NEW BERN - Prepare for an extraordinary event of music and dance as the internationally acclaimed "Highland Echoes Music & Dance Company" celebrates Scottish heritage. The performance will take place at Craven Community College's (Craven CC) Orringer Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 2:30 p.m.
Presented by the Craven CC Lifetime Learning Center, in partnership with Atlantic Dance Theatre, "Highland Echoes" honors the rich history, legends, and migration stories that have shaped Scottish roots. The performance features breathtaking dance, expertly composed music, and visuals that seamlessly connect the past with the present.
Under the creative vision of producer and vocalist Jennifer Licko and guided by musical director Patrick Mangan, former musical director of Riverdance, "Highland Echoes" brings to life a vibrant tapestry of Scottish culture. Licko, a Celtic Album of the Year winner, has composed many songs for the show and will be joined by a talented ensemble of musicians on bagpipes, fiddle, and drums, alongside five dancers who will captivate audiences with their artistry.
The narrative weaves together enchanting Scottish stories and legends, including tales of the Selkie, the Witch Trials, Flora MacDonald, and the Battle of Culloden. In the second half, the performance beautifully portrays the history and heritage of Scottish immigration, spanning North Carolina, Canada, and beyond.
The show is made possible by media and event support from Public Radio East and the New Bern Historical Society, alongside corporate sponsorship from Signature Wealth Strategies.
Tickets are available now for $35 for adults and $20 for students. Don’t miss this chance to experience the enchanting journey of "Highland Echoes."
Tickets can be purchased here.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Scotland while fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history.
Highland Echoes: Performer Bios
JENNIFER LICKO - Vocalist/Artistic Director
Jennifer Licko is an award-winning musician whose captivating music is deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Carolinas and the ancient Scots who settled the Cape Fear region. With a career spanning over two decades, Licko has established herself as a prominent vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, weaving together traditional Celtic melodies with original compositions to tell stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Licko's accolades include receiving the prestigious Celtic Album of the Year award in 2014 and being nominated for Traditional Album of the Year in 2016, cementing her reputation as a leading figure in the Celtic music scene. From her early years as a competitive Scottish Highland Dancer, Licko's passion for Scottish traditions has been evident in her music.
Drawing from her experiences living in Scotland and Ireland for nearly a decade, Licko discovered the profound similarities between these regions and her native North Carolina, inspiring her to create music that celebrates these connections. As both a performer and educator, Licko is dedicated to promoting cultural inclusion and awareness.
She serves as the producer of the Highland Echoes show, a platform that showcases Scottish culture and supports its preservation. Additionally, Licko is the owner of The Cultural Classroom, a curriculum content website designed to provide educators, parents, and students with resources and support for embracing diversity in education.
Licko believes that music has the power to connect people through shared emotions and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of our collective heritage. With her unparalleled talent and commitment to cultural preservation, Licko continues to leave a lasting impact on the world of Celtic music and education.
PATRICK MANGAN - Fiddle
Brooklyn-based fiddler Patrick Mangan made his Broadway debut at age 16 with “Riverdance on Broadway” in 2001 and has since dazzled audiences in over 30 countries on every continent, performing with the Grammy Award-winning Irish dance production and other luminaries of Celtic music. A talented composer, Mangan wrote many of the tunes featured in the Highland Echoes show, showcasing his creativity and deep connection to the Celtic tradition.
Recent performance highlights include sharing the stage at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Moya Brennan of Clannad, and collaborating with “Riverdance” composer Bill Whelan at Lincoln Center. He is also a familiar face on Broadway, frequently performing with the hit show “Come From Away.” Mangan is a regular featured guest at New York’s most renowned traditional Irish music session spots, including the 11th Street Bar and the Dead Rabbit.
Growing up in New York, Mangan was mentored by some of the most revered fiddlers in the tradition, such as Brian Conway, Tony DeMarco, Andy McGann, and Paddy Reynolds, all within a vibrant Irish music community. Beyond his passion for live performance, Mangan is also a dedicated fiddle teacher, recording artist, and award-winning composer, actively contributing to the richness of the Irish music tradition.
CASSANDRA CALO - Bagpipes
Cassandra Calo is a Scottish highland bagpiper hailing from Sarasota, FL, where she brings the soul-stirring sounds of the Highlands to the sunshine state. Her journey with the bagpipes began in the middle school piping program, where she swiftly mastered the instrument and continued to hone her skills through high school, marching proudly in the high school bagpipe band.
Upon graduation, Calo's dedication to her craft led her to share her passion by teaching bagpipes at her alma mater and other local schools. Her commitment to passing on the tradition ensured that the haunting melodies of the bagpipes would echo through the halls for generations to come. A seasoned performer, Calo has graced numerous stages with various pipe bands, including the renowned City of Dunedin Band and the Sarasota Piping Band. Currently serving as the Pipe Major of Blue Skye Pipes and Drums, an all-female ensemble, Calo is a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Beyond her mastery of the bagpipes, Calo is a versatile musician, proficient in guitar, whistle, and vocals. Her innovative approach to music sees her seamlessly blending modern tunes with the timeless melodies of the bagpipes, all while staying true to the essence of traditional playing. Calo's musical journey has taken her to the North American Academy of Piping since the tender age of 14, where she immerses herself in the artistry of the mountains of North Carolina each summer, refining her skills and expanding her musical horizons.