This past weekend, I did the 5 hour drive to Abingdon to attend the Celtic Music Weekend of the three week Virginia Highland Festival. Two of my favorite bands were playing; Uncle Hamish and the Hooligans, and Rathkeltair. Enter the Haggis and Coyote Run would be there and a number of musicians. But what clinched going was that Tartan Hiker’s (Bill Sanderson) son, Connell was joining the Hooligan’s as their new bagpiper.

It was a nonstop drive to Abingdon to make the Hooligans 6:30 PM starting time. Mac Guinea Pig’s (nick name for my Honda Fit) gas tank was on empty and my tank was full.

The Hooligans opened the show! Connell is a talented musician, full of energy and his love of the pipes comes across strong.



Enter the Haggis would only play this night, and did two sets for the crowd.



The setting was downtown, outside in the Market Pavilion. It was an idyllic summer evening. A beer garden with Gaelic Ale from the Highland Brewery eased the tension from the long drive and a difficult work week!