The Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums is one of the oldest Pipe bands in the United States. Established by a Scottish Immigrant, William Nimmo, circa 1912. During WW1 the band became popular by playing many war benefit functions. Then after the war a few members from the Seaforth Mackenzie Highland Regiment joined the band which is were the band got the Mackenzie tartan and regimental hat badge they proudly wear today. The Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band is an all-volunteer non-profit organization whose objective is to preserve and promote appreciation of Scottish heritage through Highland Piping and Drumming.
The band plays at local and regional parades, cultural festivals, benefits, sporting events, walks for causes, and other venues. Highlights of past performances not only include playing with Rod but: The Black Watch, the Cincinnati Symphony Pops Orchestra, the half time show for the Cincinnati Bengals, opening the for the Cincinnati Celtic Festival and leading the annual Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Day parade.
In 2008 the band has won four pipe band competitions and has been named the Ohio Pipe Band of the year.
And last Friday the band played at Rod’s big gig at Riverbend,Rod is not just a world-renowned musician but also a huge football fan with a connection to Cincinnati. When Robert Reid of Newtown found out that Rod was playing in his neck of the woods, he dropped a quick email to his father-in-law, Tom Falsey, to see if the Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums, The Official Pipe Band Of Cincinnati could play at Rod’s concert. Tom, lives in California and coaches Rod’s soccer team and had become good mates with Rod, being an ex-entertainer himself and coincidently – Scottish, so he called Rod and inquired if the Caledonian’s could be part of the show.
A few weeks later Robert received a call from the people at Riverbend asking if the band would be interested in playing in the show, so the ball was in motion.
Monday the week of the concert Riverbend confirmed that the band would play between Bryan Adams and Rod Stewart on Friday August 8. After Rod had inquired if the band had been set up for the concert.
“We had a great time at the concert, Rod had gotten my father-in-law some seats up front and VIP passes. (the rest of the band got lawn tickets) so I at least got to say hello to Rod” said Robert.