Time To Get Your Bagpipe On for the Balmoral Classic
The annual event attracts a range of classic and modern arrangements, played by diverse bands.
Photo provided by Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming
Irish and Scottish dancers, award-winning musicians and traditional pipe music abound at the 2016 Balmoral Classic, featuring the Toronto Police Pipe Band.
In its 10th year, the Balmoral Classic, supported by the Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming, brings a range of classic and modern arrangements, played by diverse bands.
Accomplished soloists and full band sets — including layers of pipes, snare drums, tenors and bass, Irish whistles, keyboards, electric drum kits and rope tension drums — mix old and new.
TPPB, the headlining act, includes includes youth, experienced veterans and some of the world’s top solo competitors.
“The Balmoral Classic is a well organized and high profile amateur bagpiping and drumming event that we are really looking forward to be part of,” says Sean McKeown, TPPB’s pipe major.
The band has recorded two albums and has performed live throughout Ontario, the United States, in Scotland, and in Lorient, France.
The concert is set for 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at Central Catholic High School’s McGonigle Theatre in Oakland.
Order advance tickets online here for $25 or pay $35 at the door.
photo by john altdorfer
#RowYourBoat: Three Rivers Rowing Association Announced Club of the Year
For the fourth time since 2002, the Three Rivers Rowing Association has taken the cake as USRowing Club of the Year.
The winner of the award must make strides in improving rowing opportunities, try to include the local community in its programming and focus on safety. The winning organization is regarded as a beacon of community service, organizational leadership and volunteer development.
2016 was slated for success as numerous TRRA athletes placed at national competitions, taking top finishes at contests such as the USRowing Club National Championships and USRowing Masters National Championships.
“Three Rivers Rowing Association is honored to be recognized as the 2016 Club of the Year by USRowing, and we are proud of what we can accomplish and contribute to the rowing and Pittsburgh communities,” says Jenn Grieb, executive director of Three Rivers Rowing Association.
TRRA will be honored as Club of the Year between Dec. 1-4 at the 2016 USRowing Annual Convention in Springfield, Mass.
Photo courtesy of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
#AllAboard: New Miniature Train Exhibit Follows Pittsburgh’s Past at Phipps Conservatory
A miniature train exhibit is taking a ride through Pittsburgh history at Phipps Conservatory.
Mayor Bill Peduto and Richard Piacentini, executive director of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, unveiled the “Phipps’ Garden Railroad: 200 Years of Pittsburgh” in mid-October, fostering a dialogue of the city’s history in light of Pittsburgh’s bicentennial.
The train follows hallmark moments from the 1869 opening of the H.J. Heinz factory to the 2013 relaunch of the Point State Park fountain.
The exhibit features five interactive stations — including a hand crank that elevates the Duquesne Incline — tiny living plants and trees and detailed props built by local artists.
The exhibit will run through March 5 and may be viewed during the conservatory’s regular operating hours.
