non-piping people this way - piobaireachd is to light music as Beethoven’s fifth is to Sweet Caroline.

I have a competition coming up in a week, I will be playing the Old Woman’s Lullaby. I feel like I’m really close to nailing it thanks to my instructor. So far my biggest obstacle has been my nerves 🤣

Wish me luck!

Howdy, fellow Calgarians! I will be playing my Scottish smallpipes in Carburn Park this afternoon as a little celebration of Canada Day. Come down and say hi!