the 2024 festival line up
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Music
Ally the piper
Ally the Piper is a multi-instrumentalist out of New York. She specializes in celtic instrumentation, such as the Highland Bagpipe, Scottish Smallpipe, Irish whistles, and vocals. At age 16, Ally became a world champion performing on the Highland Bagpipe and holds several domestic and international titles. She performs professionally, and virtually through her various social media platforms where she has amassed nearly three million followers, making her the most followed bagpiper on the internet.
Emerald Accent
based out of Laurel, MS., these five musicians boast a collective background in Irish, Bluegrass, and Classical genres, this band prides itself in their Irish and Scottish traditional styles. they are at home playing ceilidhs or performing slow soothing jigs and waltzes. This group also provides live accompaniment for the Jackson Irish Dancers.
RED RIVER Pipes & DRUMS
a marching band based out of Shreveport, LA under the direction of Pipe Major James Parker. they perform in venues around the Ark-La-Tex such as parades, Highland Games and bagpipe competitions. They also perform at smaller events requiring only one or two pipers.
The Rogues
Founded in Houston in 1994, The Rogues created a new genre of Celtic music with exceptionally well-played pipes and driving percussion and have become award-winning international artists. From Scottish Highland games to performing with a symphony orchestra, The Rogues deliver a commanding performance.
DEAD RECKONING
STRING BAND
Get Ready for the authentic sound of Louisiana-grown roots music with Dead Reckoning String Band., hailing from the heart of Northeast Louisiana. and bursting with energy, Dead Reckoning infuses each performance with infectious enthusiasm and a deep-rooted connection to their Louisiana heritage.
Dancers
Held at noon, led by the honored clan. The clans parade around the festival grounds and end at the stage where a kirking of the tartans is held.
Two Separate Shows
A show for Scottish Breeds
A show for Non-Scottish Breeds
Jackson Irish Dancers
Since 1998, Jackson Irish Dancers have brought Irish dance events to Mississippi and beyond. , from the up-on-your toes Riverdance-style solo dance to the casual fun of céilí dancing, sets and sean-nós (old-style) dance., they are sure to please audiences of all ages!
march of
the clans
Thistle Dancers & Pipers
This is a group of talented young people who perform the traditional Highland dances and music of Scotland. The Thistle Dancers and Pipers are located in Natchitoches, LA and will make their 2nd appearance at Scottish Tartan Festival in 2023!
Kirking of the Tartans
Gems Dance Company
This merry band of belly dancers have been entertaining the Ark-La-Tex since 2009. Their dance styles include American and Egyptian Cabaret, Folkloric belly dance, Spanish Fusion, Steampunk, and SCA inspired Medieval dance. They are joined onstage by Logjam who drum for some dance numbers as well as a guest piper!
Dog Show
This ceremony is held at noon following the Grand March of Clans. The brief ceremony will be led by Scottish Society Chaplain, Jeffrey Foster.
Storyteller
Jeff Stewart
Veteran storyteller, Cryptozoologist, television personality and author of books about monsters such as Bigfoot and the Goat Man, Jeff is a direct descendant of Robert The Bruce and the Royal Stewarts of Scotland. He likes to focus on the stories with a theme of ghostly and monstrous legends and lore. Are you getting goosebumps yet?
Storyteller
Jeff D. Hurely
A festival veteran, Jeff will regale you with tales of Celtic adventure, humor, and excitement! Having spent most of his life on stage performing, he is an expert in captivating an audience. Be sure not to miss a single thrilling tale!
Medieval
Camp
The Society for Creative Anachronism, Shire of Ardanroe chapter will join us for Medieval Combat demonstrations as well as setting up a camp with demonstrations of skills and arts common to the medieval times.
Red River Smiths
See history come alive as the members of the Red River Smiths demonstrate blacksmithing skills of yesteryear.
Broadsword
Demo
This is an event sponsored by Shreveport HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). This will occur at various times throughout the day.
Weaving
Jim Greene creates tartan using wool yarn on a wooden loom. He typically demonstrates weaving a blanket of the official State of Louisiana Tartan.
Spinning
see a demonstration of this historic method of spinning thread by hand.
Flintknapping
a group of hobbyists known as the “Chip-lot-a’s” demonstrate Flintknapping. They make arrowheads and other items out of rock.
Bids of Prey Exhibit
Gaelic language workshop
dead reckoning
string band
Courtesy of Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Park in Blanchard, Louisiana, meet a falcon and hawk in person. Master Falconer Rusty Scarborough will teach how to identify these birds through certain identifying characteristics, as well as how they hunt for prey.
David gressett gives several lessons in Gaelic throughout the day during Scottish Tartan Festival. His experience with Scots Gaelic as well as the Welsh language spans decades.
DEAD RECKONING
STRING BAND
Get Ready for the authentic sound of Louisiana-grown roots music with Dead Reckoning String Band., hailing from the heart of Northeast Louisiana. and bursting with energy, Dead Reckoning infuses each performance with infectious enthusiasm and a deep-rooted connection to their Louisiana heritage.
Haggis-Eating
Contest
An annual competitive eating competition in which a representative of each clan attempts to down a one lb. haggis in record time. The defending champion in 2022 is Brad Petree, of Clan MacGregor.
Bonniest Knees
Contest
One of the more entertaining events at the festival. The Bonniest Knees Contest is open to a limited number of men in kilts, whose knees will be felt and judged by a blindfolded lady. Defending champion this year is Pitt Merriman.
Children's
Area
Dance around the Maypole, get your face painted, create giant bubbles, hunt for leprechaun gold, listen to a story or watch a puppet show.