Pickin’ Thistles is comprised of three siblings playing their favorite Celtic, folk, and bluegrass music. Hayden Walker, age 19, plays the mandolin, guitar, and sings baritone in rich sibling harmonies. Josephine, age 18, and Rosemary, age 16, add twin fiddling and sweet vocal harmonies to the group. Both Josephine and Rosemary are also champion Irish and Scottish Highland dancers who excite the crowd with their rhythmic footwork. Pickin’ Thistles has played at venues in southern Appalachia and the Carolinas including MerleFest, Appaloosa Festival, Boonerang Festival, and IBMA’s World of Bluegrass. They are active participants in the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program. They have won numerous awards at fiddle competitions and conventions including the Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention, Fiddler’s Grove, The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, and many more.

Hayden - Age 19

Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals

Josephine - Age 18

Violin, Banjo, Lead Vocals, Harmony, Irish and Highland Dance

Rosemary - Age 16

Violin, Guitar, Lead Vocals and Harmony, Irish and Highland Dance