PL! 2 – devine duos, teen idols, and fearless fours

drew an appreciative and keen crowd. The weather stayed dry for them, though a chilly breeze made things challenging, no doubt, but perhaps good preparation for the weekend as the band works to qualify for the Final.

Day 2’s events wrapped with the International Quartets at the Strathclyde Suite of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, this year with everything slightly smaller. Only six quartets performed, compared with 10 or more that other years have featured, and the room itself was at least halved. Perhaps most interesting was the 78th Fraser Highlanders’ quartet, which actually turned and — shock! — faced the audience. Fearing nothing, the group turned mid-medley and stepped to the edge of the stage, eight eyes staring right into the crowd, chanters projecting even better. The room was stowed-out, though, and most people seemed to appreciate the smaller format, the contest done before 10 pm, with Inveraray & District’s foursome – led by Pipe-Sergeant Alasdair Henderson, although Pipe-Major Stuart Liddell was part of the quartet, which of course had a few brains speculating – won the night, and the usual array of very fine Glenfiddich bottles.

The Festival Club back at the National Piping Centre drew those who wanted the action to continue, with plenty of beverages.

On to Day 3, “The Wednesday,” and more, more, more of the world’s best pipers and drummers taking over Glasgow, as the big days of the World Pipe Band Championships draw closer. The all-important weather reports are coming in fast and furious, predictions changing as fast as the weather itself around here. Curious that.

Stay tuned to pipes|drums for more from Piping Live! as the week progresses, and, if you haven’t already, be sure to get your prediction in for our $3,000 prize-pack Pick The Six contest!