June 7: Pipes on the Parkway

Pipes on the Parkway

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Noon – 4 PM

Orchard at Altapass (directions)

Admission: FREE

Join us for the 3rd annual Pipes on the Parkway on June 7th, from noon to 4 PM, at The Orchard at Altapass, where the rich Scots-Irish heritage of our region comes alive through the soulful sounds of traditional music. Set amidst a stunning heirloom apple orchard perched along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this event offers a unique blend of history and harmony, with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop.

Celebrate the enduring legacy of the Scots-Irish settlers who shaped these hills, as pipers and musicians fill the air with timeless melodies that echo their stories of resilience and culture. Whether you’re tapping your feet to the tunes or soaking in the scenic beauty of this historic orchard, Pipes on the Parkway promises an afternoon of connection to the past and enjoyment of the present—perfect for families, history buffs, and music lovers alike.

Music Lineup

Queen City Pipes & Drums

The Queen City Pipes & Drums came about thanks to the dedication of local pipers and drummers in the Charlotte area who wanted to promote the Great Scottish Highland Bagpipes and its percussion accompaniment to the younger generations. 








Jig is Up

The Jig Is Up is known for their lively dance numbers: jigs, reels and slides, passionate ballads, and waltzes from the Isles. Eric Witherspoon has been playing traditional fiddle since he was a kid and enjoys co-leading a weekly Irish Session. Danny Blose, a multi instrumentalist, with roots in the triangle and Asheville, brings out his tenor voice and plays the octave mandolin and shruti box. Lucy Perry, who has played internationally, anchors the band with her lively piano accompaniment and vocals that transport us to another time and place.

Open Celtic Session

An Open Celtic session is a casual gathering of musicians that play traditional Celtic music. Traditionally, Celtic music sessions would take place in the kitchen of a local family’s house. House dances were commonplace, with the musicians gathered, pumping out tunes for the set dancers. Today, sessions are most commonly found in pubs, and in the many arts and cultural centers throughout the world. That being said, wherever a group of traditional musicians is gathered, it’s likely a session will break out.