Latest news with #Pipkin
Daily Record
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Top jazz musician set for music nights at historic Stirling city centre hotel
Dom Pipkin has been signed up for the opening by the new owners of the Golden Lion venue in the city. One of the world's greatest jazz and blues musicians is to launch a series of lounge music piano nights at one of Scotland's most historic hotels. Piano player and songwriter Dom Pipkin has been signed up for the opening by the new owners of the Golden Lion in Stirling. Pipkin has been described by Blues in Britain as 'one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano' and will be performing on Wednesday July 9. Hotelier and entrepreneur Gary Atkinson said: 'We're thrilled to have a true British jazz legend tinkling the ivories as we create Cronies Piano Lounge - a new home for superb music and classic cocktails. 'My partner Ros and I have had the pleasure of seeing Dom perform initially in Ronnie Scotts in London, with Morcheeba in Cologne and, of course, in our Aberdeen hotel a few times. Once he dons that iconic hat and starts to play his unique mix of Big Easy sounds and songwriting with blues, it simply takes your breath away. 'The Golden Lion is the oldest building on King Street and has famous connections to Rabbie Burns and we hope that we can create our own piece of history and culture by introducing a vibrant music and arts scene for a modern discerning local clientele. 'We are already eagerly awaiting the appearance of Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin at this year's Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival in September. He will be joined at the hotel by singer-songwriter James Yorkston, Mull Historical Society's Colin MacIntyre and author Natalie Jayne Clark for The Whisky Night – a late-night dram with a blend of lively banter and songs.' Gary is no stranger to the hospitality and music scene, having previously owned and ran hotels and many premium stadiums, hosting some of the greatest artists including Oasis, Harry Styles, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyonce. Pipkin studied jazz at the Royal Academy of Music and has played prestigious venues such as the acclaimed 'Piano Night' in New Orleans. He is also a touring member of Morcheeba, performs with his band The Ikos, and has played with numerous leading artists including Ray Davies and David Byrne. He has shared stages with legends such as Allen Toussaint , Dr John and Screamin' Jay Hawkins, with Grammy award winner Jon Cleary inviting him to jam whenever he's in town. Fans include Jonathan Ross, Hugh Laurie, David Arnold, and Jamie Cullum. Pipkin first discovered the New Orleans style in the early 90s and has become a regular performer in that city, with appearances that include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival. A fixture on the European blues and boogie-woogie festival circuit, he has played thousands of club in a career spanning nearly three decades. During the Covid lockdown he performed more than 120 broadcast shows from his home and completed his solo album 'C'mon Sunshine' - an all-original collection of songs on the subject of hope. On screen, Pipkin stars in the Netflix thriller, Black Doves, and A Thousand Blows by the creators of Peaky Blinders. Pipkin will also return later in the year and the hotel is recruiting a regular line-up of top pianists to perform Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday Jazz Lunch. A full entertainment and event schedule for Cronies will be released shortly. The 66-bedroom hotel is almost 240 years old and features a majestic golden lion above the entrance porch. With its central location, it has been a long-standing favourite for diners, travellers and for friends to catch up, including Burns and his Cronies. In August 1787, he and his travelling companion Willie Nicol stayed at The Golden Lion and in the evening they were joined by local businessman Christopher Bell. At the time the Castle was very rundown and this inspired Burns to write the famous 'Stirling Lines' and etched the verse on a pane of glass in his second-floor bedroom. 'Here Stuarts once in glory reign'd, And laws for Scotland's weal ordain'd ; But now unroof 'd their palace stands, Their sceptre's sway'd by other hands. The injur'd Stuart line is gone, A race outlandish fills their throne An idiot race, to honour lost : Who know them best despise them most.' Realising his lament for the deposed Stuart line and shock at the dilapidated state of the Castle had caused offence, Burns returned to the hotel in October and smashed the pane of glass with the butt of his riding crop. Gary shares: 'Our Cronies bar and restaurant was named in honour of our Burns heritage and aimed to capture that spirit of revellers getting together to put the world to rights. We are bringing in a Baby Grand Piano and aiming to attract a younger generation to chat over great cocktails, coffees, relaxed dining and enjoy the stylish ambience. 'We're proud to be part of such a great city, working with local tourism, businesses and the council to put the emphasis on superb hospitality and help promote Stirling for both local and Central Belt residents, as well as a UK and International visitor destination.'
Daily Record
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
World-renowned jazz artist to perform at 240-year-old Scottish hotel
Jazz star Dom Pipkin will launch Cronies Piano Lounge at Stirling's historic Golden Lion Hotel on July 9 A world-renowned jazz and blues pianist is set to bring his signature New Orleans sound to one of Scotland's most historic hotels next week. Dom Pipkin, hailed as 'one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano,' will perform at the Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling on Wednesday, July 9. The intimate gig will mark the launch of Cronies Piano Lounge, a new live music and cocktail space inside the centuries-old venue. The 66-bedroom Golden Lion has stood in the heart of Stirling for nearly 240 years and is famously linked to Rabbie Burns, who stayed there during a visit in 1787. According to legend, the poet was inspired by the dilapidated state of Stirling Castle to write his controversial 'Stirling Lines' and etched them into a pane of glass in his second-floor bedroom, only to later return and smash the window with the butt of his riding crop. Hotelier Gary Atinson said he was delighted to be welcoming Pipkin to such a storied venue. 'We're thrilled to have a true British jazz legend tinkling the ivories as we create Cronies Piano Lounge – a new home for superb music and classic cocktails,' he told Herald Scotland. 'My partner Ros and I have had the pleasure of seeing Dom perform initially in Ronnie Scotts in London, with Morcheeba in Cologne and, of course, in our Aberdeen hotel a few times. Once he dons that iconic hat and starts to play his unique mix of Big Easy sounds and songwriting with blues, it simply takes your breath away.' Pipkin's impressive career has seen him share stages with legends like Ray Davies and David Byrne, tour as a member of Morcheeba, and lead his own acclaimed band, The Ikos. He's a regular performer in New Orleans and is considered one of the UK's most respected interpreters of the city's musical traditions. Alongside his musical career, Pipkin has also made appearances on screen, including roles in Netflix's Black Doves and A Thousand Blows , the gritty historical drama from the creators of Peaky Blinders . His performance in Stirling won't be a one-off either. The hotel plans to build on the momentum by hosting regular lounge sessions, with top pianists lined up for Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons and nights, and relaxed Sunday jazz lunches. Pipkin himself is set to return for more performances later in the year. The Golden Lion stands on the site of The Gibb's Inn Tavern and Lodgings, rebuilt in the 1780s by Stirling businessman James Wingate and designed by the renowned Scottish architect Gideon Gray. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. It sits proudly on King Street, formerly known as Quality Street, renamed in 1820 to honour King George IV. Outside the hotel lies the historic 'New' Port Gate, a marker of Stirling's medieval past. It was here, legend says, that around the year 900 a wolf's growl alerted guards to a Danish Viking raid, helping to save the town. The wolf still features on Stirling's coat of arms as a symbol of its survival. Overlooking all of this stands the Golden Lion statue, a fixture of the cityscape for nearly two centuries. 'It has presided over many changes in our city, the ups and downs, the comings and goings,' the hotel says on its website. 'However, one thing remains constant: we continue to strive to provide a valuable service to visitors and travellers to and from Stirling alike.'
The Herald Scotland
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
World famous jazz artist announces gig at historic Scottish hotel
Pipkin has been described as 'one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano' and will perform in Stirling next week. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 9 and hotelier Gary Atinson cannot wait to welcome him to the hotel, which has connections to Rabbie Burns and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. He said: 'We're thrilled to have a true British jazz legend tinkling the ivories as we create Cronies Piano Lounge - a new home for superb music and classic cocktails. 'My partner Ros and I have had the pleasure of seeing Dom perform initially in Ronnie Scotts in London, with Morcheeba in Cologne and, of course, in our Aberdeen hotel a few times. Once he dons that iconic hat and starts to play his unique mix of Big Easy sounds and songwriting with blues, it simply takes your breath away. 'The Golden Lion is the oldest building on King Street and has famous connections to Rabbie Burns and we hope that we can create our own piece of history and culture by introducing a vibrant music and arts scene for a modern discerning local clientele. Read More 'We are already eagerly awaiting the appearance of Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin at this year's Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival in September. He will be joined at the hotel by singer-songwriter James Yorkston, Mull Historical Society's Colin MacIntyre and author Natalie Jayne Clark for The Whisky Night – a late-night dram with a blend of lively banter and songs.' Pipkin has played prestigious venues throughout his career and as well as being a touring member of Morcheeba as well as his own band The Ikos, he has played with artists such as Ray Davies and David Byrne. He has been performing the New Orleans style since discovering it in the 1990s and is a regular in that city. On screen, Pipkin stars in the Netflix thriller, Black Doves, and A Thousand Blows by the creators of Peaky Blinders. Pipkin will also return later in the year and the hotel is recruiting a regular line-up of top pianists to perform Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday Jazz Lunch. The 66-bedroom hotel is almost 240 years old and housed Rabbie Burns during a stay there in August 1787 when he wrote he even wrote the famous 'Stirling Lines' and etched the verse into a pane of glass on the second floor, which he then later destroyed. Mr Atkinson added: 'Our Cronies bar & restaurant was named in honour of our Burns heritage and aimed to capture that spirit of revellers getting together to put the world to rights. We are bringing in a Baby Grand Piano and aiming to attract a younger generation to chat over great cocktails, coffees, relaxed dining and enjoy the stylish ambience.' 'We're proud to be part of such a great city, working with local tourism, businesses and the council to put the emphasis on superb hospitality and help promote Stirling for both local & Central Belt residents, as well as a UK and International visitor destination."
USA Today
29-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
Texas fisherman catches record bass, releases it 3½ months later
Texas fisherman catches record bass, releases it 3½ months later A Texas fisherman caught a lake-record 14.05-pound largemouth bass at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, making it one of 14 bass in the state that qualified for the 2025 Toyota ShareLunker Program. Willie Pipkin caught the lunker bass on February 5 and then, as part of the ShareLunker Program for bass 13 pounds and bigger, loaned the fish to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to use in its selective breeding and stocking program. Qualifying bass are known as Legacy Class ShareLunkers. Pipkin, joined by wildlife officials, released the bass back into Lady Bird Lake on May 22, as reported by MySan Antonio. Video of the release was posted last week by the TPWD on its Facebook page. 'He just released her back into the lake to let the legend live on,' TPWD wrote in its post. 'Anglers provided 14 Legacy Class ShareLunkers from nine different public lakes across the state of Texas,' the TPWD reported in a press release. 'Another new waterbody recorded its first Legacy Class fish, and O.H. Ivie, the reigning waterbody champion for the past five seasons, finished 2025 with six of the 14 total Legacy Class entries. 'O.H. Ivie retained its designation as the undisputed leader with 59 Legacy Class fish during the five-year span. The lake sprinted across the finish line in 2025 with three consecutive Legacy Lunkers to close out the collection season. The West Texas hotspot accumulated 12 Legacy Class Lunkers in 2021, 2022 and 2024 and amassed a record-shattering 15 ShareLunkers in 2023.' The program runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. 'With new lakes joining the Legacy Class ranks, and returning favorites like O.H. Ivie continuing to impress, it's clear that lunker bass fishing in Texas is thriving,' program coordinator Natalie Goldstrohm stated. 'Every ShareLunker catch helps Texas Parks and Wildlife Department advance bass genetics, fisheries management and angler recognition across the state.' Photos courtesy of the TPWD.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Washington could be losing money as some drivers have been swinging free rides on SR 167 for years
The state may be losing millions of dollars because some drivers are getting a free ride on SR 167. This is as we, too, learn for the first time — some HOT lane drivers are riding for free! The HOT lanes on SR 167 are free if you don't have a Good to Go! transponder. That was news to us until today's monthly meeting of the Washington State Transportation Commission. That's when we found out there are no license plate readers to force those drivers to pay the toll. In fact, none of the drivers we talked to knew about this. With no license plate reader, those who don't have a transponder — aren't paying at all. Some drivers in the HOT lanes on SR 167 are driving entirely for free. Katelynne Lee of Eatonville says she has never gotten a bill, 'not for 167.' She said she did not know why. In fact, KIRO 7 just uncovered it. Drivers don't need a passenger to avoid the toll in the HOT lanes if they don't have the Good to Go! transponder. It was news to Marcellis Pipkin, too. He says he never pays a toll on SR 167 because he never drives in the HOT lanes since he is usually 'by myself.' He was asked if he knew he could drive in the HOT lanes. 'By myself?' he asked. He confirmed he doesn't have a transponder so, there is no way to read his license plate. 'Oh,' replied Pipkin. This came to light as the Washington State Transportation Commission was holding its monthly meeting. Most of the meeting was devoted to the toll rates that are increasing across King County and parts of Pierce County, but there was also a portion of the meeting dedicated to the plan to install license plate reading technology on SR 167, something that it has apparently never had in the seven years the state has been collecting tolls. That means there is no pay by mail. Carl See, WTSC deputy director, was asked if they know how much money the state is losing. 'I'd have to refer you to WSDOT on that to talk about those kind of things,' See said. 'But it certainly is a problem with leakage, evasion... however you want to talk about that.' Maybe so, but it was music to the ears of the drivers we talked to. 'I'm not mad at not paying,' said Pipkin, laughing. 'I'm not complaining about free.' You could still get into trouble. The Washington State Patrol is supposed to enforce the law on this roadway, when they are here anyway. We called the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to follow up on this, but they told us they don't have that data right at hand. So, we'll keep pushing until we get the answers.
