I'd like to know the odds of

[funlvnman]

Two men showing up at the same Gaelic Storm concert whose attendance was near capacity at the Chandler Center for the Performing Arts, being the only two men wearing kilts, sitting one directly behind the other, and wearing the same kilt, black UK's? How weird.

The concert was awesome. It's the best concert I've been to in a long, long time. The musicians are experts at engaging the crowd, turning a fairly large venue into a small intimate experience. Lots of storytelling, humor, and three different types of bagpipes. I recognized the different types but am not sure of the names. One was the highland type, three drones, two smaller ones and a larger one. One was I believe the North Umbridge type, had two bladders, he pumped one with his left arm to fill up the one under his right arm that provided the stimulus to the chanter. And he played an electronic chanter. While certainly non traditional it proved to be a most enjoyable to listen to. Sadly this show was the finale to their tour. I'm so glad I got to see them.

Rich

[Highlander31]

I say the odds were pretty high. Sounds like it was a good concert.

[JolyStNicholas]

Odds being what they were the outcome was grand, your had a delightful time and enjoyed the concert. Well done!

[KFCarter]

The odds have to be ridiculous. Sounds like a great concert; hope they'll tour again soon.

[EagleJCS]

One was I believe the North Umbridge type, had two bladders, he pumped one with his left arm to fill up the one under his right arm that provided the stimulus to the chanter. And he played an electronic chanter. While certainly non traditional it proved to be a most enjoyable to listen to. Sadly this show was the finale to their tour. I'm so glad I got to see them.

Rich

Never play the odds.

Sounds like it was a great show. What I'd expect from Gaelic Storm.

FYI, the smaller bagpipe is called 'North Umbrian'. By your description, the left arm was driving a bellows to fill the bag under his right arm instead of blowing into the bag by mouth.

It's also possible it was a Scottish smallpipe instead. From what I know, there's not much difference between the two in appearance, but the smallpipes have the same tonal range and fingering as the Great Highland pipes (GHB), whereas the North Umbrian pipes have a couple more notes and different finger technique.

It's also possible he was playing the Uillean ("ill-en") or Irish pipes, which is what I've heard on their albums. The Uillean pipes are also bellows-driven rather than mouth blown and have a MUCH wider range than the GHB, and a different tonal quality.

[McClef]

Pretty high odds I would say - probably not much less than seeing another kilt wearer on the streets of Edinburgh on a weekday.

[The Barry]

Well, for that night, the odds were 100% or so.

[funlvnman]

I forgot to mention this. I wore my black UK mocker to the concert. I had on a T-shirt that said "Pool Boy" on the front, nothing on the back. I went to the booth where they were selling Gaelic Storm CD's to check out what was for sale. The young gal behind the counter asked me in a rather playful way how much I charge for pool service. I told her it depended on what she wanted me to do to her( yes I phrased it that way). Without missing a beat she said, "I don't care what you charge as long as you wear that kilt. Damn that's sexy."

Later a lady walked by me and said, "I really like that kilt. It looks so good on you."

Three of the greeters at the front door talked to me for about 15 minutes about their respective family histories and kilts in general.

And after I got back to Tucson, I stopped for a drink at a Circle-K. The clerk didn't notice at first that I was kilted. As she was handing me my receipt, she sort of gasped and asked if I was wearing a skirt. I said, "No, I am wearing a kilt." Gave a quick turn around and showed her the pleats. She gave me a quick look up and down and said, "It takes a man's man to wear that. Thank you for making my night!"

Damn, I love being kilted.

[fluter]

funlvnman, I wish I'd known, when I was twenty-something, what I keep hearing from twenty-something ladies of my acquaintance! Ah well, now I'm married and probably remind them of their grandfather.

Back near the topic, if any Triad-area residents see a kiltie at the opera, speak up because it's probably I. My step-son lives in High Point, and has discovered a latent musical talent. After following his sons to the church choir, he has found his way into the opera chorus, and various musicals.

[funlvnman]

funlvnman, I wish I'd known, when I was twenty-something, what I keep hearing from twenty-something ladies of my acquaintance! Ah well, now I'm married and probably remind them of their grandfather.

Me too! I just turned 48 and I know I love the compliments. Puts a bounce in the step doesn't it.