Kevin Murison, a bagpiper in Ottawa, receives a mix of reactions while performing on a busy sidewalk during weekends. Despite a few individuals covering their ears as they pass by, Murison mostly receives positive feedback from people expressing admiration for his music. One memorable incident involved a tourist from Brazil who was moved to tears by his performance and even left her contact information for potential future meetups.
However, not all encounters have been pleasant for Murison. He recalls an unsettling incident where a man demanded he stop playing, threw a drink at him, and stole money from his collection case. Yet, the most alarming event occurred recently when Murison sustained an injury during an unprovoked attack while playing near Ottawa Locks.
The attack took place when a man approached Murison under the guise of taking a photo but then revealed a knife. The exact sequence of events remains somewhat unclear to Murison, but he found himself injured as the assailant fled in a vehicle. Fortunately, a passerby called emergency services, leading to a swift police response. The suspect, a 25-year-old man, was swiftly apprehended and is currently facing multiple charges, including assault with a weapon and violating probation terms.
Despite the traumatic experience, Murison remains determined to continue his passion for bagpiping. He has been touched by the outpouring of support from his band and the wider bagpiping community. Although he is currently recovering from his injuries, Murison looks forward to returning to his regular busking spot once he has healed.
