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Matthew BealeMatthew Beall is a skilled Highland piper with over 20 years of experience. He excelled in his solo competitions up to Grade 2 under the guidance of Pipe Major John Cairns. Matthew's passion for bagpipes led him to start a pipe band at a private school in Hattiesburg, MS. He is also the Pipe Major of the Hub City Highlanders. Matthew has many years of experience teaching bagpipes to people of all ages and will expertly show you the workings and amazing heritage of the pipes.
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Eyler CoatesHarpist and multi-instrumentalist, Eyler Coates, is the winner of the Clan Currie National Tune Writing Award, for his composition, “The Old Bard of Stilligarry.” While attending these same highland games in 2009, he came upon a harpist. At age 53, he decided that the harp would be his main instrument. He has been performing as a professional harpist with The New Orleans Celtic Harp Ensemble since 2010 and he is also a snare drummer for the Hub City Highlanders and bassist/harpist for Blarney Coast.
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Laura DobsonLaura Dobson has been playing violin since age 5. When Laura was a young teen she began to develop a love for Irish and Scottish fiddle music. She continued studying classical music weekly and even went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance from Belhaven College in 2007.
She had the privilege to study folk music beginning in her early teens up until adulthood with Tim Avalon of Jackson, MS. The impact of his teaching and mentorship has been very significant in helping her become the violinist she is today. Laura is so honored to be invited back to the HIghland Games for a third time and looks forward to sharing many favorite tunes! |
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Rickey E. PittmanRickey E. Pittman, the Bard of the South, is a storyteller, author, and folksinger. He was the Grand Prize Winner of the 1998 Ernest Hemingway Short Story Competition, and is originally from Dallas, Texas. Pittman presents his stories, music and programs at schools, libraries, organizations, museums, historical reenactments, restaurants, banquets, and Celtic festivals throughout the South. An adjunct college English instructor with an M.A. from Abilene Christian University, he has fourteen published books, four music CDs and several single releases.
You won’t want to miss him in the Cultural Tent with two engaging times each day:
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