The piper is calling
The great highland bagpipe plays only eight notes. No sharps. No flats. To flesh out the melodic echo of patriotic hymns like “Scotland the Brave,” George Strain and his Celtic brethren add grace notes that flutter through the droning like heartbeats.
The Illinois native, who has been a professor at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine since 1978, had always wanted to play the instrument iconic to his family heritage. A decade ago, his wife Pat called him on it.
After years of practice—“It’s harder than the clarinet,” the 63-year-old says flatly—Strain performs in a band of pipers and drummers called Na Cait Dubh, Gaelic for “The Black Cat.” They march in parades and play at parties, weddings and statewide events for the Celtic Society of Louisiana.
Those two sheriff’s deputies gunned down in LaPlace? Family and friends at the funeral tethered their grief to the crisp tones of Na Cait Dubh.
“It’s not strictly Scotch-Irish,” Strain says. “We take anybody. It’s Celtic by adoption for some.”
The bagpipe can be a cumbersome instrument; it must be cradled. Strain holds his high and tight on his left side like a mother protecting a small child from the rain. “After a long parade, I get winded,” he says.
The group practices once a week and ends each session with a few adult beverages. Sure, they want to spread the word about Celtic culture, but ultimately, Na Cait Dubh is about having fun.
Every year for the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade, Strain sports a handmade kilt in the colors of Louisiana’s official tartan, a saturated plaid of blue, black and green. For Wearin’ of the Green next month, Strain’s costume will be more traditional for an American St. Patrick’s Day celebration, including an emerald bowler made in New Orleans and a crisp white tailcoat sparkling with sequined shamrocks.
Every parade day, another shamrock dangles from his left ear where a gold stud usually sits.
“This is a mid-life thing,” Strain says. “Besides, there’s always competition among ourselves to add more bling.”
Wearin’ of the Green Parade
Saturday, March 16. Starts at 10 a.m.
Begins at South Acadian Thruway and Hundred Oaks Avenue and ends on the south side of the Perkins Road overpass.
Kissing just for the sake of Irish ancestry, shamrocks and green everything will abound at this 28th annual St. Patrick’s Day-themed parade. paradegroup.com
Baton Rouge Irish-Italian Parade
Saturday, March 23. Starts at 2:30 p.m.
Begins at Morning Glory and Stanford avenues and ends at Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar on Burbank Drive near Nicholson Drive.
At only three years old, the Irish-Italian Parade is the Capital City’s newest and fastest-growing parade. This year, the parade is supporting the charity Just Cause La. greenwhiterouge.com
