Celebrating community, connection, and the joy of Scottish music & dance

In early November, musicians gathered at Blackerby Violin Shop in Austin, Texas, for a Play by Ear Scottish Fiddle Immersion Workshop — a weekend of shared learning, creativity, and Celtic spirit. Led by Colin MacLeod, Founder of the School of Celtic Fiddle Mastery, participants explored how to learn and perform traditional Scottish fiddle tunes entirely by ear.

They discovered how music can build connection — not just between notes and rhythm, but between people. Throughout the workshop, the fiddlers also collaborated with dancers from the Austin Scottish Country Dance Society, learning to play in ways that bring music and movement together.

Now, this musical community is bringing that energy to the Sherwood Yuletide Celtic Fest, held near McDade, TX on December 13th & 14th.

Throughout the festival weekend, you may find yourself surrounded by the sound of fiddles and the rhythm of Scottish dance as musicians and dancers gather spontaneously for joyful flash mob performances around the grounds.

It’s a celebration of what happens when people learn together, listen deeply, and play with heart.