Our Story
Ten years ago, Ashley was wandering through her home show (Georgia Renaissance Festival) with a group of other fair maidens when all of a sudden she heard an unfamiliar yet enticing sound. She followed it only to find herself locking eyes with her truest love. After that, I guess you could say the rest is history!
We’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point and are beyond grateful to be doing what we love as we go into our fourth year of touring together! This band is a beautiful combination of not only modeling it for our daughter but something to truly be enjoyed by everyone. It is worth mentioning that love comes in all forms. Not only is Ashley Puerto Rican but Mike’s daughter is actually part Venezuelan. Our show is about inclusivity and bringing the best parts of the past (traditional Highland Bagpipes), fun sounds of drumming and a basket of instruments that allow the current and next generation to feel a part of the show. While Mike has 35 years of highland and Celtic tunes in his head, it doesn’t mean that is all we will play. As we take you through this musical journey, we want to make you feel a part of our family because that is what we truly feel. It is also Ashley’s hope to inspire not only Mike’s daughter but that next generation of girls and women of color. You can live your dreams and we feel like we are the physical manifestation of just that!
About Mike McNutt
Mike began playing bagpipes at 10 years old (previously he played piano and guitar). In his younger years, he played in many traditional bagpipe bands as well as solo competitions, making it to Grade 2 before going to college. In addition, he continually sought out additional learning at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia for several years.
Mike is also an Alumni of Middle Tennessee State University’s Recording Industry Production and Technology program (including fundamentals of entertainment law), graduating in 2005 and working as an intern on Nashville’s Music Row. He’s met and worked with several artists including Shooter Jennings, Hank Williams Jr. , Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, and LeAnn Rimes.
In 2007 Mike began touring as a member of Tartanic, performing at Renaissance festivals and Highland games across the United States. After several years in Tartanic, Mike created a band with a unique look and sound, along with 2 other founding members. In that time, he released 14 band albums and composed over 30 original tunes. However, as the saying goes, all good things come to an end. His daughter will always be the top priority in every decision both personal and professional.
Damh and Dove began in late 2021 as he and his wife Ashley created a new two person show in order to continue performing and playing music to provide for their family. It has been an adventure neither of us regret and we’ve learned so much every step of the way. Mike has written more originals and has been able to have fun experimenting with new sounds and directions. It’s been the experience of a lifetime and a privilege to be able to interact with so many wonderful people. The hope is to continue to travel to many more places and spaces for several decades to come.
About Ashley Rose McNutt (Colón)
Ashley has always had a passion for music since she was a small child. Since her family is from Puerto Rico, she was raised with a fierce appreciation of her roots. Her mother would play a wide variety of music growing up from Donna Summer to Celia Cruz. Dancing was as easy as breathing and from that point early on, rhythm was in her veins.
In middle school, she learned to play the flute and was second chair for two years. As time went on, dance became her life from high school well into her 20s. She was able to train with professional dancers from all around the United States, with the focus of Salsa Dancing in the styles of East Coast, West Coast, La Rueda, Merengue, Cha-cha, and Bachata.
It wasn’t until 2021 that the shift went from dancing to learning how to play the bass drums. While extremely challenging, it’s opened up doors for greater passion and appreciation for percussionists. The natural pull has always been to the congas and timbales however, bagpipe music is beautifully unique and complicated in it’s own way. With time, patience and practice, the journey to learning will never cease to challenge and amaze her. When in the audience, you can feel the shared rhythm of a united heartbeat as she takes you on the story of her roots.