Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center Offers Dinner and a Concert

June 30   An Appalachian Evening - Balsam Range   A Bluegrass , Gospel and Country Music concert. All the fellows in the band grew up in the rich musical heritage of the Appalachian South, surrounded by culture and heritage steeped in traditions of The Grand Ole Opry…as well as the important influences of the Scotch-Irish settlers of the Southern Mountains, English ballads, Western songs…and tunes written by the band members themselves.

Family style dinner is available before the show for $15.95 for adults or $9.95 age 12 and under. Or you can get a lighter meal in the Schoolhouse Café in the main building.

Appalachian Evenings is an annual concert series presented by the Stecoah Valley cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville (Stecoah Valley) NC.

Overnight Camping on the French Broad River Paddle Trail

July 12-13  -  French Broad River Paddle Trail Leave No Trace Learn n' Paddle Overnighter Sponsored by RiverLink.   Join RiverLink on an overnight camping trip on the French Broad River Paddle Trail to learn and practice the principles of Leave No Trace for river corridors.

The cost is $45 per person and includes:  Rafting Supplies, food (dinner, breakfast, snacks and drinks), Leave no trace training, and an enjoying the beautiful French Broad River.

To register CLICK HERE. You will receive a confirmation email.

Trip Details:
RiverLink and Southern Raft Supply are teaming up with the Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers to host an overnight paddle trip on the French Broad River Paddle Trail to learn and practice Leave No Trace principles for River Corridors. The trip will start out Friday afternoon on Section 8, paddling from below Redmon Dam to the Big Pine Campsite (across from Barnard River Access Park). The group will spend Friday night at the Big Pine Campsite. Saturday participants will paddle Section 9 of the French Broad from Barnard to the Stackhouse River Access. Learning and practicing Leave No Trace principles along the way. The trip is scheduled to begin at noon of Friday and anticipates being at Stackhouse by noon on Saturday, and back to Asheville by 2 PM.

Leave No Trace - Enjoying the Outdoors Responsibly
Join RiverLink, Southern Raft Supply and the Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers for an interactive presentation and discussion that will focus on the elements of the Leave No Trace minimum impact program. This session will highlight the Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics program, which is applicable to all outdoor enthusiasts and all environments. This national program is administered by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, whose mission is to teach people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. In addition to learning the hows and whys behind the importance of practicing Leave No Trace, participants will be provided with information on how to easily and effectively integrate Leave No Trace into their daily lives and programs. The Traveling Trainers are committed to teaching Leave No Trace education as they live on the road, sleep 200 nights a year in a tent, and offer this award winning program in communities from coast to coast.

The French Broad River Paddle Trail will serve to protect the river as a resource for recreation, environmental stewardship, education, and economic development. The trail promotes long term partnerships to ­­develop and maintain a low impact water trail with, Leave No Trace paddle-in camping every 8-10 miles along the river corridor. The French Broad River Paddle Trail provides 117 river miles, from Rosman, NC to the NC border where it connects to 101 miles of TN French Broad River Blueway.

The RiverLink campsites are protected with conservation and recreation easements that ensure they will reamain free and open to the public in perpetuity.  Check out the new French Broad River Paddle Trail Map    The online map, is a great resource for planning your trip. 

Stories on Asheville's Front Porch Today

June 29   Stories on Asheville's Front Porch   Chinese Lion Dance- stories from Diane Wolkstein in retrospect - Hans Christian Anderson and Haitian Stories. The Tellers are Gwenda Ledbetter, Sherry Lovett, Nancy Reeder, and VixiJill Glenn. This event is FREE -  Rain or Shine and held in Pack Place Rhino Courtyard - enter under the Diana Wortham marquee on Biltmore Avenue.

Event Sponsors: Charlotte Street Computers, Clark Communications, Asheville Storytelling Circle, and Pack Place. 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers BBQ and Brews Dinner Train

June 29   BBQ and Brews Dinner Train   The First ever Barbeque and Brews Dinner Trains featuring locally hand-crafted beer from Nantahala Brewing Company and Heinzelmannchen Brewery plus slow-cooked authentic North Carolina Barbeque.

The train departs Bryson City Depot at 7 PM and returns at 9 PM traveling through the scenic mountain countryside to the Fontana Trestle for a spectacular sunset. The base ticket price is $69 (adults over 21 only) and includes a souvenir tasting glass with three beer samples and a meal of pulled pork, homemade coleslaw, kettle chips, fruit and key lime pie. Additional beer will be available for purchase.

Tweetsie Railroad Prepares for Annual July 4th Celebration

Summer is just getting underway at Tweetsie Railroad with an exciting lineup of events in store for you and your family. Treat the whole gang with a visit to the park for a ride on Tweetsie’s famed steam locomotives and celebrate America’s independence on July 4th with a dazzling fireworks display.

 Stay late to enjoy Wild West family fun on select evenings during Tweetsie’s Cool Summer Nights. Or plan your trip around an appearance from SpongeBob SquarePants™ and his best friend Patrick, who will be visiting Tweetsie Railroad for the first time.

Bring the entire family to celebrate America’s birthday at the High Country’s most popular fireworks show. Guests can enjoy Wild West family fun and entertainment all day and evening long on Thursday, July 4 at Tweetsie’s Fireworks Extravaganza.

The evening ends with a bang when the spectacular fireworks show begins at 9:30 PM.  The date also marks the anniversary of Tweetsie Railroad’s original opening in 1957.

Get a link for Tweetsie Railroad and other 4th of July Weekend events HERE.

Swap Meet and Car Show this weekend in Maggie Valley

June 28 - 30   Swap Meet and Car Show   This event features an auto Swap Meet, Vendors for related products, Sponsors, an exciting Car Show, lots of great Food, a D.J.providing music throughout the area and a Craft Show.  You;ll find lots of fun for the entire family.

The last day of the Swap Meet will include the Final Judging For Show Vehicles and Judging For Specialty Awards. At 4 PM the event concludes with Door Prize Giveaways and the Presentation Of Trophies for Car Show.

Get more information about lodging and local attractions on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide.

Mountain Music Festival 2013 in Cashiers this Weekend

June 30 - July 1  Cashiers Mountain Music Festival 2013   The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Fourth Annual Cashiers Mountain Music Festival. Tickets are $25 per day or $40 for a two day pass, children 12 and under are free. 

Bring a chair or blanket. No coolers, pets or firearms. Fireworks are planned at dark on Sunday, July 1. Arts, crafts, food, drinks and a children's zone. Musicians are encouraged to bring instruments for jamming in the park. There will be a local church barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, June 30. 

Learn more about Cashiers NC Lodging, attractions and visitor information HERE.  

Blue Ridge Music Center Glorious Gospel Concert

June 29th (3pm) The Blue Ridge Music Center will feature the Primitive Quartet, Easter Brothers, Easter Family and include a gospel singing workshop.

The Primitive Quartet has been singing gospel music for over forty years and count it a joy and privilege to spread the gospel through song. The band was formed in the 1970's on a fishing trip when the men started singing around the campfire only to discover they could naturally sing in four-part harmony. Decades later the Primitive Quartet is one of the most popular gospel groups in the nation - traveling 50,000 miles a year to perform 150 dates annually.

The Primitive Quartet today includes three brothers from the Riddle family - Reagan, Michael and Larry - who were raised in Buncombe and Madison counties in North Carolina. Other band members include Randy Fox, (married to Tammy Riddle), Norman Wilson and Jeff Tolbert. Their music is the traditional mountain shapenote style singing accompanied mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitars and acoustic bass. Come hear what has made this renowned gospel group a favorite all over the US!

The Easter Brothers from Mount Airy, NC will start off the Glorious Gospel concert with their unique blend of bluegrass and southern gospel music. This family group formed in the 1970's. The Easter Brothers' beautiful harmony singing, augmented by their instrumental accompaniment is further enhanced by the message of faith and inspiration that mark their songs. They are also some of the most accomplished and prolific songwriters and tunesmiths of gospel music in America today. The Easter Brothers will be joined by younger generation members of the Easter Family: Jared, Marti, Jacob Easter, (grandchildren of Russell Lee Easter of the Easter Brothers), and Steve Schramm who all share the same gift for smooth family harmony, top notch playing and excellent musicianship this family is known for. There must be something in that Mount Airy water!

The Glorious Gospel concert starts at 3 PM. Come early for the 2 PM gospel singing workshop and performance-talk with the Primitive Quartet - free with concert ticket. Doors open at 1pm. Tickets: $15. *Church special: Buy 10 advance tickets at a time and save $5 a ticket! Call (276) 236-5309 for this deal. Children 12 and under are free. All ticket sales support our daily free programs and non-profit traditional music concert series. Advance tickets are available at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Barrs Fiddle Shop, the Galax Visitor Center, Jean Cox Reality and online  or call (276) 236-5309 x112.

Brevard Music Center Sounds of Spain Concert and Pre-concert Performance Today

June 23   Pre-concert Performance at Brevard Music Center   Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty.
 
Sounds of Spain at Brevard Music Center JoAnn Falletta leads the Brevard Sinfonia in an afternoon of music inspired by Spain. Featuring music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Debussy, and Falla, the concert will show showcase guitar virtuoso Celil Refik Kaya, winner of the 2012 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, as he joins the orchestra for a performance of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranuez.

Learn more about Brevard NC HERE.

Blood, Sweat & Gears Bike Ride in Valle Crucis this Weekend

June 22   Blood, Sweat & Gears   This ride is a challenging to strenuous 100 mile loop bicycle ride, starting and ending at the Valle Crucis Elementary School, approximately 5 miles south of Boone, NC. The route roughly circles Boone through the outskirts of Watauga County, the heart of North Carolina's High Country. 

The terrain is constantly changing with hills of all lengths and curves too numerous to count. Highlights of the route include 21 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a strenuous climb over the 4500 foot gap at Snake Mountain and a 10 mile "flat" on old U.S. 421.

A 50 mile, 4,200 feet elevation, "Half Century" is available for those who prefer the sanity of a challenging but shorter route. Both rides are fully supported with aide stations and SAG support.

Proceeds benefit the Make a Wish Foundation.

Beech Mountain 10k ClimbMax includes a Fun Run and Walk

June 22   The Beech Mountain 10k ClimbMax  The Beech Mountain 10k ClimbMax, presented by BeechMtn.com, is set to challenge runners with a demanding course on Saturday. The race includes more than 800 total feet of elevation gain. The first two miles will be mostly downhill, winding along a scenic stretch of Beech Mountain Parkway toward the ski village.

From that point, it’s a long, steady uphill climb – punctuated by several switchbacks and long-range vistas – to a height of 5,443 feet, just below the mountain’s summit. The route replaces a fairly challenging 5-mile course upon which the town hosted an event known as A Cool 5 for several years.

As in previous years, there will be a simultaneous fun run/walk for family members and others of all ages. Strollers and pets are allowed, and encouraged, in the fun run.

Learn more about Beech Mountain NC HERE.

Weekend Festivals: PlottFest and Smoky Mountain Trout Festival in Maggie Valley

June 22 - 23   PlottFest  This second annual festival offers the best in mountain music, American Plott Association and National Plott Association sanctioned Bench Dog Shows, and the Smoky Mountain Trout Festival. The Festival showcases the official NC dog, the Plott Hound.

All profits from the Festival will Benefit Head Start of Haywood and Jackson Counties. One of the highlights of the event is a mountain music festival celebrating WNC's heritage. Some of the popular musicians performing include Balsam Range, the Darren Nicholson Band, Eddie Rose & Highway 40 and Mark and Amy Bumgarne.

A variety of food and crafts vendors will also be available.

Learn more about local rentals, attractions and events on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide

Hillclimb Sports Car Race in the Mountains

June 22    SCCA "Chasing the Dragon" Hillclimb    The Dragon Hillclimb is a Sports Car Club of America Time Trial event - competition licensed drivers in prepared sports cars race one at a time up a 2-mile mountain road in class competition. The course is located near the Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon in beautiful Robbinsville in Graham County.

The road race is on the edge of the Nantahala Forest, where spectators, course workers and drivers enjoy some of North Carolina's most beautiful mountain scenery. You may participate as a driver, a worker, event staff or as a spectator for a true Southern tradition that began in the '50s: Hillclimb! - there is nothing like it! This race is sanctioned by the Central Carolina Region and the Southeast Division of Sports Car Club of America.

Peter, Paul and Mary Tribute at Hendersonville's Playhouse Downtown

June 19 - 22   Flat Rock Theatre Music on the Rock Series:  "A Tribute to Peter, Paul and Mary" Performances are at the Playhouse Downtown, 125 Main Street in historic Hendersonville NC, 8:00 PM. The 9 concert 2013 series is produced by The Flat Rock Theatre and offers a celebration of music from country to pop to folk.
 
Tickets are $24 and available online or at the box office.

Wheels Through Time Museum premiers its new series on Velocity TV

June 20 - 23   Whats In The Barn" Season Premier Party at Wheels Through Time Museum   Wheels Through Time is celebrating the Season Premier of its new series on Velocity TV -- "Whats in the Barn". The show premieres Tuesday, June 18th on Velocity at 10:30, before sliding into the regular 10:00 PM. slot the following week.

Special airings of Episode 1 will be held at the museum all weekend.  WTT Museum is commemorating the event with the Grand Opening of a new exhibit showcasing many of the rare finds from the first eight episodes. See and hear these amazing machines for the first time -- and the stories of how they were found -- even before they make it to the screen.

Special guests, The American Motor Drome Company, will be on hand throughout the weekend, performing America's original extreme motorcycle thrillshow -- The Wall of Death.

Wheels Through Time Museum is located at 62 Vintage Lane in Maggie Valley NC. 

Father's Day Weekend Event: Candle Light Ghost Tours

June 15   Show Dad a howling good time at the  Candle Light Ghost Tours  in Wilkesboro NC.  Experience an evening of tales, mystery and haunts at the Candle Light Ghost Tours. Learn about the ghosts that haunt the old buildings that make up downtown Wilkesboro.

Visit a cemetery where Civil War Soldiers are buried, stand in the jail cell Tom Dooley spent his last days, and listen to the stories of the haunted Smithey Hotel. Tickets will be sold on the Courthouse lawn at the museum and at the Wilkesboro Open Air Market the Friday before. Tours start at 8 PM.

Learn more about Wilkesboro NC HERE.

FREE Admission for Father's Day Weekend at Wheels Through Time Museum

June 15 - 16   Father's Day Celebration at Wheels Through Time Museum   This Father's Day Weekend, Wheels Through Time Museum will be holding a special weekend celebration honoring fathers and the influence of fatherhood in society.

The museum will be offering free admission to all father and son (and father & daughter) visitors throughout the weekend. The Museum will be open from Thursday-Monday during Fathers Day Weekend, from 9 AM.-5 PM. Special demonstrations of rare machines will be held throughout the weekend, including Dale's 1936 Harley-Davidson VEL -- a machine he built in 2009 for his own father, Bernie!

Wheels through Time Museum is located in Maggie Valley NC.

Asheville Hosts WNC Highlands Celtic Festival for Father's Day Weekend

June 14 - 15   4th Annual WNC Highlands Celtic Festival  This event features Celtic music and dance by the Scottish tribal group Albannach, international supergroup Rathkeltair, the Southern Highlands' own Cutthroat Shamrock, plus Marcille Wallis & Friends, Stirling Bridge, My Three Kilts, the Montreat Scottish Pipes and Drums, and the Moynihan School of Irish Dance.

There will also be authentic Celtic and Regional Foods and beer by Western North Carolina's first microbrewery, Highland Brewing Company. The Festival includes Celtic Vendors, Highland Athletic Demonstrations, Border Collie Demonstrations, Clans Convening, and Dance Demonstrations. 

The event is held at the Asheville Outdoor Center on the banks of the French Broad River.Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the gate.

Get a link for more details about the WNC Highlands Celtic Festival and other local events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Back By Popular Demand - Movie on the Meadows at Chimney Rock Park

June 15    2nd Annual Movie on the Meadows: The Last of the Mohicans  watch The Last of the Mohicans on a huge outdoor screen where the last 17 min. were filmed. Invite your sweetheart or friends for an evening of fun, suspense and adventure. Bring a blanket or chair and a flashlight. Moviegoers should arrive from 7:30 to 8:30pm, movie starts at 9pm. Pre-show entertainment, concessions and movie merchandise will be offered.

Get a link for Movies on the Meadow and more information about Chimney Rock Park HERE.

Father's Day Weekend Event: Annual Franklin Scottish Heritage Festival

June 13 - 16   Scottish Heritage Festival   Always held on Father's Day Weekend, this favorite event features Scottish Fun, Food, Fashion, Music, Dancers, Games, Clans, Border Collie Demonstrations, Crafters, Continuous Entertainment and Culture for the whole family. The event kicks off with a golf tournament.

Entertainment includes TrioGordon Wilson and the John Mohr MacKintosh piper band from Atlanta, GA who will offer 2 performances and lead the Festival's parade. Other entertainment ranges form Scottish and Celtic music to the Macon County Line Dancers.

Learn more about Franklin NC or book a Franklin Cabin or Inn room HERE.

Stories of Mountain Folk for 6-8-13

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived in the library at Western Carolina University.

Storytelling:  Amy’s story is called “Ice Cream and Bows & Arrows”—a story about her brother, David, when he was just a young boy.  Background music: “To the Lamb”  by David Bauer.

 

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is WCU musician student, Elise King, who talks about her love of music, her classes and future plans.  Music: “Almost Like Being in Love’” by WCU Jazz Ensemble.

 

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy welcomes as her guest Mary Messer, author of “Moonshiner’s Daughter,” who shares some of her tragic early life. Her book can be found at many independent bookstores in WNC, as well as online at Amazon.com, Kindle, and Nook.  Music: "I’ve Got Something to Praise God For” by  The Barnes Familyl.

 

SPECIAL RERUN:  Amy visits with Joy Phillips Hoyle, and they talk about blackberry picking and making blackberry jelly.  Music: "There’s a Song in the Air” by Ron Smith.

 

Down Another Road: Judy talks with her Aunt Jean Rhodes Carter, who shares stories about her early life in Asheville.  Music:“Jesus is All the World to Me” by Jean Carter & sister Louise; and “Shady Grove” by Clover.

 

Closing Song: "Hard Times" by Dirk Powell & Tim O’Brien

 

To listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk CLICK HERE  (scroll down to the green box and click the radio button below it)

Where have all the Flowers Gone ? Gone to Hendersonville and the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown with the Tribute to Peter, Paul and Mary

June 12-15   Flat Rock Theatre Music on the Rock Series: "A Tribute to Peter, Paul and Mary" Performances are at the Playhouse Downtown, 125 Main Street in historic Hendersonville, 8:00 PM. The 9 concert 2013 series is produced by The Flat Rock Theatre and offers a celebration of music from country to pop to folk.

The Music on the Rock Series began in 2010 in the Flat Rock Theatre's small rehearsal hall. The Serie's near immediate success required a larger venue and now is performed in the new facility in downtown Hendersonville to more than 10,000 music lovers annually.  Professional performers pay tribute in both style and emotional content to popular music's favorite songs and musicians in each Music on the Rock Concert.

Tickets are still only $24 per person and may be purchased at the the box office or online. Discounts are offered to students, seniors and AAA members.

Get a link for additional Hendersonville NC information HERE.

Asheville's River Art District Studio Stroll this Weekend

June 8-9   Studio Stroll at the River Arts District   The first, largest, and most walkable tour of working artists’ studios in the region, the River Arts District Studio Stroll takes place in 19 historic buildings along the French Broad River. There will be artists’ demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the weekend.

There is plenty of parking and you can catch the trolley at Riverview Station or any of the stops listed on the map. An Information Booth is located at the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across from Clingman Café.

Cherokee Rod Run and Classic Cars this Weekend

Date: June 7 - 8    Spring Cherokee Rod Run   Considered one of the southeast's premier car

events, don't miss the 2013 "Cruise the Smokies" Spring Cherokee Rod Run. Well over 3,000+ car enthusiasts turn out for the weekend annually. See some of the nation's hottest looking cars while enjoying the scenic drives that the Smoky Mountains section of Western North Carolina boasts.

This popular event takes place at the Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Road in Cherokee, NC. Get a link for the Cherokee Rod Run and other local event, attractions and lodging on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide.

Summer Studio Stroll in Asheville's River Arts District

June 8-9   Studio Stroll at the River Arts District   The first, largest, and most walkable tour of working artists’ studios in the region, the River Arts District Studio Stroll takes place in 19 historic buildings along the French Broad River.

There will be artists’ demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the weekend. There is plenty of parking and you can catch the trolley at Riverview Station or any of the stops listed on the map. An Information Booth is located at the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across from Clingman Café.

River Arts District is open year around - meet artists in their studios. Schedules are available online. Twice a year, every second weekend in June and November, Asheville’s River Arts District opens to the public for two days of festivities known as the STUDIO STROLL. During the Studio Stroll, 160 artists of the River Arts District welcome you into their studios to talk with them, see their latest artwork, watch demonstrations, and experience for yourself the magic hidden inside the time-worn factories and warehouses along the French Broad River. 

Chimney Rock Park Offers Survival Skills Workshops

June 8   Survival Skills Workshop: Wild Edibles  (3 of 3 in this series) Abundant, nutritious edible plants grow in Western North Carolina each season, from berries and flowers to nuts and mushrooms. As you know, food and water are essential to wilderness survival.

Be prepared to hike “off the beaten path” for a couple hours identifying and learning about a variety of wild edibles, including a few you wouldn’t expect. Bring a water bottle, wear long pants and bring a rain coat just in case.

Learn more about Chimney Rock Park Events and local attractions and lodging on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide

Classic Car Show this Weekend in Highlands NC

June 6 - 9   6th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival    Participants range from pre-war to classic Europeans to American muscle. Returning in 2010 was the Bridgestone Tire F-1 Racing Simulator. This fun, family oriented event is a must event for the vintage car enthusiast who wants to show or just to browse these great cars from the past.

Motoring Classes for the 2013 Festival include:
TR – Touring – pre-1949 vehicles with no, or very minor modifications. Examples of cars in this class would be Model T, Model A, 1940 Ford Sedan. Minor modifications would be upgraded brakes, radial tires, etc.
CL – Classic – Domestic (non-sport car) 1949-88. No, or minor modifications (as noted above). Examples would be stock cars (no resto-modifications), including 1962 Chevrolet Impala, 1955-1988 Thunderbirds, etc.
SR – Street Rod & Custom – Modified American or European. This would include resto-mods, T-buckets, customized 57 Chevy, customized VW bug, etc.
AS – American Sport & High Performance – Includes Corvette, Mustang, 442, GTO, etc. Little to no modifications.
FS – Foreign Sport – MG, Austin Healy, Porsche (in another year than this), Sprite, etc. Little to no modifications. May have different wheels, seats, etc.
FC – Foreign Classic – Mercedes sedan, Rolls Royce, Bently, Jag sedans, etc.
TK – Trucks/Utilities – Not or lightly modified. Jeep, trucks, VW Thing, tractors, etc.
SI – Special Interest (pre-approval required) – competition vehicles, current model Lotus, Bugatti Veyron, 2012 Porsche Turbo, vintage motorcycles, vintage special vehicles, Muntz Jet, etc.
MQ – Marque of the Year 2013 – Porsche 1988 and older.
As in the past year, there will be an award for Best of Class, in each of the above. This year the award will be a special, locally produced piece of pottery. In addition to the Best of Class, there will also be Outstanding in Class awards. The number of the Outstanding in Class will be determined by the number of registrants in each class.

Enjoy the altitude and cool weather, while you get away from the summer heat. Come for the day or the weekend. Public admission is FREE. The event benefits the Literary Council of Highlands.

Get links for Highlands restaurants, attractions and Lodging on the Highlands NC Visitor Guide. 

Brevard Music Center Prepares for the 2013 Festival

With the opening performance of The Brevard Music Center 2013 festival only three short weeks away, the campus is quickly becomes a hive of activity. Members of the summer administrative and production staffs have already started to arrive, and over the next few weeks they will be getting company. 

June is the month when the population of the 180 acre campus balloons from only 15 full-time staff members to over 600 students, faculty and staff.

students, faculty, and staff. This is the month that the Center's  troop of over 200 volunteers comes together and begins working to make the summer festival a success.

This is the month that 80 pianos appear overnight, and the occasional sounds of songbirds are replaced by a constant stream of beautiful music echoing through the mountains. June is always a very exciting month to be at Brevard. Students arrive on campus in just two weeks.  The life-changing experiences for these young, aspiring performing artists are possible only with your help. 

Scholarship Fund support gives more than 90% of the Center students merit and need-based help so they can pursue their dreams regardless of their financial circumstances. Your gift of $550 or more to the Scholarship Fund allows you to Sponsor a Student!  Click here for details about the 2013 Scholarship Program.

Contributions to our  Annual Fund help us recruit top students, secure our faculty, attract top guest artists, and maintain rehearsal, performance, and student and faculty residence facilities across our 180-acre campus. 

Gifts of any size support these annual needs and sustain our mission and daily life. Please consider making a charitable contribution today to Brevard Music Center!

  

Click here now to make your gift online or for information about how you can support the Music Center.

The Brevard Music Center is located at 349 Andante Lane in Brevard NC

Blue Ridge Music Center Mountain Duets

June 8, 7 PM at The Blue Ridge Music Center: The Mountain Duets concert.  Carter Family songs, gospel hymns, and brother duets will fill the air Saturday  at the Blue Ridge Music Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

The South Carolina Broadcasters (SCB) are a little mission band that performs heart stompin' love songs and rowdy gospel numbers with three voices, fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Sarah Osborne grew up singing the gospel songs of her great grandmother in rural Alamance county, North Carolina, Ivy Sheppard played with the Roan Mountain Hilltoppers before joining the SCB, and David Sheppard, a renowned luthier, provides powerful back up guitar and writes fine songs for the group. When the South Carolina Broadcasters sing and play you want to shout, "Hallelujah!"

Mac and Jenny Traynham are a husband and wife duo who specialize in the early country duet style of singing and playing old-time country and mountain music. There voices blend in a way that is only possible after singing together for decades. Mac and Jenny draw their repertoire from the Carter Family, Delmore Brothers, Blue Sky Boys and the old-time fiddle and banjo styles of their home area, Floyd County, in the southern Blue Ridge area of Virginia.

Eddie and Bonnie Bond grew up in the small cotton mill town of Fries, Virginia. Fries was the home or workplace of many early country music recording artists including: Henry Whitter, G.B. Grayson and Pop Stoneman. Both Bonnie and Eddie grew up in musical families and learned many of the old songs and ballads from family members and neighbors. Together they enjoy harmonizing on Carter family songs, old hymns, and mountain ballads. Eddie and Bonnie will be joined by award-winning, autoharp player and luthier, John Hollandsworth, and his wife Kathie Hollandsworth on bass.

Tickets for the Mountain Duets concert are $10. Children 12 and under are free. All ticket sales support our daily free programs and non-profit traditional music concert series. Advance tickets are available at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Barrs Fiddle Shop, the Galax Visitor Center, online at www.BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org, by calling (276) 236-5309 x112 or at the gate.

Concerts are made possible with the support of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and National Park Service. The Blue Ridge Music Center is located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway only 10 miles from Galax, Virginia and 20 miles from Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Music Center hours: 10 AM-5 PM everyday. Bring a picnic, folding chairs, your friends and the whole family. No alcohol or pets allowed. Smokehouse BBQ available on concert nights. The Blue Ridge Music Center has mainstage concerts every weekend through August in the outdoor amphitheater at the foot of beautiful Fisher Peak. Also enjoy free Mid Day Mountain Music 12-4 PM daily and the free Roots of American Music museum. 

Saluda Home and Garden Tour Today

June 1, 2013 from 1 to 5 PM - The Annual Saluda Home and Garden Tour    Take a tour along an historic section of Saluda, part of Henderson Street. Eight homes will be open for touring and four others will feature either gardens, an art studio and in one, a rock and mineral museum. The Saluda Historic Committee is sponsoring this home and garden tour in an effort to raise money for several of their projects, one of which is to return historic, decorative tin work to the front of City Hall.

Most of the Tour homes were built in the late 1890s to early 1900s.  Some have been restored and some remain almost as they were then.  This is a rare chance to see the inside of some of Saluda's history.  A special treat of this tour is a chance to see what used to be The Polk County Rock and Mineral Museum which opened in 1962 on Main Street in Saluda.

The Tour will cover about 5 city blocks and golf carts will be available to assist with transport.

Tickets ($20) will be sold at the beginning of the tour which will starts at the First Baptist Church parking lot on Carolina Street, across the street from the Saluda Library.  The tour will be held rain or Shine.

Learn more about Saluda NC HERE.