Merry Christmas!

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land
People danced to the music of this Celtic band
CDs were spinning and toes were a-tapping
People were singing and laughing and clapping

With hearts full of joy and cups of good cheer
Friends toasted each other as the twilight drew near
They smiled in remembrance of good times had by all
Throughout the past year; counting blessings big and small

At the close of the eve, as the last toast was raised
The front door swung open and all were amazed
For the band entered in and in one voice did say,
"Merry Christmas to all from your friends, Highland Way!"


Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!

~ HW

Look No Further for the Perfect Holiday Gift

The Christmas (December 25) / Hanukkah (December 4-12) / Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1) shopping season is upon us, and what better gift for the music lovers on your list than Highland Way CDs?

Can't choose just one? Buy the whole set and really make them happy!

From the first CD, Islands Awake, to the most recent release, Live in San Diego, these three albums contain traditional songs such as Danny Boy and The Wild Mountain Thyme as well as rousing crowd favorites Drunken Sailor, I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), and Take Her In Your Arms. Also included are band originals These Highland Games, Walking Home, and Rainy Days.

There's something for everyone, from ballads to love songs to pub songs. Whether you're looking for a gift for your parents, son, daughter, cousins, neighbors, friends, co-workers, or great-aunt Martha, you can't miss with one of these albums! Since it's a Highland Way CD, you can rest assured that it's chock full of of energy and excellent quality.

Contact us at HighlandWay@cox.net to find out how you can order your set of Highland Way music CDs! Want to order just the early selections? They're available on CDBaby.com. (Note: Islands Awake, the band's first release, is available only in very limited quantity through CDBaby.com while supplies last.) Ordering the newest release, Live in San Diego, is simple: send us an e-mail!

Cheers,
HW

Just a Couple of Pictures

So the Star of India birthday bash was a lot of fun! Pete and the rest of the Westlin' Weavers were there in fine form (and voice). Both Miss Darla and Lee of Sheela-Na-Gig came to celebrate as well. There was lots of cake and some very cool music. Hope you all had a chance to step on board this ship. If not, go check it out the next time you're in San Diego. Happy birthday to the Star of India!

~ HW

Where are the photos...?

Yes, pictures from the Star of India birthday bash will be posted shortly. Stay tuned...

Have a happy Thanksgiving! We have much to be thankful for today. And you're on the list! What are you thankful for this year?

~ HW

Pete and the Star of India

So everyone plays with other bands, as you know. This weekend, Pete will be playing with the Westlin' Weavers on Saturday at the Star of India Birthday Party in San Diego. It's very cool... The Star of India is celebrating its 144th birthday!

Admission is free and everyone's invited!

Where:
The Embarcadero in downtown San Diego
1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

For More Information:
Call: 619-234-9153 Or Visit: www.sdmaritime.org

There's a detailed description of the bash here: http://www.sandiego.com/option,com_events/task,view_detail/agid,10305/year,2007/month,11/day,10/Itemid,236/

Go check it out. You're in for some good times, good music, and yummy cake!

And say "hi" to Pete while you're there!

~ HW

Wee Celtic Tales

Did you know that Heloise is a very talented artist? She has partnered with children's educator and longtime friend June Clark Heinz (yes, that last name should sound familiar... June is Rich's lovely wife!) to create a series of children's books called Wee Celtic Tales.

The first two books in the series are Shane and the Fir Darrigs and The Dragon and the Fir Darrigs. Shane and the Fir Darrigs is about a young boy who doesn't like to share his toys with his little brother. He makes a wish and... well, you'll just have to read it to find out what happens! The Dragon and the Fir Darrigs is a heart-warming story about Nessie, Scotland's beloved Loch Ness monster.

Both books are well-written and beautifully illustrated, and a great addition to any child's library. Both are also now available with an audio CD so that children can hear the stories told in a traditional Scottish brogue (and yes, that would be Brian's voice you hear on the CD).

Want to place an order? Contact Heloise at www.HeloiseLove.com and she'll make sure you get it right away!

~ HW

In the News

Brian, his wife Kim, and Kim's dad Ken were interviewed as they surveyed the damage done to their homes by the Witch Creek fire. Check out the ingenious preventative measure that Kim and Brian took before they evacuated... :



~ HW

Back in the Saddle

What a week! A few of the band members capped it off with a rousing night at R. O'Sullivan's Irish Pub in Escondido. Paul and Brian play there every Sunday night as the Clachan Boys, and this time they were joined by Heloise with her beautiful harmonies. It was a fantastic evening with lots of music, laughter, and audience participation. Just what the doctor ordered!

Now that things are beginning to return to normal for our band members and for Southern California, we thought this might be a good time to repost this:

THE NEW CD IS AVAILABLE NOW!!!

Yes, Highland Way: Live in San Diego is hot off the presses and a must-have for all fans of Scottish/Irish/Celtic music. Recorded at the 2005 San Diego Scottish Highland Games in Vista, CA this CD makes you feel like you're right in the thick of all the excitement of an honest-to-goodness Highland Way concert. Be sure to TURN UP THE VOLUME to get the full effect!

Songs include Fiery Cross, Ye Jacobites, Take Her in Your Arms, band favorite Generations of Change, and Dougie MacLean's Ready for the Storm to name just a few. Also on this CD is our own Richard Gordon Heinz's original, These Highland Games.

Send us an e-mail for information on how to add this CD to your collection. Our first two releases, Islands Awake and Walking Home, are available online through CD Baby.

Check out our website at www.HighlandWay.us for band member bios, a promo video, gig schedule, and various useful links. Got MySpace or Facebook? You can find us there as well! Just search "Highland Way" and join our circle of online friends!

Cheers,
Highland Way

Good News

We have some good news! Brian's house has survived!! There is damage to outdoor steps and the garage door and other exterior items, but the main house is standing. Definitely lots of clean up and repair to be done here... BUT we are all very thankful that the house has not been destroyed as previously thought. We are very grateful to the brave men and women who are working so hard to save as many homes as they can wherever the fires are.

Thank you to everyone who has offered help and sent up good thoughts and prayers for a positive outcome to this situation. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated!

Hoping that others will also have good news when they are allowed to return to their homes, and sending up lots of good thoughts for the emergency personnel who are still working so very hard to fight the flames throughout southern California.

~ HW

Update 2

The band members are doing fine. Some are waiting for word about homes and property, but we and our families are safe and sound.

Thanks again for all your support and concern. Continuing to hope that you are all safe as well.

~ HW

Update

The band remains safely out of harm's way this evening (morning...?). Yes, some have been evacuated but everyone is fine. Thank you again for all your support. We hope that you and your loved ones are all safe and sound as well.

Please continue to send good thoughts/prayers for the brave men and women fighting the fires, and for those who have been affected by this emergency.

~ Highland Way

Thank You

Thank you to everyone for your care and good wishes for band members during this fire emergency in San Diego county. We are safe, some awaiting evacuation.

Our thoughts are with those who are battling the flames, and with everyone who is affected in any way.

We'll keep you posted as we can.

~ Highland Way

New CD... and a blog to celebrate!

Welcome to the new Highland Way blog.

We've got news to share and we figured this is a great way to get it out there... Ready...?

THE NEW CD IS AVAILABLE NOW!!!

Yes, Highland Way: Live in San Diego is hot off the presses and a must-have for all fans of Scottish/Irish/Celtic music. Recorded at the 2005 San Diego Scottish Highland Games in Vista, CA this CD makes you feel like you're right in the thick of all the excitement of an honest-to-goodness Highland Way concert. Be sure to TURN UP THE VOLUME to get the full effect!

Songs include Fiery Cross, Ye Jacobites, Take Her in Your Arms, band favorite Generations of Change, and Dougie MacLean's Ready for the Storm to name just a few. Also on this CD is our own Richard Gordon Heinz's original, These Highland Games.

Send us an e-mail for information on how to add this CD to your collection. Our first two releases, Islands Awake and Walking Home, are available online through CD Baby.

Check out our website at www.HighlandWay.us for band member bios, a promo video, gig schedule, and various useful links. Got MySpace or Facebook? You can find us there as well! Just search "Highland Way" and join our circle of online friends!

Cheers,
Highland Way