Scottish Festival in Bay Area
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IDAwHOa
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Scottish Festival in Bay Area
Heard an ad on the radio for a Scottish festival at the Alemeda County fairgrounds this weekend, Saturday and Sunday only. Gates open at 8 am. Sorry I don't have more details, tough to write while driving and my dig recorder was not available.
Steven - IDAwHOa - Wood Rocks
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The Weekenders
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http://www.highlandnet.com/events/03-109.html
Yes, its like the 138th year of the Caledonian games. Sunday is the better day because the pipe bands are better, Class II and I, while Saturday is III and IV. The north coast of California had a substantial number of Scots immigrants in the late 19th century who came to cut the redwood trees (including my GGrandfather, a New Brunswick Scot) and they started the games here all those years ago.
If you like scottish things, there is nothing like it, especially the music. All the heavy events, dozens of pipe bands including the very best ones from US and Canada (they have had them from Scotland but not this year I guess), several stages with the neo-trad types (Molly's Revenge and Tempest are two I know about that are playing), lots of country and highland dancing, the most family geno booths you will ever see and lots of trinkets. I think Lark in the Morning sets up an instrument booth and there are two huge indoor pavilions that have tons of merchants. Only place to buy heather soap and you can order all the kilts, brogues and jewelry/hardware imaginable. GHB pipe makers come too so you buy chanters and books and cds. They might have whisky tasting, as I recall but not sure. If you have a shopaholic spouse, be prepared to come home with a kilt or somethin. People spend huge amounts of money based on what they are carrying around by the end of the day.
But its crowded, really hot and expensive to spend a day there. Its at the Alameda County fairgrounds in Pleasanton near where 580 meets 680. You pay about 6 bux to park (or whatever they feel like charging, I swear) , 14 a piece to get in, $4 for a beer and $5 for almost any food item. So bring yer money, cool clothing, water bottles and be prepared to do a lot of walking. Many people bring portable chairs because the bleachers are often in full sun (its usually around 100 degrees) or even pads to sit on. Dusty, too. It used to be in Santa Rosa, which was just as hot. I wish to God they would move it out to the coastline somewhere for the sake of the full-dressed Scots, Civil War re-enactors and other be-costumed types and athletes. But they never will so its a wool-lined heatstroke scenario. wear your kilt if you want to suffer in sympathy and be macho. I have gotten very sunburnt there so lather up.
We are going on Sunday. Get there as early as possible as it becomes a huge traffic jam and parking ordeal by 11 am. I don't remember if they open as early as 8 though the exhibitors are certainly there that early. have to check the newspaper ad. The pipe band finals go on to about 3 pm as I recall. You really have to endure a lot to hear them, but the best bands are unbelievably skilled. I don't go every year for the negative reasons listed but I have had some very ethereal moments, being transported from real-time by those pipe bands. The heavy games take place at the horse-racing stadium, so you are very far from the competitors but its like their world-championship, i think.
They also have US military marching bands who put on a show. Guess it will be big this year, given the involvements etc.
The only whistles you will likely see will be on the smaller stages or at the vendor booths. Molly's Revenge is a decent band, Tempest is some sorta gothy-electro bunch who are not my cup of tea. Saw em both at Dunsmuir where Tony was last month.
Yes, its like the 138th year of the Caledonian games. Sunday is the better day because the pipe bands are better, Class II and I, while Saturday is III and IV. The north coast of California had a substantial number of Scots immigrants in the late 19th century who came to cut the redwood trees (including my GGrandfather, a New Brunswick Scot) and they started the games here all those years ago.
If you like scottish things, there is nothing like it, especially the music. All the heavy events, dozens of pipe bands including the very best ones from US and Canada (they have had them from Scotland but not this year I guess), several stages with the neo-trad types (Molly's Revenge and Tempest are two I know about that are playing), lots of country and highland dancing, the most family geno booths you will ever see and lots of trinkets. I think Lark in the Morning sets up an instrument booth and there are two huge indoor pavilions that have tons of merchants. Only place to buy heather soap and you can order all the kilts, brogues and jewelry/hardware imaginable. GHB pipe makers come too so you buy chanters and books and cds. They might have whisky tasting, as I recall but not sure. If you have a shopaholic spouse, be prepared to come home with a kilt or somethin. People spend huge amounts of money based on what they are carrying around by the end of the day.
But its crowded, really hot and expensive to spend a day there. Its at the Alameda County fairgrounds in Pleasanton near where 580 meets 680. You pay about 6 bux to park (or whatever they feel like charging, I swear) , 14 a piece to get in, $4 for a beer and $5 for almost any food item. So bring yer money, cool clothing, water bottles and be prepared to do a lot of walking. Many people bring portable chairs because the bleachers are often in full sun (its usually around 100 degrees) or even pads to sit on. Dusty, too. It used to be in Santa Rosa, which was just as hot. I wish to God they would move it out to the coastline somewhere for the sake of the full-dressed Scots, Civil War re-enactors and other be-costumed types and athletes. But they never will so its a wool-lined heatstroke scenario. wear your kilt if you want to suffer in sympathy and be macho. I have gotten very sunburnt there so lather up.
We are going on Sunday. Get there as early as possible as it becomes a huge traffic jam and parking ordeal by 11 am. I don't remember if they open as early as 8 though the exhibitors are certainly there that early. have to check the newspaper ad. The pipe band finals go on to about 3 pm as I recall. You really have to endure a lot to hear them, but the best bands are unbelievably skilled. I don't go every year for the negative reasons listed but I have had some very ethereal moments, being transported from real-time by those pipe bands. The heavy games take place at the horse-racing stadium, so you are very far from the competitors but its like their world-championship, i think.
They also have US military marching bands who put on a show. Guess it will be big this year, given the involvements etc.
The only whistles you will likely see will be on the smaller stages or at the vendor booths. Molly's Revenge is a decent band, Tempest is some sorta gothy-electro bunch who are not my cup of tea. Saw em both at Dunsmuir where Tony was last month.
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TonyHiggins
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That's right! Whistle on the side stage, like the man said. 
Tony
Tony
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JMcCYoung
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I was just reading an article about the games this morning:The Weekenders wrote:http://www.highlandnet.com/events/03-109.html
But its crowded, really hot and expensive to spend a day there. Its at the Alameda County fairgrounds in Pleasanton near where 580 meets 680. You pay about 6 bux to park (or whatever they feel like charging, I swear) , 14 a piece to get in, $4 for a beer and $5 for almost any food item.
http://www.oaklandtribune.com/Stories/0 ... 26,00.html
Parking at the fairgrounds costs $8 per vehicle this year, up from $5 last year. Henderson said his group is concerned that some locals will decide not to attend this year's games because of the parking cost increase.
...
A free Wheels bus to the fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., in Pleasanton, is available from the Pleasanton BART station on the days of the Scottish games.
Advance tickets for the games will be sold from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Friday in the lobby of the Marriott San Ramon, 2600 Bishop Drive, in San Ramon. Tickets purchased in advance cost $20 for a two-day adult pass, $12 for a one-day adult pass and $8 for one-day senior citizen, handicapped and youth passes.
Tickets purchased at the gate cost $22 for a two-day adult pass, $15 for a one-day adult pass and $10 for one-day senior citizen, handicapped and youth passes. Children ages 7 and under are free.
This year's games begin at 8 a.m. each day and conclude at 6 p.m. For more information about this year's games, call (800) 713-3160 or visit www.caledonian.org for a detailed schedule.
(end snippet)
I thought the BART/shuttle option was worth noting for people who think $8 is on the high side <cough> for parking.
John
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The Weekenders
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what it was like
Bumping to give mini-report.
So the Weekenders attended on Sunday from about 9:30 to 5. Heard Molly's Revenge again. They have this one fireball kid (some of you know them all by name as I recall) who plays GHBs, Illuns and whistles. He did the two whistle thing, with one having the holes partially taped. Its good spectacle and having been in a band for a while now, I realize that you get a little desparate to do something besides tune medleys to put on a show.
They did well tho sound system was a little fuzzy. Guess Ill tape up a feadog for my band....
Another good act was the Browne sisters. Three sisters singing in English and Scots Gaelic. Very nice vocalizing, with minimal accompaniment, an eelectric geetar and an acoustic guitar.
Lots of dancing as usual. Saw some of Highland dancing competition, including jigs and hornpipes. It's very cute that they all put on sailor outfits to do the hornpipes, pretend to pull on ropes, etc. I expected to see a regular jig, but in fact, their jigs are parodies I guess and not like real Irish jig dancing. The angry wife shakes her fists at an imaginary husband. That's really fun to watch.
The Scottish country dancers were there with the big gang-bang knows as the SF Scottish Fiddler Orchestra accompanying. More musicians than dancers but they have fun. I have whistled with some of em before at a charity event. Nice folk.
There were solo instrument competitions and solo singing but unless you go for two days, its hard to hear and see everything so we didn't take time to stop and listen.
Pipers must know about this, but something seems to be going on that has reduced the lustre of the Pleasanton games for pipe bands. There were less than I ever remember this year. Only 3 Level 1 bands, the Albert Caledonia, Prince Charles McTarnahans and the LA Scots Pipe Band. No Simon Fraser or LA Police bands.I could swear they used to have more. No level 2s at all. i kept hearing people say Fresno, so maybe the onus has changed to a new competition.
I had a hard time discerning the best Level 1 band and they didn't announce the results right away. Albert Caledonia had a very good medley but the LA Band had the most discipline and strongest pipe sound, I thot.
A little less hot this year, probably only about 92, though I saw at least two people being carted away by ambulance after collapsing. They had sheepdog trials which were very kewl, especially since they were in a shaded arena. The dogs are phenomenal, and are expected to run three sheep through a series of gates and passages.
Living history had the usual zillions of swords and spears and instruction in ancient forms of battle, including spears and swordplay. My son tried throwing the spear with excellent instruction by a very dedicated practitioner, who explained in great detail how the Romans fought and how the Celts and Picts would have fought back in terms of strategy and gear. It was fun!
Saw lots of acts of elaborate purchasing as usual. People buy huge swords then run around with em all day, as well as ordering clan kilts, brogues etc.
I didn't see Lark in the Morning there tho there was one music seller in one of the vendor buildings that had a ton of Susatos, including the white engraved one. Its very nice looking and plays okay.
All in all, it was less crowded this year and I would guess it was the economy. As my younger son has a gymnastics teammate whose father runs the heavy games there, I will likely find out more insider info later.
So the Weekenders attended on Sunday from about 9:30 to 5. Heard Molly's Revenge again. They have this one fireball kid (some of you know them all by name as I recall) who plays GHBs, Illuns and whistles. He did the two whistle thing, with one having the holes partially taped. Its good spectacle and having been in a band for a while now, I realize that you get a little desparate to do something besides tune medleys to put on a show.
They did well tho sound system was a little fuzzy. Guess Ill tape up a feadog for my band....
Another good act was the Browne sisters. Three sisters singing in English and Scots Gaelic. Very nice vocalizing, with minimal accompaniment, an eelectric geetar and an acoustic guitar.
Lots of dancing as usual. Saw some of Highland dancing competition, including jigs and hornpipes. It's very cute that they all put on sailor outfits to do the hornpipes, pretend to pull on ropes, etc. I expected to see a regular jig, but in fact, their jigs are parodies I guess and not like real Irish jig dancing. The angry wife shakes her fists at an imaginary husband. That's really fun to watch.
The Scottish country dancers were there with the big gang-bang knows as the SF Scottish Fiddler Orchestra accompanying. More musicians than dancers but they have fun. I have whistled with some of em before at a charity event. Nice folk.
There were solo instrument competitions and solo singing but unless you go for two days, its hard to hear and see everything so we didn't take time to stop and listen.
Pipers must know about this, but something seems to be going on that has reduced the lustre of the Pleasanton games for pipe bands. There were less than I ever remember this year. Only 3 Level 1 bands, the Albert Caledonia, Prince Charles McTarnahans and the LA Scots Pipe Band. No Simon Fraser or LA Police bands.I could swear they used to have more. No level 2s at all. i kept hearing people say Fresno, so maybe the onus has changed to a new competition.
I had a hard time discerning the best Level 1 band and they didn't announce the results right away. Albert Caledonia had a very good medley but the LA Band had the most discipline and strongest pipe sound, I thot.
A little less hot this year, probably only about 92, though I saw at least two people being carted away by ambulance after collapsing. They had sheepdog trials which were very kewl, especially since they were in a shaded arena. The dogs are phenomenal, and are expected to run three sheep through a series of gates and passages.
Living history had the usual zillions of swords and spears and instruction in ancient forms of battle, including spears and swordplay. My son tried throwing the spear with excellent instruction by a very dedicated practitioner, who explained in great detail how the Romans fought and how the Celts and Picts would have fought back in terms of strategy and gear. It was fun!
Saw lots of acts of elaborate purchasing as usual. People buy huge swords then run around with em all day, as well as ordering clan kilts, brogues etc.
I didn't see Lark in the Morning there tho there was one music seller in one of the vendor buildings that had a ton of Susatos, including the white engraved one. Its very nice looking and plays okay.
All in all, it was less crowded this year and I would guess it was the economy. As my younger son has a gymnastics teammate whose father runs the heavy games there, I will likely find out more insider info later.
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Redwolf
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If you're looking for a cooler venue (temperature-wise, that is), the annual San Lorenzo Valley Highland Games takes place in October, at Highlands Park in Ben Lomond. I don't know what the exact date is this year, but can find out. I've never been (always seemed to have something going on that weekend the years we've been here), but we're going to try to go this year.
Redwolf
Redwolf
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The Weekenders
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