Music

Hayden is a multi-instrumentalist excelling at both solo and backup guitar and mandolin. He plays a mixture of Bluegrass, Celtic, and country music. Hayden and his sisters have a bluegrass and celtic band called the Pickin’ Thistles which has played at numerous festivals, competitions, and private events including Merlefest, World of Bluegrass, Appaloosa Festival, Boonerang Festival, Mountain Home Music, Woodsong Kids, and many more. He has played at notable venues including the Appalachian Theatre, Carolina Theatre, and the Doc Watson Cabin Stage. Hayden has won many individual awards as a guitar and mandolin soloist at fiddle competitions throughout the southeast. Hayden regularly participates in jams at community gatherings and fiddle competitions. He also performs with larger group ensembles such as Bluegrass Daddy’s Appalachian Fiddle Orchestra, IBMA Kids on Bluegrass, and Acoustic Kids. Hayden is a natural teacher and is a well-loved instructor in the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program. Hayden also enjoys playing the banjo, piano, and bass. He is also a snare drummer, performing and competing with the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders Harvey E. Ritch Memorial Bagpipe and Drum Band, the current two-time Eastern United States Grade V Bagpipe and Drum Band champions.