For centuries, the lute was considered the "prince of instruments," and lute players were celebrities in royal courts across Europe. Ayreheart, a progressive folk trio founded by lutenist Ronn McFarlane, seeks to restore the instrument to its former glory - but in a modern context. During the Renaissance and Baroque eras, lute players were songwriters and pop stars who weren't afraid to improvise. The three members of Ayreheart - McFarlane on lute, Will Morris on fretless bass, violin and colascione, and Mattias Rucht on percussion - all have backgrounds in rock and jazz, which comes through in their energetic performances.
Ayreheart
Hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, these southern siblings delight with their pure unique style and blend of eclectic Americana and original, blood harmonies and matriarchal melodies. As sisters, Rebecca and Katherine began their harmonious journey at birth. Writing, creating and sculpting sound was a family birthright and music a family affair.
“The Infamous Holman Sisters” features the incredible melodic and sweeping musical stylings of Miss Dawn Cunningham on violin. Dawn’s textured layering and emotional melodies dynamically infuse and perfectly compliments both original ballads and fan favorites. Her lifelong devotion to her craft is instantaneously recognizable from note one and she completes this triad of feminine southern energy charm.
Infamous Holman Sisters
With a baritone voice some have described as "coming along once in a generation," CHARLIE ZAHM has become one of the most successful performers on the Celtic festival circuit. A master of the guitar and bodhrán as well, he brings an authentic love and respect for the music he sings.
Tad Marks, an accomplished American folk and bluegrass fiddler in his own right and former member of the Del McCoury Band, joins Charlie at this performance.
Charlie Zahm & Tad Marks
The Piper Jones Band has one mission: to bring spirited, magical dance tunes and songs to everyone - from Celtic music veterans to those hearing it for the first time.
Frances Cunningham, EJ Jones, and Andrew Toy are a lyrical, high energy trio based on the moving and beautiful sounds of the Highland bagpipes, accompanied by unique percussive chords from the bouzouki. While maintaining a strong musical base in traditional tunes from Ireland, Scotland, and Appalachia, the group also performs original instrumental compositions and powerful vocal harmonies, as well as stepping off stage from time to time to lead the audience in traditional dances.
Piper Jones Band
Hailing from Roanoke, VA 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. These young musicians have received well deserved accolades from Celtic media and have performed extensively through Eastern US and Canada. They were awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for their project, "Star Above the Mountain," a body of work exploring the history, geography, and folk legends of their town.
Kinnfolk
Jody's Annual Holiday Concert once again, Jody Marshall and friends will fill the Snuggery with mirth, merriment, and plenty of good cheer with their popular holiday show. Jody's sparkling hammered dulcimer, along with Paul Nahay's rock-solid piano and Jim Queen's versatile fiddle, deliver holiday spirit in repertoire ranging from beloved favorites to lesser-known gems . Add in golden-voiced Susan Queen on lead vocals, with Jody and Jim contributing their spot-on harmonies, and the result is a show that spans the gamut from funny Christmas parodies to lovely holiday ballads to intricately arranged instrumentals. There's something here for everyone - you won't want to miss it!
Jody Marshall & Friends