Boney Music Memorial Invitational Piping Competition and Recital was held Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Seaforth Armouries in Vancouver. The evening was organized by the BC Pipers’ Association in conjunction with the Seaforth Armoury and emceed by David Hilder. The crowd of over one hundred in attendance and those joining through the high quality Facebook livestream were treated to outstanding performances and camaraderie.
The evening started with wonderful performances by Andrew’s children Kate and Cameron Bonar. Cameron, at only 15 is an accomplished Grade 1 piper, recently winning Winter Storm in Kansas City and was the Aggregate winner for the BCPA Winter mini series, earlier in the day. Cameron demonstrated great musicality and skill in his performance. Kater, a 5 time Canadian Champion danced the Seann Truibhas, accompanied by her brother on pipes.
The four competitors for the evening were Alastair Lee, Zephan Knichel, Jamie Kubasiewicz, and P/M Alan Bevan. Each performance required a tune by a Canadian composer, an Andrew Bonar tune, a ground of a Piobaireachd, and a medley of tunes, all of each piper’s choosing.
The invited players showed why they are in the top of the BCPA Grand aggregate standings and selected to play in honour of friend, band mate, and role model, Andrew Bonar. Each player was dynamic with their own unique sound, musical selections and spectacular skill. Alan Bevan was declared this year’s winner followed by Jamie Kubasiwicz. Honorable mention went to Alastair Lee and Zephan Knichel.
Sam Snobelen from the BC Cancer Agency spoke to the crowd on the importance of groundbreaking brain cancer research and how fundraisers such as the Boney Music Invitational, make it possible. To date, this event has raised over $18,000. Currently this year’s event has raised $5230. The fundraising link will remain open until February 25, for those wanting to make a donation.
http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/goto/BoneyMusic
It was Andrew’s wish to make this an annual event to raise funds for Brain Cancer research. Being together with friends new and old, sharing music and memories, keeping Andrew’s memory and outstanding contributions to piping in BC and around the world alive. The piping community was able to honour Andrew Bonar, his family, and support this very worthy cause.