Jamie Laval’s Celtic Christmas captures the beauty and atmosphere of Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, and Iceland during the holidays, weaving a tapestry of music, dance, poetry, and stories that hearken back to the ancient Celtic celebrations associated with the Winter Solstice and Christmas. An entertaining and thought-provoking family holiday experience is scheduled for the Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave, on Friday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Headlining the show is Asheville-based violinist and storyteller Jamie Laval. In 2002 Laval won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship, performed for Her Majesty The Queen, and presented a TED Talk. Laval’s recent album Murmurs and Drones won the popular vote for “Best World Traditional Album” in the 2012 Independent Music Awards.

Jamie will be joined by brilliant cast of Celtic performers as follows: Claire Griffin, 17-year old vocalist who made her smash debut at the Flat Rock Playhouse and has gone on to musical theatre fame; Haley Hewitt, brilliant performer of Celtic Harp and graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; Claire Shirey, Irish step dancer from Atlanta who won several dance competitions in Ireland; Rosalind Buda bassoon, beloved Asheville performer of bagpipes, bombarde, bassoon, and poetry readings; The Glencoe School of Highland Dance, longest running school of competitive Scottish dancing in Georgia.

For tickets and information visit tryonarts.org or call the box office at 828-859-8322.

– article submitted by Jamie Laval