Entertainers
This year's 160th Annual Scottish Highland Gathering and Games entertainer line-up features, Scottish folk singer Peter Daldry and fiddler Michael Mullen (pictured right), Celtic rock bands Albannach, Tempest and Celtica Nova, as well Celtic folk musicians The Ploughboys, Golden Bough, The Gaelic Muses and The Reeling Banshees. See below for the daily performance schedules across four of the Games live entertainment stages.
(l-r) Fiddler Michael Mullen and Scottish folk singer Peter Daldry on the Grandstand stage
Albannach
Albannach is Scots Gaelic for “Scottish” or “Scotsman”—and that’s exactly what this high-octane Celtic rock band is all about. Their mission is to share the rich culture, history, and heritage of Scotland through the power of music. But make no mistake: Albannach is not just another pipes-and-drums band. Their primal drumming, precision piping, and raw energy stir the soul of everyone who hears them—young and old alike. With a champion piper, the distinctive resonance of a didgeridoo, and tribal-style bass drumming, their sound is both unforgettable and unapologetically bold. Albannach’s music isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s aggressive, visceral, and hits like a Celtic punch to the face!
Tempest
Since forming in 1988, Tempest has delivered a globally-renowned hybrid of high-energy Folk Rock, fusing Irish reels, Scottish ballads, Norwegian influences and other world music elements. The last 30-plus years have seen the San Francisco Bay Area-based act release eighteen critically acclaimed albums, and play more than 2,500 gigs. The current line-up of the band features all the original members, performing a variety of selections from the band's extensive repertoire, sparking with vitality and energy. Hailing from Oslo, Norway, founder and lead singer/electric mandolinist, Lief Sorbye, is recognized as a driving force in the modern folk-rock movement. He started Tempest after years of touring and recording on the folk circuit. He is joined by Bay Area native Rob Wullenjohn on guitar and San Diego's Ian Butler on bass. Rob and Ian rejoined the band after performing an impromptu reunion concert in Berkeley, California, that rekindled the original spirit of Tempest. Vermont born fiddler Jon Berger first joined the band in 1993. He is now back, bringing his passion for Celtic and British Isles traditional music.Audience favorite, Cuban-born drummer Adolfo Lazo, thickens the band's sound with inventive rhythms, and rock-steady drumming. After more than three decades Adolfo has never missed a Tempest gig!
Golden Bough
Golden Bough are a popular and in-demand Celtic folk group on both sides of the Atlantic, gaining critical acclaim and enthusiastic support from folk fans wherever they perform. Blending their voices in pristine harmony, they back themselves on an array of rare and more common acoustic instruments, including; Celtic harp, penny-whistle, violin, octave-mandolin, mandolin, accordion, guitar, harmonica, recorder and bodhran. In the recording studio, as well as on stage, Golden Bough captures the essence and joy of traditional folk music and captivates listeners with the uniqueness of their original compositions. With songs and instrumental pieces ranging from ballads to lively jigs, reels and sing-alongs, Golden Bough provides an atmosphere in which the listener can enjoy unique entertainment within and beyond the boundaries of traditional folk music.
The Reeling Banshees
Returning to our annual Scottish Games is Celtic folk band The Reeling Banshees. Hailing from Reno, Nevada this trio features Kat MacMartin on violin and ukulele, Sean Morton on guitar and bodhrán, and Holly Sternberg-Kozan, a five-time Nevada State Champion fiddler.
Gaelic Muses with Michael Mullen
Gaelic Muses is a dynamic trio made up of Lynda MacNeil, Alison Kline, and Michael Mullen. Together, these three accomplished musicians deliver energetic, Celtic-inspired shows that blend the talents of each member for a truly captivating experience. Their performances showcase powerful vocals, exceptional musicianship, and lively stage chemistry—offering audiences a rich mix of Traditional Folk, Rock, Movie Soundtracks, jigs, reels, pirate songs, Celtic rock, and imaginative pop-Celtic mashups, all brought to life with joy and creativity. With an impressive variety of instruments, Gaelic Muses guarantees an unforgettable musical experience for audiences of all ages.
Peter Daldry
Peter Daldry is a traditional singer-songwriter from Clydebank, Scotland. Raised on the folk music of Scotland’s The Corries and Ireland’s The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, Peter’s early musical foundation was steeped in Celtic tradition. As his style evolved, he drew inspiration from major influences including Dick Gaughan, Andy M. Stewart (Silly Wizard), Dougie MacLean, and David Francey. Now based in California, Peter performs at Scottish Games, Irish/Celtic festivals, and cultural events both across the U.S. and internationally. Peter's most recent album, Leaving Ettrick Bay, features a mix of traditional ballads and original songs exploring themes of love and loss, national pride, and joyful celebration—all delivered in the spirit of folk music, but with a rock and roll heart!
The Ploughboys
Joining our annual Scottish Games in Pleasanton for the first time this year are The Ploughboys who specialize in traditional and contemporary Celtic music from the British Isles, with dash of bluegrass, country, and American folk thrown in.
Celtica Nova
The majestic-mystic sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe elevates above the powerful rock band, influences of Irish Folk, Symphonic Metal, and even Gothic merge with the energetic Celtic music, full of lust of life. Returning to our Scottish Games since their last Pleasanton appearance in 2023 are Celtica Nova, one of the most innovative and creative bands in folk and Celtic-rock.