Show time. It was a brand new experience for three of us, and it had been a long time for the rest. I held a pep talk before we went out.

"I won't tell you to relax, or not be nervous. That's natural, the first few times. I will tell you to remember we're getting paid to be on that stage, so be professional, and do your best. Ready to rock these people?"

They were.

We came out, all but me. They started out playing, and I strutted onto the stage in full dress, kilt, sash, white shirt, vest, knee socks, and a sporran. And of course, my tam. The...