Entertainment for 2023
Jamestown Pipes and Drums
The featured bagpipe band again this year will be the award-winning Jamestown Pipes and Drums from Jamestown, NC. The band is led by Pipe Major Eric Sparklin and Drum Sargent Robert Monroe. Jamestown Pipes and Drums compete in the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA) competitions in the southeast. For more information, please see their website,
Sheep Herding Demonstrations
Sheep herding is an important part of Scottish history and culture. Sheep herding in Scotland may have started as far back as 4,000-5,000 years ago not only to produce meat, but also to produce additional products such as milk and wool. Specially trained sheep dogs are very commonplace in Scotland where the use of such dogs goes back to the 19th century. Come and watch live demonstrations of the art of sheep herding using border collies, or as the Scots call them, tykes.
Cherokees (Aniywiya)
Thanks to the Cowee School of Art and Heritage Center this year’s festival will feature the Atsila Anotasgi (the Cherokee word for “Fire Builders”). A Museum for the Cherokee Indian group, the Atsila Anotsagi, are all enrolled Eastern Band of Cherokee citizens from Cherokee, N.C., who focus on cultural preservation through reconnecting with their Cherokee heritage. They are a group of motivated, passionate, young artists, storytellers, singers, dancers, researchers, and Cherokee language learners. The Atsila Anotsagi will demonstrate storytelling, flute playing, Cherokee dancing, finger-weaving, and beadwork.
865 Axe Throwing Axperience
This year the Taste of Scotland Festival is adding a new exciting axperience. There will be a trailer with two targets and an axpert coach that will teach you how to safely hold and throw your axe at a dedicated target. Points are scored based on where your axe lands on the target. Come and find out what all the buzz is about and try your hand at axe throwing! (Included with admission cost.)
Mountain Muse
Mountain Muse formed as a nod to traditional Celtic and Scottish heritage. The band is a trio made up of Katharine (Kate) Brown, Marie (Maury) Dunkle and Dave Stewart. Kate is a singer who also plays the bodhran (Irish drum). Maury plays the fiddle and mandolin and sings. And Dave is a guitarist and vocalist. For more information, please see mountainmusemusic.com.
Andrew Finn Magill
Photo by Anna Colliton Visuals
Andrew Finn Magill is a violinist/fiddler, composer, and educator from Ashville. He has been featured in PBS, NPR, TEDx, and MTV-U. Finn is a Fulbright fellow, North Carolina Arts Council Fellow, and South Arts Emerging Traditional Artist. He has performed with John Doyle, Rising Appalachia, Charm City Junction, Open the Door for Three, Greg Ruby, The Paul McKenna Band, and Peter Mawanga among others. For more information on Andrew Finn Magill, please go to andrewfinnmagill.com.
Wild Mountain Time
“Wild Mountain Time”… Local band out of Cullowhee, N.C. performing their eclectic mix of Celtic & Folk music featuring songs from Scotland, Ireland, and America.
*Norma Jean Zahner on vocals, guitar, and bodhran
*Jim Gordon on vocals and guitar
*Josh Gordon on bass guitar and bodhran
*Special guest performer
Colin Grant-Adams
Folk singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Colin Grant-Adams has been a professional touring artist for over forty years. He brings a wealth of experience and stories to his performances, from the folk clubs of Great Britain and Europe through the 60’s and 70’s, to running shows at the Great Western Hotel in Oban, Scotland in the 80’s, before moving to America in the 90’s where he settled in Glasgow, Kentucky with his wife, Dr. Julia Schooler. Colin entertains with strong vocals and a guitar, five string banjo, or mandolin in hand. For more information on Colin Grant-Adams, please go to
colin-grantadams.com.
Jacobites By Name
The Jacobites By Name specializes in traditional Scots and Irish music. Cousins George and Nathan James have been playing music for a long time, and finally decided to play together in the summer of 2012. Nathan plays whistles and sings, and George plays guitar and sings. The duo is known for authentic renditions of traditional Celtic tunes and warm harmonies.