Since the release of their superb debut album, Tall Tales, brother- sister duo, The McKassons, have been turning heads in the American Celtic music scene. Ryan, on fiddle and viola, and innovative pianist, Cali, bring an exciting edge to the treasured Scottish fiddle tradition, creating constantly evolving textures within a powerful mix of contemporary and traditional influences. With a repertoire that includes beautiful arrangements of classic tunes as well as Ryan's originals, the pair offer a wonderfully engaging evening.

Born in Dallas, the siblings' musical education encompassed both classical studies and Alasdair Fraser's Valley of the Moon Scottish fiddling school. Ryan won the National Junior Fiddle Championship in 1995, and went on a year later to be the youngest winner of the National Scottish Fiddle Open Championship in Loon Mountain, New Hampshire. Cali studied both piano and harp from an early age, partially with Cape Breton pianist, Barbara MacDonald Magone, and has won numerous awards and fellowships. The two currently reside in Washington, where they play in the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra.

Returning to the Freight for the first time since her sprightly turn at the 2003 Fiddle Summit, Laura Cortese is a talented fiddler, singer and dancer with a knack for bringing together the groove of urban music with universal themes of the old world. Since graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2002, Laura has worked with various groups including Tim O'Brien's Crossing, Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble, and the Celtic fiddle trio Halali. The Boston Globe calls her unique, wide-ranging musical style "a captivating, frisky mix of traditional grace and modern sophistication."

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