30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 8-14, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC Scan the concert announcement too casually, and it would be logical to think that the beloved rock power foursome is finally heating things up in Monterey County. Look more closely, and a subtle twist of spelling reveals something quite different: the Red Hot Chilli Pipers bear little or no resemblance to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band got its name when a girlfriend of one of the founding members, Stuart Cassells, mistakenly filed a Red Hot Chili Peppers CD with her boyfriend’s traditional bagpipe albums, misreading “Peppers” as “Pipers.” But doesn’t such similarity in name inspire a lot of confusion? “Believe it or not, it doesn’t happen all that often,” band founder Kevin MacDonald says. “The reason being that our price point for a ticket is nowhere near the price point for a Peppers ticket. No offense, but if you’re daft enough to think you can get a Peppers ticket for $40, well then...” The Pipers are a Celtic rock band from Scotland. Formed in 2002, the band became popular internationally in 2007 after winning the BBC talent show When Will I Be Famous? The treble twang of three bagpipers front a rock band with traditional instrumentation that plays familiar covers by Coldplay, Queen, Survivor and Journey, among others. The band calls it Bagrock. “We realize that not everyone will like the sound the bagpipes make, and we know they have to be played really well and tuned really well or it will sound like an angry cat,” says co-founder Willie Armstrong. “We like to stay true to the tradition so we make the set list 50-50. Half will be cleverly arranged recognizable rock tunes and half will be traditional Scottish reels, hornpipes and jigs, with an amazing rock band with a percussionist, together with a fantastic light show.” All of these elements combine for what the band feels is a unique experience. “It’s way more than just bagpipes,” Armstrong says. “We always say it’s more of a show than a concept or a gig. It’s a very fine line between having your ears murdered and being truly entertained. On our stage, there is absolutely nowhere to hide.” “The overriding thing is that you might come in being very skeptical, but you will leave with a smile on your face,” MacDonald says. Red Hot Chilli Pipers play 7:30pm Thursday, May 8. Sunset Center, San Carlos Street and 9th Avenue, Carmel. $39-$59. 620-2040, sunsetcenter.org. RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS Pick of the Peck The Red Hot Chilli Pipers bring rock, Scottish tradition and stadium light shows to one stage. By Paul Fried “People say, ‘I don’t know—two hours worth of bagpipes? That’s a bit much,’” says Red Hot Chilli Pipers’ Kevin MacDonald. The band sets out to prove doubters wrong. Custom Desigg! Repairs! Finished Jewelrr! Watch Baaeries! Lapidarr Serrices! Appraisals! Local Arrists Specimens Supplies & More 2245 Norrh Fremont St, Monterey (831)375-3027 www.peninsulagemandjewelrr.com Tuesday-Friday 10-5:30 Sattrday 10-4:00 MAY 16 2025 @ 7:00PM TH 9PIN NO TAP = 9 PINS DOWN YOU GET A STRIKE! 4 PERSON TEAMS! COME JOIN OUR 9 WEEK LEAGUE AND BOWL AGAINST OTHER LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR THE ULTIMATE BRAGING RIGHTS!! SIGN UP YOUR TEAM, ANY ONE CAN BOWL! MONTEREY LANES 2161 N FREMONT ST 831-373-1553 CONTACT: CHARLIER@MONTEREYLANES.COM ADRIANAS@MONTEREYLANES.COM $18.00 PER PERSON PER WEEK SHOES INCLUDED 2 GAMES BATTLE OF THE BUSINESSES MONTEREY LANES 2161 N FREMONT ST 831-373-1553 CONTACT: CHARLIER@MONTEREYLANES.COM ADRIANAS@MONTEREYLANES.COM STARTS MAY 16 @ 6:30PM SIGN YOUR BUSINESS UP TODAY COME JOIN OUR 9 WEEK LEAGUE AND BOWL AGAINST OTHER LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR THE ULTIMATE BRAGGING RIGHTS!!
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