Joshua Messick, Hammered Dulcimer Asheville, North Carolina-based National Hammered Dulcimer Champion, Joshua Messick, breathes new life into the ancient, enchanting hammered dulcimer. Be transported as he weaves cinematic stylings and endless imagination with virtuosic performances. With over twenty years of performance and recording experience, he composes music featuring the hammered dulcimer and also enjoys collaborating with musical artists around the world. Recently, Joshua traveled to Japan to be the featured instrumentalist on the soundtrack for the animated film “Mary and the Witch’s Flower” by Studio Ponoc (Studio Ghibli). The film will release in 155 countries and territories. Joshua’s musical artistry is influenced by World, Celtic, Renaissance, Folk, and Classical music. Joshua has released six studio albums including "Hammered Dulcimer Christmas" and "Woodland Dance”.
Ryan Knott, Cello Ryan is a dedicated multi-genre cellist who believes music is a journey to self discovery and an expression that requires honesty, discipline, and mindful practice. As a classical cellist, he is a member of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. He studied cello with Dr. Robert Jesselson, a distinguished professor at the University of South Carolina. Ryan’s YouTube channel highlights his multi-genre abilities which include rock, shred, jazz, and dubstep. He has over 8,000 subscribers and almost 2 million views. In 2014-15, Ryan had the privilege of collaborating and recording with several top level film trailer and television composers in Los Angeles, including Mark Petrie, audiomachine, and Angry Mob Music. In his free time, Ryan enjoys writing music and discovering new ways to push his cello to its creative limits.
James Kylen, Percussion James Kylen, a resident of Asheville, NC, is a multi-instrumentalist and gifted composer. With over two decades of experience, James performs as a soloist and collaborates with bands and orchestras. He has recorded and performed with hundreds of artists including David Wilcox, BJ Leiderman, and David LaMotte. His intuitive, creative approach allows him to play in almost any musical genre, including classical, jazz, world, and Americana.