The Pipers' Gathering is a musical convention that features "alternative bagpipes" of all types. When you hear the word "bagpipe," most folks automatically think of the Great Highland Bagpipe. You know, the guys with the kilts who play those wonderfully loud instruments. Our event features many of the other bagpipe types found in the British Isles and Europe, including Northumbrian Smallpipes, Scottish Smallpipes, Irish uilleann pipes, Border pipes and the many different varieties of English bagpipes. Participants are exposed to the broad range of these fascinating instruments and the people who play and make them.
The Pipers' Gathering is frequented by some of the finest pipemakers in the world. It is the one place to go in North America if you want to try out and order one of these musical instruments. Nationally recognized music vendors offer hard-to-find items related to this type of piping, such as CD's, cassette tapes, music books and supplies.
The Gathering begins on Friday evening with an informal ceilidh. The mornings are dedicated to hands-on piping classes. Saturday and Sunday afternoons feature mini-concerts, lecture-demonstrations, special workshops, and discussions designed to emphasize the linkages between the varying bagpipe types. There are ongoing traditional Irish sessions and plenty of spontaneous jamming. A highlight of the event is the ability to meet and play with musicians of many backgrounds, in groups which constantly form and reform throughout the grounds.
Saturday and Sunday evenings feature concerts by of some of the best pipers in the world. Come treat yourself and the whole family to a new world of traditional music.
