We'll see you there. BTW - where is the Hampton Pub? Is it near the Scope Arena, or is it the "Pub" up in Hampton, VA? (I think I've just answered my own question, but never hurts to ask...).

So I left the Southern Maryland Celtic Festival early to drive the 3 and 1/2 hours to Norfolk for the VA International Tattoo 2011. My oldest daughter gave me tickets (as long as I took her along) to the Tattoo for Christmas. I was worth the drive and then some. Unlike some of the Rabble, I have never attended the Tattoo in Edinburgh (or any other for that matter), so I have nothing to compare to. However, this was one of the best events I've ever attended.

Unfortunately, I did not run into our famous Mael Coluim at the Tattoo - though I did look for him. Mael, I hope you enjoyed it. I'm pretty sure your eyes were tearing up as much as mine throughout the evening.

When we arrived. the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Ban was performing outside.

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/...too_2011_1.jpg

The show began with the massed bands and chorus:

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/...too_2011_2.jpg

One of my favorite parts was the massed Pipes and Drums in their Thistle formation:

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/...too_2011_3.jpg

Then the Fifes and Drums again:

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/...too_2011_4.jpg

The Finale was breathtaking. The best part of the evening was the salute to the troops - especially to one of the sole surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen who was the guest of honor at the Tattoo. Not a dry eye in the house. It ended with the massed everyone (pipes, drums, bands, color guards, dancers, etc.).

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/...too_2011_5.jpg

You need to make the trek to 2012. :hooray:

Cheers to all.

Excellent pix, TKdog! sorry we didn't bump into one another. I.video parts of it and will try to post it later.