Check out our great 2024 Entertainment Lineup!
Whether you enjoy Celtic rock, folk or something in between, we have a band for you. Come out to one of our three entertainment stages for a rockin’ and toe-tappin’ good time.
Welcome our 2024 Headliners!
Tuatha Dea
Tuatha Dea is a progressive Americana band with a rock edge and a Celtic-Appalachian influence. Their music thrives on a perpetual energy backed by expansive vocal ranges, steady, driving percussion, electric instrumentation and the melodic sounds of acoustic instruments like fiddle, guitar, penny whistle, bagpipes and even didgeridoo. The band has embraced its Celtic heritage and meshed the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland with their own bold blend. Tuatha Dea is an Old Irish phrase adopted from the Celtic mythology of the Tuatha de Danaan whose literary history originates in Ireland. The name “Tuatha Dea” means “Children of The Gods.”
SYR
SYR (“sire”) is a Celtic Folk Rock band from Columbia, SC. Taking inspiration from Celtic history, stories and myth, SYR creates powerful songs with themes of battle, love and victory, celebrating the rich heritage of the Celtic Nations in a contemporary style with broad audience appeal. SYR’s reputation for a high-energy performance has made them a popular attraction for many Celtic festivals and events, building a following across the US and internationally. The band consists of siblings Kyle (lead vocals, guitar) and Laurel MacCallum (vocals & percussion), Kelly Vance (bass), Greg Vance (drums), and Worth Lewallen (fiddle).
Pictus
Pictus is not simply a “bagpipe and drum band” for there are stories, tales and jokes to be told by Oengus Mac Og, the drummer & voice of Pictus. There is Irish and Scottish Highland dance provided by the energetic and beautiful Ceilidh Shillelagh. There are Irish penny whistle and original compositions by Tallisyn. With nationally acclaimed, award-winning bagpiper John “Tallisyn” Holland, the years of drumming and stage experience of Brad “Oengus” Sprauer, and the years of drumming & Irish dance performance of Lauren “Céilidh Shillelagh” Berry, is a powerful show that is not to be missed!
Additional Live Music!
Colin Grant-Adams
Colin Grant-Adams is an award-winning touring singer/songwriter/guitarist, originally from Oban Scotland, now living in Glasgow, KY. His sound includes traditional and original songs from Scotland and Ireland intermixed with bluegrass and Americana, old time and bluegrass music. With his tenor voice, fiery guitar work and good humor, Colin is sought after professional entertainer, with 11 CD recordings, including his new CD “Scotland to Americana.” As a result of his popularity, Colin is one of two entertainers who hold a “continuing contract” with the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games!
Trip Rogers
Trip Rogers has been playing Celtic festivals and events all around the Southeastern United States for more than 20 years. He provides a high-energy show of Scottish and Irish folk songs, along with crowd-pleasing original material and plenty of Southern humor.
Ghosts of Bannockburn
Formed in the winter of 2013, Ghosts of Bannockburn set out to bring traditional Scottish and Irish music to the masses by introducing a modern feel to the songs. Now more than 10 years later, William (Guitar/Vocals), and Geoff (Fiddle) continue to draw in new, and retain old fans to keep alive the spirit of the music of Scotland and Ireland.
Kinnfolk
The husband and wife duo of Josh and Julie Kinn weave octave mandolin, bodhrán (Irish drum), and smooth vocal harmonies into their Celtic folk music from the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sea shanties and working songs, to trad tunes and old time favorites, Kinnfolk’s fresh take on classics blends seamlessly with their original compositions. They share stories as enduring as tartan, spinning yarns steeped in Appalachian charm and enjoying playful banter with the audience. Their shows feel like a kitchen party, where everyone is family, and there’s always room for a dancer.
Glen Ayr
Glen Ayr, a spirited traditional Scottish band hailing from the vibrant Knoxville area, embodies the rich tradition of Scottish music with their skillful renditions on fiddles, guitar, Scottish small pipes, Irish whistle, and Irish drum. Committed to preserving and sharing their cultural heritage, Glen Ayr weaves together captivating tales, lively tunes, and soulful songs. Band members include David Pickens, Alicia Peery, Rachel Crosby and Tracy Jenkins. Glen Ayr is a fixture at the traditional bi-weekly Scottish sessions hosted at Boyd’s Jig and Reel, where they contribute their talents and immerse themselves in the vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts.
Culture and History Presentations 2024
Join us for entertaining and educational presentations from experts eager to share their knowledge of Scottish and Scottish American history, culture and lore.
Bill Caudill
Bill Caudill is a native of Waxhaw, NC and is descended from both Highland and Lowland Scots who settled in the Carolinas. Professionally he is the founder and director of the Scottish Heritage Center at St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, NC, where he is a resident historian and folklorist as well as instructor of the St. Andrews Pipe Band. He is a retired professional competing piper and current president of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association. He has lectured on topics relative to Scottish immigration and cultural retentions in the Carolinas and the greater South to countless civic, historical, genealogical and professional groups as well as at universities from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, from which he received his graduate degree in Folklore and American Studies.
amelia galvas
Amelia has been making brooms for six years. A former art teacher, she took on a full apprenticeship from a retired broom maker on House Mountain. From the first broom she was swept away! The educational aspect is still a very important factor in the process. She visits schools, museums and other organizations demonstrating and teaching brooms. On the weekends, you can find her at the Farmers Market in Knoxville .She offers classes both online and in person. The brooms are all different,each one has its own story. Amelia believes that it should be an organic process. With only a rough draft in her mind, she sets out to make the broom. “They really come to life, it’s always exciting to experience it!.” Find her on Etsy, and socials @aviarybroomco.
Haggis Mcleod
Let Haggis Mcleod regale you with his enchanted Celtic stories. Haggis Macleod is the stage name for Jay McClure. He has performed as a storyteller for over 23 years including with the Brevard (FL) Theatrical Ensemble telling a wide variety of stories. He is a member of the Clan Macleod society and specializes in Celtic stories. He was given permission to wear pheasant feathers as a clan baird by the past Chief Macleod of Macleod. He is currently a storyteller with Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg.
Bob Valentine
Bob is the official master of ceremonies for the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games, and has performed in this role at Scottish heritage events across America. His stock of stories and ready wit are well suited for hosting musicians on our Edinburgh Stage as well as our whisky tasting seminars. A veteran of stage and film, his CD titled, “I’ll Tak the Lo Road” was rereleased in 2020.
Stages
All stages are sponsored by Boyd’s Jig and Reel.
Edinburgh Stage
Features headlining performers who tour internationally and have translated their deep knowledge of Scottish music onto some of the largest Celtic festival stages in the world. This is music that you will feel in your bones.
Glasgow Stage
Features traditional music that is such a vital part of our community, and the Scottish folk music we are so proud of!
St. Andrews Stage
Gives you an opportunity to learn more about Scottish history, culture and lore with a smaller, close-up experience.