Liverpool — The brazen peal of bagpipes rang out on South Willow Street from the White Water Pub last Thursday evening. The melodic buzzing could be heard distinctly throughout the village business district.
Publican Mary Kay Manns is apparently bringing back live music — in a way.
Members of the Syracuse Scottish Pipe Band often stop by to wet their whistles at the pub after their Thursday night practices at the United Methodist Church in Liverpool and at Onondaga Lake Park. During the summer the rehearsals are conducted at the Ska·nohh – Great Law of Peace Center parking lot on the Onondaga Lake Parkway.
British pub ambiance
Because the White Water boasts a British pub atmosphere, the bagpipers fit right in. And because the bagpipe repertoire is primarily public domain, Mary Kay doesn’t have to worry about paying licensing fees for performance rights.
Anyhow, between tunes at the White Water sessions the pipers can sip Guinness stout and India Pale Ales from across the British Empire. Ah, the good old days! Bagpipes bring back centuries of memories.
The drone of Great Highland bagpipes dominated the soundtrack of my childhood as pipers rehearsed most sunny evenings at Griffin Field in preparation for their annual summertime appearance there at the Scottish Games. The way the pipers sent air from their big plaid bags to blow through enclosed reeds to make music was nothing short of magic, and the stirring tones traveled far and wide.
Novice pipers wanted
While I was away at college, the Syracuse Scottish Pipe Band was formed in 1973 when the city of Syracuse and the American Scottish pipe bands combined. Since that time it has remained competitive, winning several awards in competitions. The band currently has some three dozen pipers and drummers on its roster, but they’re always looking for more. Young, old, experienced and inexperienced are all welcome. The band even offers free lessons to new students; syracusescottish.com.
Soup and song
continued — The Harmony Katz, the Syracuse-based barbershop chorus, will entertain the evening of Friday, Nov. 13, at the gourmet soup dinner served at Liverpool United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St. Dinner costs $10; 882-7959.
The soup dinner will benefit Young Life Syracuse North.
Nick and Angelo’s now open
Nick & Angelo’s Ristorante opened for business opened Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7376 Oswego Road, a location that has housed several successful eateries.
Anybody remember the Humpty Dumpty? Maybe the Bonanza? How about Pronto Joey’s? For 20 years starting in 1993, Bill and Noreen Ennis ran the place they called Pier 57. More recently, the bar and restaurant was known as Carnegie’s Pier 57.
Last week, however, Bill Lafluer and John Borchardt re-christened the place as Nick & Angelo’s Ristorante. Executive Chef Jason Kazmirski and restaurant managers Nichelle LaFluer and Nicole LaFluer-Valentino have created a menu strong on Italian dishes but also offering steaks, chops and seafood.
Pizzas start with a standard white garlic to an inventive roasted veggies & asiago. Pasta entrees also range from the expected lasagna to the unusual pine nut crusted salmon. Chef Jason’s signature dishes get creative with a portobello port filet, Sicilian scallops gorgonzola filet medallions seared with prosciutto in a sherry-marsala reduction. Appetizers include both vegetarian Utica greens and meaty Northside greens, along with fried calamari, fried mozzarella and stuffed shrimp. Personally, I can’t wait to taste the crab alfredo!
Nick & Angelo’s is open for both lunch and dinner; 451-2702; nickandangelosristorante.com.
Food drive Sunday
More than 100 teenagers from the parishes of Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic churches have volunteered their time this coming Sunday, Nov. 15, to collect food donations for local food pantries.
“Our teens will be walking the village of Liverpool to collect canned goods and non-perishable items for our two church pantries,” said Amy Wojcikowski, the director of faith formation at the linked churches.
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