Albannach will return to the NHHG in 2010! Since their first visit to the NHHG, Albannach has continued to draw crowds of concert goers. Albannach is Scots Gaelic for "Scottish" or "Scotsman." That's exactly what the members of this band are. Albannach are all born and bred in Scotland and their purpose in life is to share their intriguing culture, history, and heritage with you by means of their music. Albannach are not just another "pipes and drums" band, indeed they bring you a new and exciting form of music. A championship piper, an extremely talented lead drummer, 2 bass drummers and a bodhran player bring you a brand new approach to pipes and percussion. Don't miss the ever exciting and energetic perfomances of Albannach!

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be returning to the NH Highland Games in 2010! Featuring a fusion of traditional pipe tunes and modern anthems, the Chilli’s brand of “bag rock” have cemented their well-earned reputation for one of the most exciting acts around. Members of the Chilli’s include founding member and musical director Stuart Cassells, who as well as rocking all over the world in recent years, was the recipient of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2005 and the first person to gain a degree in bagpipes from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Joining Stuart and proving that three pipers are always better than one, are Grade 1 pipers Kevin MacDonald and Willie Armstrong. Twice world champion snare drummer Steven Graham and Malcolm McEwan make up the band's percussion section with back up from rock 'n' roll drummer Steven Black. Completing the line up are the youngest Chilli and new kid on the block Chris Russell on keyboards and Gregor James (otherwise known as The G-Man) on guitar. Known for his funky riffs as well as a passion for all things electro, the G-Man spices things up by adding his own unique twist to the Red Hot Chilli Pipers' live shows. If you missed the Chillis in 2009 don't miss them this year!

At 20, cellist Natalie Haas is already a seasoned performer, recording artist, and teacher. Over the past four years, she has joined master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser for festival and concert appearances in Scotland, Spain, France, and throughout the U.S., including Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow, Scotland, the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in Aberdeen, Scotland, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C.

People may be familiar with the gorgeous, melodic cello sound,” says Fraser, “but they're surprised to learn that the cello used to comprise the rhythm section in Scottish dance bands. Natalie Haas unleashes textures and deep, powerful rhythms that drive fiddle tunes. We can "duck and dive" around each other, swap melody and harmony lines, and improvise on each other's rhythmic riffs. She has such a great sense of exploration and excitement for the music; it's a joy to play with her!"

For close to 30 years, Roy Johnstone has been captivating audiences with his music and compositions. Not only is he one of the most accomplished fiddle players in Atlantic Canada but he has also received accolades for both his music compositions and his studio production. "Roy Johnstone has the heart of a poet, the spirit of an adventurer and plays like the Devil." Atlantic Gig Magazine. "Roy has that often rare combination, a superb musician and a brilliant entertainer with a tremendous capacity for reaching out and touching members of his audience with his artistry." Jack MacAndrew, Media Concepts producer. "One of the Island's most accomplished fiddlers." Doug Gallant, the Guardian. Roy returns in 2010 to wow NHHG audiences again both on the grounds and at the Maritimers -Cape Breton Dinner and Ceilidh at the Indian Head Resort. Don't miss it!

An Islander by choice, Steve Sharratt is an award winning musician and writer who has called Prince Edward Island home since moving from Ontario in 1980. He's penned songs for the likes of the Cape Breton Rankin's, has won numerous awards for both his journalistic and fictional writing, and has enjoyed having numerous songs recorded by an array of Maritime and Canadian singers.

With fiddler Roy Johnstone, Steve has nade musical tour sof Scotland and the Isle of Skye. They were invited to Scotland by the Highland Council to perform and record a compilation CD commemorating the departures from Skye and landings in Orwell, P.E.I. of the "Selkirk" settlers. Together they were commissioned to write music to celebrate the 200th anniversary of that treacherous crossing in 1803 for 800 Highland Scots. Along with Roy Johnston, Steve returns to the NHHG in 2010 to wow audiences during their daytime performances and at the Maritmers-Cape Breton Ceilidh! Don't miss it!

RATHKELTAIR (pronounce rath-KELT-ur) Taking top honors for Best Celtic Rock Band, Best Celtic Rock Vocalist, and Best Instrumentalist of 2006 in the annual Celtic MP3s Music Magazine Peoples’ Choice Awards, RATHKELTAÍR is a truly international group featuring musicians from Northern Ireland, England, and the US.

RATHKELTAÍR consists of piper Neil Anderson and drummer Nick Watson, two of the original members of 7 Nations, and guitarist Trevor Tanner. Since its debut in 2003, RATHKELTAÍR has become one of the most talked-about bands on the North American Celtic festival circuit. It’s hard to categorize RATHKELTAÍR, but you could loosely describe it as Celtic rock jam fusion. Reviewers and audience members often compare it to a wide spectrum of influences, from Widespread Panic to the Chieftains. A huge reservoir of original material, coupled with a jam-band mentality and the combination of three formidable multi-instrumentalists make RATHKELTAÍR a must-see. The name RATHKELTAÍR comes from drummer Nick Watson, a native of County Down, Northern Ireland. It means "hill of the Celts" and is an ancient archaeological site near the village where Nick grew up. This will be Rathkeltair’s first visit to the NH Highland Games.

Fusing signature vocals and guitar with the deep pulse of the didgeridoo, the soaring highs of the bagpipes, and tribal percussion, BROTHER is wholly original. The band’s powerhouse live performances are an energetic celebration, captivating and engaging the audience from the first song to the last.

Angus, founding member of BROTHER, arrived in Los Angeles from Australia with his brothers a decade ago as little more than fresh-faced farm boys. In LA, they found themselves busking at Venice Beach, the Hollywood Bowl and Universal Studios to survive. Since those days, BROTHER evolved its trademark sound while touring extensively in the United States and in Canada, Japan, France, Egypt and Australia.

BROTHER live today is a powerhouse Celtic tribal trio. The band's legendary live shows have reached a whole new level, with soul brothers Angus, Dalbo and Drew filling the stage with their energy and sound. “Aband that you must hear!... with influences from every culture you can imagine…wonderful music.” River Rhythms Festival, Wisconsin, USA

Alex Beaton returns to the NHHG line up this year after several years away. Everywhere Alex performs this quintessential entertainer delights audiences with his rich baritone voice, virtuoso guitar playing and engaging stage presence. Alex’s musical talents, awareness of Scottish history, and his ability to connect with his audience combine to create an experience rather than just a concert. Alex’s talent is showcased by a body of music ranging from ballads such as “The Loch Tay Boat Song,” to rousing anthems like “Flower of Scotland,” to his classic children’s favorite “Coulter’s Candy.” His quick wit and passion for his audiences have endeared him to both young and old alike.

We welcome The McMaster School of Highland Dance and their Skara Brae Dancers. The Skara Brae Dancers have performed all over North America, including an invitation to dance at the Galaxy Theatre in Walt Disney World. They received top honors at the Niagara Kiwanis Festival where they were given the highest mark ever presented of 97%. They were 3rd overall at the 2009 Canadian Championships where they competed against dancers from all over the globe. The MacMaster School of Highland Dance is under the direction of Pat McMaster, world class teacher and adjudicator. Pat is originally from Scotland and she immigrated to Canada in 1974. She taught and mentored many dancers including Canadian, North American, Ontario Provincial and World Champions. Always being in such high demand to teach workshops and judge, Pat also mentored her daughter Paulina as a teacher who is a champion dancer herself and has been teaching for 18 years. The Skara Brae Dancers are pleased to be a part of the New Hampshire Highland Games and look forward to entertaining all of you!

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Pipes and Drums (NCR) based in Ottawa, Ontario will visit the NHHG in 2010. Wearing the RCMP Tartan and world renowned Red Serge tunic, the band is under the direction of Pipe Major Graeme Ogilvie and is comprised of both Royal Canadian Mounted Police and citizen volunteers.

Alasdair's richly expressive playing transports listeners across a broad musical spectrum, ranging from haunting laments from the Gaelic tradition to classically-styled airs, raucous dance tunes, and improvisations based on traditional themes. His vast repertoire spans several centuries of Scottish music and includes his own compositions, which blend a profound understanding of the Scottish tradition with cutting-edge musical explorations. He weaves through his performances a warm and witty narrative, drawing from a deep well of stories and lore surrounding Scotland's musical heritage. One of the perennial favorites of NHHG.

Despite his world travels, John Carmichael still finds time to visit the NHHG. With his great musical talent, sense of humor and stage presence, John always in demand at venues throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US. A 2009 inductee into the Scottish Tradtional Music Hall of Fame, John Carmichael plays the accordion and is one of Scotland’s busiest Band leaders with the current popularity of Ceilidh Dancing. For many years John has played in theatre shows, performed Burns night speeches and music, and provided music for ceilidh and country dances all over the world. John's reputation for being able to 'call' dances is second to none. Former Scottish accordion champion, John has made extensive tours of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle and Far East. He has been musical director for and toured with many of Scotland's top artists including Jimmy Shand, Andy Stewart, Kenneth MacKellar, Calum Kennedy and others.This will be John’s sixth visit to NHHG during which time he has confirmed his reputation for being a wonderful entertainer and educator.

The Brigadoons have a special and lengthy relationship with Celtic Music. Their home base is Glengarry County, Ontario, Canada. This is an area which was settled largely by the Scots and the traditions of Scotland have been sustained and nurtured there for hundreds of years. Formed over 35 years ago in 1971 by Rob Taylor, over the years many talented members have come and gone. Bob Burnie, Gaye Leroux, Jamie Wood and Brian MacDonell, together with Rob were the first of the Brigadoons, later came Rick Linke, David Wright, Paddy Kelly, Shelley Downing and Bonita Lablanc. The Brigadoons have been a long time favorite and their audience ranges from children to senior citizens. A fixture at the Games and in particular at the Friday night Tartan Dinner, The Brigadoons keep the crowd entertained and on their feet dancing the night away.