Wednesday, September 16, 2009

About Michael D. Gibbs


Welcome to my blog, here is a little bit about me...
I learned to play the bagpipes over 21 years ago. As a student, I couldn’t put my practice chanter down. All I wanted to do was play the bagpipes. As I advanced in the bagpipe band, I quickly became a lead piper and a bagpipe instructor. I began teaching students at a young age and have continued to teach those who want to learn how to play the bagpipes. I competed and performed with the Salt Lake Scots Bagpipe Band for many years before departing from them to spend a few years playing with the Utah Pipe Band as well as several other local bands, and I am currently rostered and competing with the LA Scots Pipe Band in Los Angeles, California. In 2005 along with bagpipers Ian White and Dave Glad, I organized Utah's first mercenary free-lance group of professional bagpipers, The Heathen Highlanders. With 6 members we perform at all types of events from bar shows to corporate conventions. I have been called upon to play the bagpipes at just about every sort of event. I've performed for government officials, heads of state, religious leaders, law enforcement, fire departments, veteran associations, The Knights Templar’s, The Olympic Bid Committee and athletes at the Olympic village in 2002, numerous Irish and Scottish dance academies, The Utah Scottish Association, over 850 funerals, 500 weddings, countless parades and endless family reunions, farewells and homecomings. I’ve organized and produced major concerts for bagpipe bands and Celtic dance groups. I currently play in Utah's only premier Celtic rock band, Swagger. With all of my experience playing the Great Highland Bagpipes and Walsh Shuttle Pipes, and now the new electronic Red Pipes, I’ve learned that what is most important is that the audience receive a performance tailor made for them. From Birthdays to funerals and everything in between, the performance must be just right for each individual event. Please contact me and let me make your event memorable.

Michael Gibbs
801-244-4463
pipermdg@msn.com

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

I draw a bit of my own "clip art" (c)


Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Mist Covered Mountains

REAL Salt Lake first home game


Bagpiper and Heathen Highlander Michael Gibbs keeps the south end zone fans cheering at the REAL Salt Lake's first home game in their new soccer stadium on Thursday, Oct. 9th. Footage of Michael appeared on ESPN 2 during their national coverage of the game. The team made it into the finals for the first time here in 2008. Congratulations to the players and fans!

Several examples of favorite Scottish/Bagpipe related clip art and pin-ups.


































The ladies love the kilt!