Kolten MacDonell is a fiddler, step dancer, and piano player from Glencoe, Cape Breton. He began playing music at a young age, influenced by many local teachers including Stephanie Wills, Brenda Stubbert, Jerry Holland, and Mary Janet MacDonald. Kolten has played for ceilidhs and dances throughout Cape Breton and internationally, and is also in demand as a teacher. He has taught piano accompaniment and step dancing workshops for several years at Colaisde na Gàidhlig / the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, Ceilidh Trail School of Celtic Music, and Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School. In addition to playing music, Kolten makes wheel-thrown stoneware pottery inspired by the music and people of Cape Breton. Kolten will be performing with piper John MacLean and guitarist Cailean MacLean during this year’s Festival.