2010 Line-up of Performers

The Windsor Regiment (RCAC) Band can trace its origins back to the Essex Tank Regiment Band of the early 1930s. It evolved into The Windsor Regiment Band until 1970 when the bands of HMCS HUNTER and The Windsor Regiment joined forces to become the Windsor Militia District Band; in 1985 the Windsor District Military Band; in 1991 The Windsor Military Band; and in 2007 The Windsor Regiment Band. It provides musical support to the units of 31 Canadian Brigade Group. They have toured southern Ontario and Michigan, performing for royalty as well as at numerous civic and military events.

The Royal Regiment of Canada Band is the oldest permanently organized band in the Canadian Forces. The band, based at Fort York Armoury in Toronto, Ontario, has served in many different roles throughout the world since its formation in 1863. Today the band provides ceremonial support to the Canadian Forces and general public through its many ensembles – a colorful marching band, concert band, jazz ensemble, swing orchestra, brass quintet and fanfare trumpet quartet.

The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) Band was formed in 1866 and is the oldest enlisted band in Canada. The band has won numerous awards for military drill and musicianship in Canada and the USA. It has played for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, His Royal Highness Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Governor General of Canada, as well as entertained the citizens of Hamilton for over 140 years. The band has performed in the Canadian International Military Tattoo since 1992 and is currently under the direction of Major Michael Rehill, CD, Mus Bac, KH, and Drum Major James Greve, CD.

The Black Watch is the oldest highland regiment in Canada. Volunteers have served since the regiment's inception in Montreal on January 31st, 1862 as the 5th Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada. The rise of American military strength during the Civil War concerned Canada. The government authorized formation of militia regiments. Each of six Montreal Scottish chieftains responded by raising an infantry company for the 5th Battalion. Eventually, eight companies were raised for border service. Since then, thousands of Canadian citizens have served in the Black Watch. In addition to Canadian border security, they have fought in the Boer War, WW1, WW2, Korean War; bolstered NATO operations in Europe and UN peacekeeping worldwide; and provided aid-to-the-civil-power, most recently during the Quebec and Eastern Ontario ice storm disaster. Read more here.

The Lorne Scots Pipes and Drums (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment) (bottom centre right) was formed in 1881. The Pipes and Drums of the regiment performed at the Edinburgh Tattoo in 1960 and 1970, and have performed for Her Majesty The Queen, HRH The Duke of Kent, The Duke of Argyll, Governors General, Lieutenant Governors, the Prime Minister, and various Premiers. The band has also toured the United Kingdom, playing at the Tower of London and The London Guildhall, as well as at various engagements in the U.S. and Ontario.

A complete bio for the 48th Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums is coming soon. Meanwhile, read a bit about them at http://regimentalpipers.com/48pd/history/Bandhist.html.

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drumsis a component of the Canadian Army Reserve. The band has a history dating back to a Highland Rifle Company, formed in Hamilton in 1856, when many of Hamilton’s leading citizens backed the formation of a kilted military unit in the city—the forerunner of the present regiment. The current regiment came into being in 1903 along with the Pipes and Drums. The regiment served with distinction during both world wars. The Pipes and Drums had the honour of leading the Allied victory parade in Berlin following the surrender in 1945 in a scene reminiscent of one from the earlier war in which the Pipes and Drums of the 19th Battalion played the Allied armies across the Rhine. Members of the band are soldiers as well as musicians.

The Dundas Pipes and Drums were organized shortly after the end of World War II, under the sponsorship of the Dundas Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, where it became a vital part of the community. In 1967, the band was reconstituted under the Town of Dundas, as part of the Canada centennial year celebrations. For over half a century, the band has been featured in parades, concerts and tattoos in and around the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth in Ontario. Since its inception, the band has maintained high standards of piping, drumming and teaching, competing in Highland games and bringing the traditions and love of Highland music to the community.

Pride in Service has been the theme for Navy Band Great Lakes. From 1911, when the first bugler reported for duty, to bandmaster John Philip Sousa in 1917, to today's bandmaster, LT Walt Cline, our music represents the pride and professionalism that is synonymous with the United States Navy. Serving Commander, Naval Service Training Command's mission of transforming volunteers into 21st century Sea Warriors, Navy Band Great Lakes performs ceremonies to honor recruits, Sailors, and their families. As the Navy's Ambassadors to the Midwest, Navy Band Great Lakes performs for hundreds of thousands of people every year, providing musical support for community relations and Navy Recruiting in a ten-state area of responsibility stretching from Ohio to North Dakota.

The Schiehallion Dancers, established in Hamilton in 1968 by World Champion Highland Dancer, Sandra Bald Jones, have performed in Canada, the U.S., U.K., Asia and Europe; including The Last Tattoo in Berlin and the Edinburgh Tattoo in 1981,1986 and 2003.

The MacLeod of Lewis Celtic Dancers, established in 1968, specializes in Highland dancing and East Coast step dancing. The dancers have toured as guest artists with the Scottish variety troupe, A Breath of Scotland and have performed in Canada, the U.S. and Edinburgh, under the guidance of Marjorie-Anne Macleod Dent, assisted by her daughters, Jessica and Sarah-Elspeth.

Ten-year-old Liam McGlashon, now making his home in Hamilton, was just six years old when he picked up the fiddle.

Read Liam's profile.