"A Little Chaos" Begins Today at The Flat Rock Cinema

July 31, 2015 at The Flat Rock Cinema, 2700 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock NC: A Little Choas opens today. "Romantic and funny and smart and wise and just plain different. This is a historical costume dramedy romp about gardening. How cool is that?" --MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher. "A stylish, intelligent entertainment for grown-ups with some splendid performances." --Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress. Show times are July 31st - August 6th: 3:45, 7:00 (Closed Monday).

Doors open 40 minutes before show time. Arrival at least 20 to 30 minutes prior to show time is recommended if you plan to eat or if you have a group of three or more and want to sit together. Reservations are recommended for popular films, especially for weekends and holidays by calling (828) 697-2463. All tickets, all days, all times, all ages are $8.75. TICKETS ARE $6 on TUESDAYS for a limited time. (Price includes new NC sales tax effective January 1, 2014) All prices subject to change without notice.

The Flat Rock Cinema - "We're your affordable locally-owned clean and friendly bistro cinema featuring great food, wine and local brews."

Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem Show Begins Today in Spruce Pine NC

July 30 - August 2, 2015    The Annual Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem Show   This popular event features 60 dealers from all over the world with gem stones, mineral specimens, fossils, jewelry, beads and lots more. If it is made of stone, you should be able to find it here. 

There will be a BBQ and more great food on Saturday, a fundraiser for the  the Parkway Fire and Rescue and new equipment. Come help out the fire department. 

The Show is open 10 AM to 6 PM daily at 12966 South Hwy 226 in Spruce Pine, NC. Admission and parking are FREE.

Summer Fun in the Smoky Mountains

News and updates provided by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce

210 Main Street in downtown Bryson City NC

Around Bryson City NC there are more outdoor adventure spots than any ither place in the Smoky Mountains for rafting, lake kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, boating, mountain biking, tubing, horseback riding ...and more. So if you want to enjoy the beauty of nature up close and personal, plan a trip to the Smokies in Western North Carolina and experience the wonders of the mountains.

National Park Service Junior Ranger Programs - daily programs, hikes, demonstrations at various Great Smoky Mountains National Park locations. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. CLICK HERE for a calendar of Great Smoky Mountains Park events.



Children's Trout Fishing Derby - July 31- Aug 1, 2015 in Cherokee NC. Free for ages 3-11. pre-register on Friday; fish on Saturday starting at 8 AM. Free bait and tackle while supplies last. GET MORE information here.

Dinosaur Train - July 31-Aug 2. Enjoy this adventure filled train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad that includes music and stories, plus all kids receive a Nature Trackers Club Card to use at the activities area to during your layover; and of course, an opportunity to meet the favorite T.rex, Buddy.  Find details and tickets HERE. 

ICF Junior and Under 23 Wildwater Canoeing World Championships - Aug 2-7, 2015 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). Watch juniors and young adults race downriver all in a family atmosphere. CLICK HERE for complete details.  



Cherokee Bonfire and; Storytelling - Fridays and Saturdays from 7 - 9 pm at Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee NC. Free for the entire family. Get more information HERE.

Farmers Market -  Fridays, 9 am - 1 pm; and Tuesdays, 5-8 pm. At the old barn on Island St. (turn off Everett St. at the bridge.

Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama - Now until August 15, Monday - Saturday. The renowned outdoor drama tells the history of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Don't miss this awe-inspiring evening. See details or get tickets. 


Wine Train Experience (the McNeill Uncorked) - August 15. Specialty all-adult first class ride on the 4.5 hr. Nantahala Gorge excursion featuring wines selected to pair with your lunch. Souvenir stemless wine glass and tote bag. Find tickets and more information.

Oconaluftee Indian Village - Mondays - Saturdays. Take a tour to explore Cherokee history at this authentic heritage attraction. Interact with villagers and join in the dancing. Learn more HERE.

BRYSON CITY Music in the Mountains - Free concerts at the Bryson City Train Depot, 6:30 - 8 PM Saturdays June - October. Full schedule.
Nantahala Brewing -  Live music, Friday and Saturday nights.
Derailed Bar and Lounge -  Music most Saturday nights. (Anthony's Restaurant, Depot Street)

GO FISH!  The Smokies waters have some of the best fishing ANYWHERE. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s streams and creeks offer natural populations of brook, brown and rainbow trout while most other streams are routinely stocked, including areas of the Cherokee Indian Reservation with trophy-size trout. CLICK HERE for complete information and fishing maps. 

Brevard Music Center Festival Last Week of Concerts and Grand Finale

The 2015 Brevard Music Center Festival included 80 concerts in 7 weeks for one of the most unforgettable seasons in recent history. The final week includes an amazing variety of concerts from chamber music to piano recitals to American Spiritual soloists to operas and new compositions from the Center's students. The grand finale this year is a performance of Mahler conducted by BMC artistic director Keith Lockhart. 

Brevard Music Center FInal Week Performances:

July 28, 2015     Student Chamber Music Platform   7:30 PM   Brevard’s talented students perform chamber music prepared throughout the summer and coached by BMC’s artist faculty.  FREE event.

July 29, 2015      Student Piano Recital 12:30 PM - FREE event.

July 29, 2015      Soloists of the American Spiritual Ensemble   7:30 PM - Brevard Music Center presents The American Spiritual Ensemble – a critically-acclaimed professional group composed of some of the finest singers in the classical music world. The vocalists have thrilled audiences around the world with their dynamic renditions of classical spirituals and Broadway numbers.  Tickets $25.

July 30, 2015     The Ballad of Baby Doe   7:30 PM - The Ballad of Baby Doe is one of the most popular and beautifully melodic American operas in the standard repertory! Baby Doe is based on the story of Horace Tabor, Elizabeth “Baby” Doe Tabor, and Augusta Tabor - all real historical figures. The action takes place in Colorado and Washington, DC…even President Chester Arthur and William Jennings Bryan make an appearance.  Tickets $45.

July 31, 2015     New Music.  12:30 PM. Brevard Music Center presents premiere performances of new works written by composition students. FREE event.

July 31, 2015     Piccolo Opera.  4:30 PM. Brevard Music Center’s talented High School voice students present opera scenes. FREE event.

July 31, 2015     A London Symphony  6:30 PM - Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty.  7:30 - The Brevard Concert Orchestra—led by conductor Keith Lockhart with violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley—performs Higdon’s blue cathedral, Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy, and Vaughan Williams' A London Symphony. Tickets $15 - $45.

August 1, 2015    Brevard Symphonic Winds   10:30 AM - The BSW presents their final concert of the season—led by conductor Kraig Alan Williams— featuring Joe Lulloff in a performance of Maslanka’s Saxophone Concerto.  FREE event

August 1, 2015    Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4   6:30 PM - PreConcert - Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty.  7:30 - The Brevard Sinfonia presents their final concert of the season—led by conductor Ken Lam with mezzo-soprano Courtney Miller—performing Ravel’s Shéhérazade, Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4..  Tickets  $15 - $45.

August 2, 2015    Season Finale: Lockhart conducts Mahler 1  2:00 PM - PreConcert - An informal talk one hour before curtain, conducted by a member of the artist faculty.  3:00 - The Brevard Music Center Orchestra presents their final concert of the season—led by Brevard Music Center’s Artistic Director Keith Lockhart with pianist Andrew von Oeyen—performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, “Titan.”.  Tickets  $15 - $45.


         

An Appalachian Summer Festival Final Events this Week

July 29, 2015 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts - (7 PM) Weicholz Global Film Series: Valley of Saints. The festival is hosting the North Carolina premiere of this strikingly beautiful film shot on Dal Lake in the Kashmir region of India. Valley of Saints tells the story of Gulzar, a young tourist boatman and his long-time friend who wish to flee the poverty and military conflict of their lakeside community in Kashmir. A military crackdown derails their plans, and Gulzar finds himself responsible for a mysterious woman scientist who is trapped in the conflict. Gulzar must choose between a new life and a new love. The film opened at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival where it won the World Dramatic Cinema Audience Award and the Alfred P. Sloan Prize. India/Kashmir; Not rated; Directed by Musa Syeed (2012); 82 minutes.

July 30 at Rosen Concert Hall - (8 PM) Broyhill Chamber Ensemble. The concluding concert in the series, featuring internationally renowned violinist and artistic director Gil Morgenstern, joined by the nation's most exciting chamber musicians of today. This concert features works by Fauré and Brahms.

July 31 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts - (8 PM) Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox. Scott Bradlee is an American musician, pianist, arranger and YouTube sensation noted for recording pop hits of the present performed à la pop hits of the past. Miley Cyrus' "We Can't Stop" assayed as a doo-wop number; Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Thrift Shop" modified in flapper jazz; Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" rendered as a 1940s big-band standard. Bradlee manifests postmodernist ideas in his approach to production and business as well as music. But as far as the fans are concerned, it's just plain fun.

Stories of Mountain Folk for 7-25-15

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

Podcast July 25, 2015:

Storytelling: Amy gives you another episode of her early married life with “You Don’t Mess With an Angry Mother”  Music: Background Music: “Dark Eyes” by Ronnie Evans.

Creative Corner: Doreyl ’s guest is once more Richard Hurley from Canton. They discuss Doreyl’s upcoming mural of the Shindig on the Green. Richard shares a poem he’d written about Bascom Lamar Lunsford. We hear one of the songs he has written.  Music: “Shindig on the Green” by Richard Hurley.

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy interviews Mick Lewis, who shares more history of the Lewis family, especially about his father and hunting.  Music: “Smoky Mountain Memories” by Keith Shuler.

Stories of the Cherokee: Shawn Crowe continues with his story of Selu and Kinati with part 3 of a 3-part series.  Flute music is by Bo Taylor.

Down Another Road: Jack Wood, May 25, 1928- May 19, 2015. Judy talks more with Jack Wood from Caney Fork. He tells some of his memories of Sylva. Jack graduated from Camp Lab school and Western Carolina University.   Music:“Maybe” by the Asheville Muses.

Closing Song: “Grace” The Children of Zion

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

Favorite NC Festivals and Events this Weekend in the Mountains

Date:      July 21 - July 26, 2015
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:     Blowing Rock Horse Show  Hunter / Jumper division I. The 90th annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest horse show events in the country and has been a Blowing Rock tradition since 1923. Admission is charged. This year several new Classics including Pre Green Incentive Classics are being introduced both weeks along with Classics for Children, Adults, Ponies and Juniors

Date:      July 24 - 26, 2015
NC City:  BRYSON CITY
Event:    Whitewater Junior Olympics   Nantahala Racing Club hosts the 2015 Whitewater Junior Olympics on the Nantahala River. This national-level youth event featuring slalom, downriver and freestyle competition as well as just-for-fun on- and off-the-water events such as duckie-cross, SUP free paddle and yard games. Family-friendly and fun for beginner through advanced paddlers.

Date:      July 24 - 25, 2015
NC City:  LINVILLE / BLOWING ROCK
Event:     The Grandfather Campout   A special opportunity to camp in MacRae Meadows and take part in day and night activities led by Grandfather’s naturalists and interpretive rangers. Additional cost, reservations required. On-line registration begins May 1. For more information and registration details: 828-733-4326. 

Date:      July 25, 2015
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:    Tweetsie Railroad Cool Summer Nights   Tweetsie Railroad stays open until 9 PM on Saturday nights. The park will feature special train show rides at dusk producing cool summer memories for families and kids of all ages. Cool Summer nights is included in regular park admission.  

Date:      July 26, 2015
NC City:  OLD FORT
Event:    Off-road Assault on Mt Mitchell  The assault is a 55-mile, mostly off-road bicycle route with 11,000 ft. of accumulated climbing. The route begins and ends in Old Fort climbing to the Blue Ridge Parkway and on to Mt. Mitchell. Entry fee/cash prizes.  Registration is NOT available the day of the event.

  

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Music News in the Mountains: Live Outdoor Concerts this Weekend

Date:      July 23, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Homegrown in Pritchard Park  This performance features Aaron La Falce.  Free performances by local singer/songwriters each Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. Held from 6 PM - 8 PM and sponsored by 98.1 The River radio station.

Date:      July 24, 2015
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     Music on Main Street   WestSound / Oldies, Blues & Country  The annual Music On Main Street concert series will be held every Friday evening from June through August. Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from jazz, pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music with room to dance. There will also be a classic car show corvette night sponsored by the Hendersonville Antique Car Club.  Bring a chair and enjoy the music from 7 PM - 9 PM. Admission is FREE.

Date:      July 24, 2015
NC City:  SYLVA 
Events:   Concerts on the Creek -  The Buchanan Boys Live concerts held every Friday night between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. The free outdoor performances take place at the Bridge Park Pavilion beside Scott Creek in downtown Sylva on Fridays from 7:30-9:30 PM. All shows are family-friendly, drawing diverse audiences comprised of locals and visitors alike.

Date:      July 24, 2015
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:    Symphony by the Lake at Chetola  Gates open at 5:30 with opening bands at 5:45 and the main performance at 7 PM  Experience a moving performance by the Symphony of the Mountains, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Take your seat on the grass by Chetola Lake, under the evening sky. Bring a picnic to enjoy with friends and family, or purchase meals from caterers at the event. The performance ends with a spectacular fireworks show.  Admission is charged.

Date:      July 24,  25, 2015
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:    Music on the River   Enjoy open-air musical performances by the river Friday and Saturday evenings in downtown Cherokee. Performances include rock n’ roll, blues, jazz, gospel and country, and are staged near local eateries, shopping, and downtown water features with room to dance along.   Friday night: John Emil Montagnino, Saturday night: AM Superstars. 

July 24 - 25, 2015
NC City:  CHIMNEY ROCK
Event:     Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café at Chimney Rock State Park   Relax outdoors to the beat of bluegrass, Americana, folk, blues or other genres while enjoying a regional craft brew or glass of wine on our riverside deck. Talented local musicians and singer-songwriters liven the scene on Friday and Saturday evenings in July at this popular burger joint in Chimney Rock Village. The Old Rock Café features one of the 2014 Zagat-rated “Must-try Burgers across the Country” with Hickory Nut Gap Meats' 100% grass-fed beef burger. The full menu includes grilled sandwiches, salads and fresh-baked fruit cobbler.

Date:      July 25, 2015
NC City:  Just north of Boone in Galax VA
Event:     Blue Ridge Music Center Concert - The Church Sisters and Pike City Bluegrass    The Blue Ridge Music Center Summer Concert Series is performed rain or shine. You are welcome to bring your own picnic basket (NO ALCOHOL please) and encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Phone ticket sales through BRPF Office end at Noon on Friday and are available online up to 12 hours before the concert. The Galax Smokehouse serves BBQ, sides and drinks at each concert. Check the website for details about the performers and concerts.

Date:      July 25, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:    Shindig on the Green   Held outdoors at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville, this FREE event  was voted the #1 Local Outdoor Concert in the Mountain Xpress "Best of WNC" survey for four years. Bring your instruments, your lawn chair or blanket, family and friends and join the fun eight summer Saturdays. Performances include Long-standing house band The Stoney Creek Boys Bluegrass and Old-Time String Bands, Big Circle Mountain Dancers, Clog Dancers, Smooth Dancers, Ballad Singers and Storytellers. If you love old time Mountain music and Bluegrass this is the place to be

   

Three Superb Concerts this Friday at The Brevard Music Center Festival

July 24, 2015 at 2:00 PM   Brevard Music Center Performance:  Falling Angel  - Brevard Music Center presents Falling Angel, this season’s Opera in a Box, which is based on the classic, thrilling horror-mystery novel of the same name, by William Hjorstberg.. Tickets $45.

July 24, 2015 at 4:40 PM   Brevard Music Center Performance:  Program of Song  4:30 PM - Brevard Music Center presents it’s talented high school voice students in recital.  FREE event.

July 24, 2015  at 7:30 PM   Brevard Music Center Performance:  Beethoven, Bartók, and Bronfman Pre-concert Talk -  6:30 PM - An informal talk one hour before curtain, conducted by a member of the artist faculty.. 7:30 - The Brevard Music Center Orchestra—led by guest conductor Christoph Konig with pianist Yefim Bronfman—performs Nicolai’s Overture to The Merry Wives of Windsor, Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.”. Tickets $15 -  $45.

Biltmore News: New Onsite Hotel to Open in 2015 and Summer Discount and Special offers

By the end of 2015 Biltmore will open its new Village Hotel offering visitors another convenient way to enjoy the Estate's many activities and adventures.

Nestled in Antler Hill Village just steps from the Winery, Village Hotel occupies a central-to-everything location near quilt-like farm fields that stretch along the banks of the French Broad River. Stay here to be close to shopping, dining, exhibits, and an exciting range of outdoor activities.

Village Rooms will offer a charming window seat, one king bed or two double beds, 400 thread count linens, walk-in shower, refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, 42-inch plasma television, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and an in-room safe.

Village Suites will have 700 square feet of space featuring one king bed, conversational seating, sofa bed, 400 thread count linens, walk-in shower and bath tub, refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, 42-inch plasma television, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and an in-room safe.

Hotel amenities include:

• Fitness center
• Outdoor pool (open seasonally)
• Access to The Spa at Inn on Biltmore Estate
• Computer and printer access
• Complimentary wireless internet access
• Complimentary self-parking
• Complimentary estate shuttle service

Bookings are being accepted now with an anticipated Hotel opening near the end of 2015.

SAVE ON BILTMORE TICKETS NOW! 

Purchase your tickets online and save $10 plus youth are FREE through Labor day. 

CLICK HERE to buy Biltmore discount tickets online

In summertime, Biltmore is truly a place for the entire family to gather.  There are so many activities to enjoy together - paddle boarding, biking, Segway tours,horseback riding,  live music, and more.

Additional Special Offers:

• 15% off American Series -  Save on wines in the American Series, the perfect collection for your summer gatherings.
• Win a New Bedroom -  It’s Biltmore For Your Home’s 25th Anniversary, and they’re giving away a master bedroom.
• Labor Day Package - Enjoy a celebratory summer sendoff with a special dinner, live music, and fireworks.
• Taste of Biltmore - Food and wine takes center stage this September at Biltmore for NC Wine Month.
• Biltmore Concert Series -  See performances throughout August by award-winning artists in a setting with a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Chef Demonstrations - July and August
• Live After Five - Fridays and Saturdays 

Swanannoa Gathering Continues with Guitar Week and Contemporary Folk Week

July 26 - August 1, 2015 Swanannoa Gathering - Guitar Week and Contemporary Folk Week  One of the finest programs of its kind anywhere, staffed by some of the world’s best players and instructors.  New instructors this year include Clive Carroll, Dakota Dave Hull, Bill Cooley, Allen Shadd, Jonathan Brown and Josh Goforth. Classes will be offered in a wide variety of styles ranging from Celtic and bossa nova to jazz and blues.  

Contemporary Folk Week celebrates this 24th Gathering with another group of great artist/instructors offering a wide variety of classes designed to put music back where it belongs – in your hands. Returning instructors include: Grammy-winners Kathy Mattea, Jim Lauderdale, Jon Vezner, and Don Henry, folk stalwarts Ellis Paul, Peter Mulvey, Sara Hickman, and Amy Speace, vocal coaches Siobhan Quinn and Danny Ellis, and music theory guru Ray Chesna.

The final week of the Swanannoa Gathering will be August 2 - 8, Mando and Banjo Week.

Founded in 1991 by Warren Wilson College President Emeritus Douglas M. Orr, Jr., The Swannanoa Gathering is an educational program of the college, consisting of a series of week-long workshops in various folk arts held in July and August on the campus of Warren Wilson College just east of Asheville. With a limited enrollment and an 'open' format which allows each student to select their own curriculum from a variety of courses, the experience is intimate and supportive for students of all abilities, featuring a staff of some of the finest performers and teachers in the world.

Warren Wilson College is located at  701 Warren Wilson Rd. in Swannanoa, NC (between Black Mountain and Asheville NC. 

Mountain Spirits: Beer and Wine Tastings this Weekend

July 17, 2015, 5:30 PM - 8 PM at Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store, 10 C South Main Street in Weaverville NC - Greek Wine Tasting. Greece has been struggling quite a bit lately so this week Maggie B's will be supporting their economy by showcasing Greek wines for our tasting. Come show your support by trying some of their delicious wines.

Deal of the Week at Maggie B's: Terraprima White Xarel.lo & Riesling Grapes.  "Aromas of fresh white-fleshed fruit such as gooseberries, with floral notes, smoky notes and hints of aromatic herbs. The wine shows complexity and the minerality of this unique terroir. The Xarel·lo makes for a structured and full-bodied wine and the Riesling provides the elegance and depth and it has a long finish on the palette." WAS: $16.99 THIS WEEK: $13.99.


July 17, 2015, 5 PM - 7 PM at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC -  Free Beer Tasting: New and Limited Releases from The Bruery. Hotienroth - This tart, German-style Berliner Weisse is as authentic as it gets. Brewed using lactobacillus and a hint of brettanomyces to sour this very unusual, low gravity wheat beer. Jardinier, which is French for “gardener,” was inspired by the fresh, sessionable beers so often found on the Belgian dinner table. Bright and flavorful with an assertive hop character. Saison Rue is an unfiltered, bottle conditioned, Belgian/French-style farmhouse ale. This is a beer of subtlety and compleConde Villar Winesxity, with malted rye, spicy, fruity yeast notes.

July 18, 2015, 3 PM to 6 PM - FREE Tasting of Conde Villar Wines - great value wine out of Portugal. Vinho Verde: Bright and clear and refreshing! Abundant and elegant floral tones joined by pleasant and fresh citrus tones. Slightly effervescent, perfect for the pool. Rosé: Fresh and bright! Smooth and creamy with red berry flavors and a good balance between the alcohol and acidity. Tinto: Very fruity and tones of red berries. Soft and velvet feeling. Well structured, the tannins and the acidity are well blended with the abundant fruit. 10% off all featured bottles on Saturday at Hops and Vines.

Spruce Pine NC Hosts Barbeque Festival and Bluegrass Festival

July 17 - 18, 2015     Spruce Pine BBQ Championship and Bluegrass Festival  This annual mountain event  features a sanctioned professional BBQ competition, a wings contest and public tastings. Enjoy live bluegrass music both days along with a cornhole tournament, championship clogging teams, craft vendors, BBQ equipment and supplies vendors, local food vendors, the Spruce Pine Skedaddle 5K and Fun Run and a kids play-area. 

Learn more about Soruce Pine on the Spruce Pine NC Visitor Guide. 

 

Stories of Mountain Folk for 7/11/15

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

Podcast July 11, 2015:

Storytelling:  Amy gives you another episode of her early married life with “Beans and Money” Music:  Background Music: “The Old Guitar” by Acoustic guitar.

Creative Corner:  Doreyl ’s guest is once more Richard Hurley from Canton.  They discuss old time music and Richard’s efforts to preserve the mountain songs. We hear one of the songs he has written.  Music: “The Peaceful Pigeon River” by Richard Hurley

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy interviews Lois Lewis Deitz, who shares more history of her mountain family, especially about the crafts of her mother.  Music: “My Appalachia” by Betty Brown.

This is My Home:  Reprisal—October 25, 2014.   Joe Rhinehart interviews Pearl Krepps, who talks about looking into the history of the Wesleyan Church in Glenville, NC.  Music: “Who Will Sing for Me” by the Compost Mountain Boys

Down Another Road:  Reprisal of October 18, 2014 as a tribute.  Jack Wood, May 25, 1928- May 19, 2015. Judy talks with Jack Wood from Caney Fork. He tells some of his memories of Sylva. Jack graduated from Camp Lab school and Western Carolina University.

Music:“Green Pastures” by the Butterpats.

Closing Song:  "Mississippi Sawyer" by Curley Fox.

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

This Week at The Brevard Music Center Festival

July 14, 2015    Brevard Music Center Performance:  Brevard Symphonic Winds   7:30 PM - The Brevard Symphonic Winds—led by Kraig Alan Williams—performs works of the luminary composers of American Jazz, including Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and George Gershwin. FREE event.

July 15, 2015    Brevard Music Center Performance:  Student Piano Recital  12:30 PM - FREE event.  

July 15, 2015    Brevard Music Center Performance: Christopher Rex and Friends.   7:30 PM - Brevard Music Center presents Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, Mendelssohn’s Cello Sonata No. 2, and Brahms’ String Sextet No. 2. Brevard welcomes 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award-winner Christopher Rex, principal cello of the Atlanta Symphony, as he joins BMC’s artist faculty for an evening of Romantic chamber music. Tickets $25.

July 16, 2015    Brevard Music Center Performance: Così fan Tutte.   6:30 Pre-performance Talk - An informal talk one hour before curtain, conducted by a member of the artist faculty. 7:30 - Brevard Music Center Present’s Mozart’s beloved opera buffa Così fan Tutte. It provides great entertainment and laughs as its story weaves an intricate web of love, and truly tests the ties of two engaged couples. Così fan Tutte is the final collaboration of Mozart and the gifted librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte. Tickets $45.

July 17, 2015    Brevard Music Center Performance: Mozart and Bruckner.    6:30 Pre-performance Talk - An informal talk one hour before curtain, conducted by a member of the artist faculty. 7:30 - The Brevard Music Center Orchestra—led by guest conductor Matthias Bamert with violinist Stefan Jackiw—performs Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4. Tickets $15 -  $45.

July 18, 2015    Brevard Music Center Performance: Così fan Tutte.   1:00 Pre-performance Talk - An informal talk one hour before curtain, conducted by a member of the artist faculty. 2:00 - Brevard Music Center Present’s Mozart’s beloved opera buffa Così fan Tutte. It provides great entertainment and laughs as its story weaves an intricate web of love, and truly tests the ties of two engaged couples. Così fan Tutte is the final collaboration of Mozart and the gifted librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte. Tickets $45.

July 18, 2015   Brevard Music Center Performance: Grieg Piano Concerto.   6:30 - Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty. 7:30 - The Brevard Sinfonia—led by guest conductor Matthias Bamert with pianist Norman Krieger—performs Berlioz’s Rob Roy Overture, Grieg’s Piano Concerto, and Schumann’s Symphony No. 2. Tickets  $15 - $45.

July 19, 2015   Brevard Music Center Performance: Dvořák 7.   2:00 - Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty. 3:00 - The Brevard Concert Orchestra—led by conductor Ken Lam with pianist Gleb Ivanov—performs Britten’s The Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra, Dohnanyi’s Variations on a Nursery Song, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7.. Tickets  $15 - $45.

Swanannoa Gathering Continues with Celtic Week

July 12 - 18, 2015    Swanannoa Gathering - Celtic Week   This year’s lineup features present or former members of the supergroups Lúnasa, Danú, Ossian, Solas, Dervish, Battlefield Band, The House Band, Skylark, and Cherish the Ladies, several other exciting new faces as well as "oldies but Goodies".

 Many of western North Carolina’s early white settlers came from Scotland and Ireland, bringing their own distinct music traditions with them. Celtic Week acknowledges that varied heritage with a program that features some of the best from the Scots and the Irish.

The week will feature classes, potluck sessions, concerts, jams and dances.

NC Train Rides a Highlight of Summer Fun

July 11, 2015   Tweetsie Railroad Cool Summer Nights   
Tweetsie Railroad stays open until 9 PM on Saturday nights. The park will feature special train show rides at dusk producing cool summer memories for families and kids of all ages. Cool Summer nights is included in regular park admission.  Blowing Rock NC.


Tweetsie Railroad was North Carolina's first theme park and today still manages to blend fantasy, nature and technology into a fun and educational experience for kids of ALL ages. Hop aboard the train and let good ol' Engine Number 12 take you on an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. You'll arrive transported back into the days of the Old West.  Be a cowboy, Indian or an engineer on an historic steam locomotive, Number 12, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open April through October.


July 11, 2015    Fontana Trestle Train Ft. BBQ & Brews    
The Barbeque and Brews Dinner Trains feature locally hand-crafted beer from Heinzelmannchen Brewery and Nantahala Brewing Company. plus slow-cooked authentic North Carolina Barbeque. The train departs Bryson City Depot at 7 PM and travels through the scenic mountain countryside to the Fontana Trestle for a spectacular sunset. The base ticket prices from $69 (adults over 21 only) and includes a souvenir tasting glass with three beer samples and a meal of pulled pork, homemade coleslaw and apple pie. Additional beer will be available for purchase.  

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad chugs out of Bryson City NC on a daily basis. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys, through tunnels and across river gorges in a spectacular region called the Great Smoky Mountains. The Train offers year around excursions and special events. This section of western North Carolina offers a wide array of ever changing vegetation and fantastic landscapes. Bryson City NC. 

 

4th of July Weekend in the Mountains filled with Music, Fireworks and Fun

Some of the biggest and best Independence Day celebrations will take place this year in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Special activities for kids, patriotic concerts, parades, whitewater rafting, local mountain music, craft shows and more fill both the 4th of July and the entire weekend. Getlinks for complete details and times on the NC Events Calendar.

Mult-activity Celebrations:

Date: July 3 - 4, 2015 
NC City: LAKE LURE 
Event: 4th of July Celebration at Lake Lure July 3 offers a Beach Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast. Then on the 4th enjoy a day and evening of family fun and activities from 8 Am until 10 PM. The Boardwalk Arts and Crafts Sale includes the works of local artists and crafters displaying along the Lake Lure boardwalk near the members' marina. There will also be a Kids Zone at the Beach, Fire truck rides and temporary tattoos, Bingo at the Pavilion and a golf cart parade. The Beach Cookout, Tiki Bar at the Cabana and Ice Cream at the Cabana all open at 11 AM. Take a fireworks cruise or stay on land and watch the Color Guard and Fireworks display. The remarkable display over Lake Lure is considered one of the most spectacular anywhere in the mountains.

Date: July 3-4, 2015 
NC City: WEST JEFFERSON 
Event: Christmas in July Festival One of the best, old fashioned summer festivals in the South drawing thousands to historic downtown West Jefferson each July. Christmas in July is a free-admission event featuring the very best in traditional mountain music and handmade arts and crafts throughout the region while celebrating the farm-grown Christmas Tree industry Ashe County is known for. The Festival begins on Friday night with live music and venders and continues on Saturday form 9 AM - 7 PM with great food, live music, children's activities, civil war re-inactments and the Farmers' Market.

Date: July 3 - 5, 2015 
NC City: CHEROKEE 
Events: 40th Annual Cherokee Pow Wow A three-day festival of authentic drum, song and dance competitions and spiritual traditions. . Hundreds of world-champion dancers will compete for thousands of dollars in prizes at the Acquoni Expo Center. Watch the explosion of color and motion in the arena with the Traditional, Fancy Shawl, Grass, Two Step and Jingle dance competitions.

Date: July 3 - 5, 2015 
NC City: BRYSON CITY 
Event: NOC’s Sizzlin’ 4th of July   Celebrate an all-American 4th of July at the Nantahala River with rafting, kayaking, zip-lines, mountain biking, family activities and free live music. The event includes the Outfitter's Store Sales: 20 - 30% off select 2015 apparel and equipment.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: BOONE 
Event: Boone 4th of July Parade and Celebration The Annual downtown Boone 4th of July Parade begins at 11 AM on Kings Street. Following the parade, join the Mayor of Boone for refreshments at the Jones House Community Center located in the heart of downtown Boone. The evening festivities at Clawson/Burnley Park off of Hunting Hills Lane start at 7:00 PM with live music and fireworks by Zambelli begin at 9:30 PM.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: BLOWING ROCK 
Event: Independence Day Festival   Free events all day in downtown Blowing Rock including the Main Street Parade, live music, a horseshoe tournament with cash prizes, watermelon eating contest, face painting, cloggers, a sing-along, bluegrass concert and more. The day concludes with a fireworks display at the Blowing Rock Country Club at 9:30 PM.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: BRYSON CITY 
Events: Freedom Fest Enjoy an old-fashioned street festival in charming downtown Bryson City. This annual Fourth of July celebration begins with the Rotary Club Firecracker 5K and continues with local artisans and crafters, a full day of local entertainment, festival foods, and fun events including a Watermelon Eating Contest, and a Hula Hoop-off. Explore Kids' Street where you'll find a bouncy house and more. From 6-9 PM there will be more music and kids games at Riverfront Park.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: CHEROKEE 
Events: July 4th Fireworks Annual Fireworks Display. The POW WOW will be going on during the Fireworks, and there is an admission price to partake in the POW WOW, but the fireworks display is free to the public if watched fireworks from the parking lot. The display is held at the Acquoni Expo Center (Old Cherokee High School) in downtown Cherokee.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: SYLVA 
Events: 4th of July Fireworks and Concert   Enjoy a fireworks display in Sunrise Park visible throughout downtown Sylva along with two FREE concerts at Bridge ParkL from 4 PM to 6 PM by Darren Nicholson with special guest David Holt and Friends; Soul/funk/rhythm and blues band, The Business, will perform from 6:30-9:30 PM. Heinzelmannchen Brewery will be open normal hours 11 AM - 9 PM for Pints, Flights, Floats and Fills. Fireworks begin at dark.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: FONTANA DAM 
Events: Independence Day Celebration at Fontana Village Resort   Locals, visitors and guests of the resort are all welcome to enjoy an evening filled with patriotic fun. The Fourth of July festivities, which are part of a multi-day celebration, will include relay and field games, a watermelon-eating contest, cornhole competition, beach volleyball, face-painting, a cookout and more. The Chillbillies will perform before and after the fireworks.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: ASHEVILLE 
Event: Ingles 4th of July Celebration in Pack Square Enjoy live music from some of Asheville's most popular bands along with a variety of family activities. The event begins at 2 PM with the Ultimate Air Dogs and live music at 4 PM and concludes with an amazing fireworks display from 9:30 PM to 10 PM.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: BLOWING ROCK 
Event: Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad The Park stays open until 9 PM for one of the most popular annual events in the High Country. Enjoy all the usual Tweetsie fun and a fireworks extravaganza under the stars after the Park closes. An optional dinner and fireworks at the Hacienda is available including a special chick and BBQ buffet with all the Trimmings.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: FRANKLIIN 
Event: 4th of July Parade, Celebration and Fireworks The celebration begins at 10 AM with the annual parade in historic downtown Franklin and continues at Macon County Recreational Park with food, fun and a cornhole tournament. A fireworks display begins at dark, ending the day with a bang.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: BRYSON CITY 
Event: Freedom Train - The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Celebrate Independence Day on the Freedom Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Ride the Fireworks Freedom Train and view one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks displays in Western North Carolina. The train departs at 8 PM, but you can arrive early to enjoy live music, local crafts and the downtown Freedom Fest.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: RUTHERFORDTON 
Event: Freedom Fest 4th of July Celebration   The fun begins at noon with a walking parade and continues throughout the day with a car/bike show, soap box derby, dunking booth, watermelon eating contest, cornhole, kids area, games, lots of food and more. The fireworks display begins at dark.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: BREVARD 
Event: 4th of July Festival in Downtown Brevard   Activities include: 5K/10K Firecracker Run, Fine Arts and Craft Showcase, All Star Pet Show, Declaration of Independence Reading, Memorial Flag Raising, Classic Automobile Show, Old Time Fair, day-long music, Kids’ Bike Parade, Hot Dog Eating Contest, inflatables, face painting, children’s activities and end the day with the wonderful July 4th Fireworks.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: TODD 
Event: Elkland Art Center's Liberty Parade   Elkland Art Center hosts an annual arts parade called The Liberty Parade. Participants become the parade by wearing costumes and carrying large puppets that represent the local environment, environmental concerns and current creative impulses. Each year community members add a segment or theme in workshops with local artists, environmental advocates, environmental specialists and anyone else who wants to come.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: COLUMBUS 
Event: 52nd Annual Fabulous 4th   The celebration begins at 10 AM to 10 PM in downtown Columbus concluding with a fireworks display. the event includes family fun, food, and entertainment

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: BEECH MOUNTAIN 
Event: 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog   Celebrate Independence Day at this Beech Mountain annual event. The hog is roasted all day to perfection and cut up right in front of the crowd. With music, moon pies, games, and fireworks, this is a family affair that you won’t want to miss. The roasting will begin at 5;30 PM and the fireworks at dark. 
 
Concerts:

Date: July 3, 2015 
NC City: BREVARD 
Event: Brevard Music Center Performance: 6:30 PM Pre-concert Talk; 7:30 PM Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Arnaud Sussmann, violin. SALONEN Helix; TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35; NIELSEN Symphony No. 4, Op. 29, "The Inextinguishable"  

Date: July 3, 2015 
NC City: HENDERSONVILLE 
Event: Music on Main Street Wishful Thinkin' / Oldies & Beach The annual Music On Main Street concert series will be held every Friday evening from June through August. Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from jazz, pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music with room to dance. There will also be a classic car show sponsored by the Hendersonville Antique Car Club. Bring a chair and enjoy the music from 7 PM - 9 PM. Admission is FREE.

Date: July 3, 2015 
NC City: SYLVA 
Events: Concerts on the Creek - Dashboard Blue Live concerts held every Friday night between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. The free outdoor performances take place at the Bridge Park Pavilion beside Scott Creek in downtown Sylva on Fridays from 7:30-9:30 PM. All shows are family-friendly, drawing diverse audiences comprised of locals and visitors alike.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: HENDERSONVILLE 
Event: Music on Main Street 96.5 Band / Patriotic Tribute - Special 4th of July Concert The annual Music On Main Street concert series will be held every Friday evening from June through August. Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from jazz, pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music with room to dance. There will also be a classic car show sponsored by the Hendersonville Antique Car Club. Bring a chair and enjoy the music from 7 PM - 9 PM. Admission is FREE.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: BREVARD 
Event: Brevard Music Center Performance: Pendergrast Family Patriotic Pops. 2 PM. A beloved Brevard tradition, Maestro Kraig Alan Williams will lead the Brevard Symphonic Winds in marches, patriotic songs, and other favorites. The concert's exciting finale will be a performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, complete with live cannons. Tickets from $15 - $45.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: SYLVA 
Events: Concerts on the Creek - Darren Nicholson and Friends featuring David Holt Live concerts held every Friday night between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. The free outdoor performances take place at the Bridge Park Pavilion beside Scott Creek in downtown Sylva on Fridays from 7:30-9:30 PM. All shows are family-friendly, drawing diverse audiences comprised of locals and visitors alike.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: TODD 
Event: Todd's Free Summer Music Concert Series 2 - 4 PM New River Boys performs. A FREE summer music series in historic Todd, NC. The series has become a tradition in Todd over the last decade and features some of the best known musicians in the region and a range of musical genres from blues to bluegrass to country. Bring a blanket, a chair and your family and friends.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: ROBBINSVILLE 
Event: An Appalachian Evening - Buncombe Turnpike This annual summer concert series offers an ever-changing schedule of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists — quality entertainment for the entire family. Rich in cultural heritage, An Appalachian Evening continues to be a favorite with locals and visitors alike. All concerts at 7:30 pm in the air-conditioned Lynn L. Shields Auditorium.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: Just north of Boone in Galax VA 
Event: Blue Ridge Music Center Concert - The Jeff Little Trio and New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters The Blue Ridge Music Center Summer Concert Series is performed rain or shine. You are welcome to bring your own picnic basket (NO ALCOHOL please) and encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Phone ticket sales through BRPF Office end at Noon on Friday and are available online up to 12 hours before the concert. The Galax Smokehouse serves BBQ, sides and drinks at each concert. Check the website for details about the performers and concerts

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: BREVARD 
Event: Patriot Pops Concert Performed by the Brevard Community Band with Transylvania Symphonic Band at the Brevard Music Center at 2 PM.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: MAGGIE VALLEY 
Event: Maggie Valley Concert Series Live outdoor concert by the Haywood Community Band. Bring a blanket or a chair, picnic supper and enjoy the beautiful Maggie Valley sunset. Free and open to the public. Held each 3rd Sunday from May through October at 6:30 PM.


Art and Crafts Events:

Date: July 3, 2015
NC City: MURPHY
Event: Murphy Art Walk - First Fridays from May through November, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Stroll through historic downtown Murphy for an exquisite visual, culinary, and performing arts experience with more than 20 businesses participating. Enjoy Art Galleries, Music, Fine Dining, Live Demonstrations and Performances.

Date: July 3, 2105
NC City: ASHEVILLE
Event: Downtown Asheville Art District (DAAD) Art Walk Enjoy the fine art and craft of the Downtown Asheville and see one of the reasons Asheville has been voted #1 small city in the country by the readers of American Style Magazine. Within a half-mile radius of Pack Square and the city's center, you'll find unparalleled diversity from fine studio crafts, to glass, photography, folk art and contemporary painting, metalwork, textiles, jewelry and more by local, regional, national and international artists. 20+ downtown galleries, studios and museums participate. A complete Downtown Gallery Guide and map is available at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.

Date: July 3, 2015
NC City: WAYNESVILLE
Event: Art After Dark Downtown Waynesville galleries remain open for Art after Dark featuring demonstrations, artist receptions, and special music. Enjoy the Gallery Stroll from 6 PM - 9 PM with live music and great food. Free admission. Art After Dark happens the first Friday evening of each month from May until December.

Date: July 4, 2015 
NC City: ASHEVILLE 
Event: Ooh La La Curiosity Market An outdoor market in Pritchard Park featuring works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with up three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts.