Asheville Wine and Food Festival a Big Success for 2015

The 7th Annual Asheville Wine and FoodFestival held August 20 - 22 in downtown Asheville,  brought together a vibrant culinary community, and attracted 5000 attendees over the celebratory week.

Wine and food aficionados enjoyed three days of signature events: ELIXIR, North Carolina’s largest distillery showcase and craft cocktail competition; SWEET, a feast of desserts, wines, and spirits; and the GRAND TASTING, featuring farm-to-table restaurants, artisan food producers, bakers, chocolatiers, craft brewers and distilleries, and winemakers who were present to cook, pour, demonstrate, and serve their love to eager attendees. The festival, one of the largest indoor culinary festivals in the southeast, is a testament to the region’s growing food scene.

The highlight of the weekend was the GRAND TASTING at the US Cellular Center. Occupying all 3 floors with over 75,000 square feet, it brought together 145 of Asheville’s best restaurants, artisan food producers, vintners, breweries, and distilleries to entertain a crowd of more than 4,000.

In addition to book signings and blind wine and beer tastings, culinary demonstrations were provided by Chefs Dan and Jael Rattigan of the French Broad Chocolate Lounge; Chef William Dissen, Chef-Owner of the Market Place Restaurant; Chef Steve Goff, and Chef Felicia Suzanne Willett of Felicia Suzanne's from Memphis.

The Asheville Scene Chefs Competition rounded out the day with four great chefs from Asheville vying for the 2015 Title win. They were Chef Hollie West from Sweet Monkey Café and Bakery, Chef Steven Goff of Asheville, Chef Joe Mitchell from Chestnut Asheville, and Chef Ryan Kline from Buffalo Nickel.

Chef Hollie West took top honors with her sautéed quail with sweet potatoes. In addition to the title of the 2015 Best Chef for the Asheville Wine and Food Festival, Chef West received a $1,000 shopping spree at Blue Ridge Restaurant Equipment, a vacation package for 4 to Orlando provided by Universal Marketing Group, and a set of hand painted glasses from Wine Me in Daytona.

The Asheville Wine and Food Commercial Wine competitions compared 73 wines, judged by the French Broad Vignerons. The Double Gold Medal Wines were St. Paul Mountain Vineyards of Hendersonville, NC - Viognier 2013 and Laurel Hill - Vidal Blanc 2014. Burntshirt Vineyards of Hendersonville, NC - Burntshirt Vineyards Estate White - Vidal Blanc 2013. Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery of Ronda, NC - Vermentino Superiore - Vermentino 2014. Watauga Lake Winery of Butler, TN - Fox Hollow - 50% Chancellor, 50% Steuben 2014. Parker-Binns Vineyard of Mill Spring, NC - Rose - Merlot 2014.

ELIXIR was held at the Morris Hellenic Event Cultural Center in the historic Montford community. While 300 attendees noshed on canapés provided by 67 Biltmore, North Carolina craft distilleries provided samples of their spirits. Mixologists from 10 Asheville bars and restaurants competed in the mixology competition, whereby they were tasked to create a cocktail utilizing a CRUDE Small-Batch Bitters, along with their own homemade syrups and mixers. Judges from the Asheville Scene, Our State Magazine, and others quaffed the selections and announced Kala Brooks from Top of the Monk the winner, with Noah Hermanson from Sunny Point Café receiving honorable mention!

SWEET, at the historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, drew 600 attendees out to explore flavors put forth by 24 exhibitors, including bakers, pâtissiers, chocolatiers, vintners, wineries, brewers and distillers. The evening of desserts was held at 8:00 p.m. to allow dinner beforehand at Asheville’s many independent restaurants. The shops at the Grove Arcade stayed open late for shopping, while a wildly entertaining performance was provided by the Reggie Sullivan Band."

Two non-profit organizations benefited from the 2015 festival. The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) and its “Chefs of Tomorrow Scholarship Fund.” Established through AB-Tech’s nationally accredited culinary program, AIR works to provide future hospitality industry professionals with financial assistance.

Slow Food Asheville, a major contributor to the establishment and organization of the Festival, is part of a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment….food that is good for those who eat it, for the planet, and for the people that grow it. Projects include the Heritage Food Committee and the Appalachian Food Storybank.

Director Bob Bowles established the Asheville Wine and Food Festival in 2009. Asheville Color Imaging is the 2015 Title Sponsor. Additional sponsors included Pure Leaf, Whole Foods Asheville, Asheville Citizen –Times and Asheville Scene, Grove Arcade, Kitchen and Company, Biltmore, Blue Ridge Restaurant Equipment, Chef Works, ARTeries, and hotel sponsors, media partners, and supporters. www.ashevillewineandfood.com

Highlands NC Annual Village Square Art and Craft Show a Summer Season Favorite

August 29 - 30, 2015  Village Square Art and Craft Show   Sponsored by the Macon County Art Association always offers many works of art from which to choose. You will find jewelry, pottery, weaving, metalwork, woodwork and other high quality crafts for the home and garden. 

More than seventy local and regional art vendors participate. The show is held in downtown Highlands NC at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park and neighboring Village Square, a block from Main Street.

This is the 10th year, and the shows continue to attract new artisans as well as many loyal shoppers. One show favorite is artist Amy Wald, who fashions large, artistic picture frames out of branches and slabs of wood that surround wildlife paintings and are perfect for a mountain cabin.

You will find beautiful turned wood pieces by Highlands' own Donald Krebs as well as John Benton and Brian Sykes. Skip Staab makes pottery, including facejugs, and twig furniture. Lee Byers of Highlands creates beautiful jewelry out of leather and pearls. Mike Murphy and Judy Buuci make decorative clay Ikebana vases.

Food and drinks are available at Fresser’s Courtyard Cafe in the Village Square.  There will be live music from 11 AM  to 3 PM both days. Kelsey-Hutchinson Park facilities include public restrooms, a new large stage, landscaping, an interactive water feature, lighting and new benches and picnic tables

Show hours are Saturday and Sunday 10 AM. to 5 PM., and admission is FREE. Children and dogs are welcome. 

Music in the Mountains: Weekend Concerts fo 8/27-30

Date:       August 27, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Homegrown in Pritchard Park  This performance features Busker Showcase.  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:       August 28, 2015
NC City:  SYLVA 
Events:   Concerts on the Creek -   Unspoken Tradition  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:       August 28, 2015
NC City:  CASHIERS 
Event:     Groovin' On The Green   This concert features " Rockell Scott and Friends. "  ( rock).  Live summer music concert with great music in a stunning venue in the beautiful weather. The summer concert series is held on Friday at 6:30 pm at the Village Commons. (Frank Allen Road – Next to the Post Office). FREE event, but tips appreciated. 


Date:       August 28, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     The Biltmore Concert Series:  The Four Tops and The Temptations    Enjoy performances by award-winning artists at Biltmore with stunning views of Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a perfect place to see a show under the stars.  

Date:       August 28,  August 29, 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: David Lambert , Saturday night: A36 Band .  

Date:        August 29, 2015
NC City:  TODD
Event:     Todd's Free Summer Music Concert Series - Milissa Reaves  A FREE summer music series held at Cook Park 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:       August 29, 2015
NC City:  ROBBINSVILLE
Event:     An Appalachian Evening - The Kruger Brothers    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:      August 29, 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

Find links for more weekend mountain events and festivals on the NC Events Calender.


 

Barbeque and Brews Dinner Train a Special Sunset Experience

August 29, 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, all aboard the popular Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

photo courtesy Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The train departs Bryson City NC  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. 

New for 2015 -  Family Friendly Seating(all ages) - tickets for Adults (13 and up) start at $69 and Chldren (2-12) start at $39. Adults will receive a souvenir tasting glass for the 3 samples of crafted beer and those under the age of 21 will receive an exclusive GSMR stadium cup to enjoy a uniquely crafted Root Beer from  featured brewer Heinzelmannchen.

This is the last Beer Train Excursion for the season.

 

Tweetsie Railroad Special Events: Railroad Heritage 2015

August 29 - 30, 2015    Railroad Heritage 2015 at Tweetsie Railroad    A once per year event for railroad enthusiasts of all ages. Enjoy a very special weekend celebrating the history of Tweetsie Railroad, the ET & WNC Railroad and mountain culture. 

Traditional dance and craft demonstrations by the Cherokee Tsalagi Program will also be featured on Saturday. 

photos courtesy of Tweetsie Railroad

 

Steep Canyon Rangers Perform at the Blue RIdge Music Center

August 29 , 7 PM at the Blue Ridge Music Center, 700 Foothills Road, Galax VA (just north of Boone): The Steep Canyon Rangers bring their original bluegrass sound to the Blue Ridge Music Center as the North Carolina band's ninth studio album, RADIO, makes its debut. The same day, the Blue Ridge Parkway is looking ahead to its yearlong celebration of the National Park Service's 2016 centennial anniversary with kick-off festivities at the Music Center.

photo courtesy Blue Ridge Music Center

The Steep Canyon Rangers effortlessly walk the line between festival favorites and sophisticated string orchestra. It's that mix of serious chops and good-natured fun that earned the Steep Canyon Rangers the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2013 (Nobody Knows You). Last winter, band members Woody Platt (guitar), Graham Sharp (banjo), Charles R. Humphrey III (bass), Mike Guggino (mandolin), Nicky Sanders (fiddle), and Mike Ashworth (box kit) stepped into the studio with 14-time Grammy winner and producer Jerry Douglas (John Oates, Alison Krauss, Del McCoury Band) to record RADIO at Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville, North Carolina.

Mountain Park Old Time Band, one of the most popular old-time music dance bands in the region, opens the show. The friends and talented musicians that make up the group are Nancy Gentry (bass), Johnny Gentry (multi-instrumentalist), C.T. Janney (washboard and dancing), Roger Stamper (fiddle), and Mark Handy (banjo, vocals, dancing). The band performs regularly at the Alleghany Jubilee in Sparta, N.C., and is an audience favorite at the Rex Theatre in Galax and The Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia.

Visitors can arrive early to kick off the National Park Service's 100th anniversary celebration, which will be marked with events along the Parkway throughout 2016. Starting at 1 PM., visitors can talk with the multiple groups that support the mission of the Blue Ridge Parkway through volunteer efforts, fund-raising, cultural enrichment, land protection, and additional contributions. Participating partners are the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Blue Ridge Parkway Association, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Conservation Trust for North Carolina, Eastern National, and Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

There will also be live music by members of The Wolfe Brothers String Band from noon to 4 PM on the breezeway.

At 5 PM, the Blue Ridge Music Center will host a ticketed Taste of the Mountains reception at the Luthier Shop, featuring bites from local restaurants Bogey's, Scoots, and The Galax Smokehouse, beer from Creek Bottom Brews, and wine from The Biltmore Winery.

Centennial Celebration: 

• 12 PM - 4 PM - Midday Mountain Music 
• 1 to 7 PM -  Centennial Celebration Partner Showcase 
• 5 to 7 PM - Taste of the Mountains Reception 
• 7  PM -  Concert with the Steep Canyon Rangers and Mountain Park Old Time Band 

The Centennial Celebration Partner Showcase and Midday Mountain Music performance are free. Tickets for the Taste of the Mountains are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event, $10 for Music Center members. Tickets for the Steep Canyon Rangers concert are $20. For tickets  call (866) 308-2773, ext. 245, or visit blueridgemusiccenter.org. Reception tickets are limited and only available by phone in advance or at the gate the day of the event while supplies last.

During each concert, The Galax Smokehouse will be on site serving its signature barbecue, down-home sides, drinks, and desserts.

The Blue Ridge Music Center is operated by The National Park Service. The Music Center's programming is coordinated through a partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the primary private fundraising organization for the Blue Ridge Parkway.  

 

Mountain Music: Live Concerts this Weekend

Date:      August 21, 2015
NC City:  SYLVA 
Events:   Concerts on the Creek -   Mangas Colorado 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:      August 21, 2015
NC City:  CASHIERS 
Event:     Groovin' On The Green   This concert features " The Freeway Revival. "  ( rock).  Live summer music concert with great music in a stunning venue in the beautiful weather. The summer concert series is held on Friday at 6:30 pm at the Village Commons. (Frank Allen Road – Next to the Post Office). FREE event, but tips appreciated. 

Date:      August 21, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     The Biltmore Concert Series:  Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers and Blues Traveler    Enjoy performances by award-winning artists at Biltmore with stunning views of Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a perfect place to see a show under the stars.

Date:      August 21, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Downtown After Five   Free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville.  The celebration is every third Friday, May through September, with the goal of encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy downtown Asheville and support local businesses and entertainers.  The event is located on North Lexington Avenue (between Hiawassee and the I-240 overpass). Food and beer vendors will be available.

Date:      August 21,  August 22, 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: Alfred Lossiah , Saturday night: AM Superstars . 

Date:      August 22, 2015
NC City:  ROBBINSVILLE
Event:     An Appalachian Evening - The Henhouse Prowlers    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:      August 22, 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.

Date:      August 23, 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.

  

18th Annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse

August 22 - 30, 2015   18th Annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse   An insider look into the Cashiers Community home showcase. The featured home for 2015 is the "Goodman Cottage".

From August 22 through August 30, Interior Designers representing the Southeastern region will not only bring trending design to Cashiers NC but will again create the magic that is The Cashiers Designer Showhouse. Leading area landscapers are involved in redefining the areas surrounding the home and in turn creating serene and evocative late summer mountain gardens for Showhouse strolling.  Showhouse Hours are: Saturday, August 22nd through Sunday, August 30th Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM Sunday 12 PM - 4 PM Daily.  Tickets are $35 and may be purchased online or at the Cashiers Community Center, Cashiers Farmers Market, Cashiers Chamber of Commerce, Vivace of Cashiers, Acorns at Old Edwards Inn & Spa, The Summer House, Vivace of Highlands and Sapphire Valley Community Center. Also available during the event at the Transportation Area and ADAC.


Showhouse Shops: The Shops are located at various venues: The Goodman Cottage - Weekends 10 AM-4 PM; Shops on Zachary Grounds - Daily to Public 11 AM -4 PM; The Chattooga Cafe on Zachary Grounds Open to Public Daily 11 AM -4 PM, Sundays noon-2 PM. Cash, Checks and Credit Cards are accepted.  

Some of the additional events of the Designer Showhouse include:

August 21 from 6 PM - 7:30 PM -  Cocktail Preview at Goodman Cottage;  Opening Gala on the Grounds of Wade Hampton from 7:30 PM - 10 PM with music by  US Beat. Enjoy Southern Edibles and Imbibables from Atlanta’s Sun In My Belly. The dress is "Summery" -  Southern Gentlemen and Slightly Foxy Southern Gentlewomen. The evening's admission is $250 per person and $500 per couple.

August 22 at 11 AM - Celebrity Luncheon with Clinton Smith, Editor-in-Chief, VERANDA. Held at The Country Club of Sapphire Valley. Clinton Smith is a journalist who has covered design and luxe living throughout the world,especially in the South. Touching on his soon to be published book, THE ROMANCE WITH FLOWERS, Mr Smith will guide participants through exquisite rooms shaped and enhanced by the luxury of extraordinary blooms and the vases that display them.

Book Signings:  John Grady Burns - Collections Sunday, August 23, Dining Room Emily Followill;  The Southern Rustic Cabin Saturday, August 22; - On the Porch Jenifer Jordan - Charles Faudree – The Country French Legacy Sunday, August 23; Great Room Barbara Westbrook - Gracious Rooms Saturday, August 29, Great Room

August 27 6 PM at The Goodman Cottage - Mash & Pig. A bit of killer bourbon, a little James Farmer, a couple of puffs on a great cigar, and some pretty awesome fixin’s to tide you over. For decidedly Southern Gentlemen and their simply beautiful Southern wives. It;s late summer, North Carolina – dress accordingly.Presented by McKee Properties.

August 29, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Wade Hampton Golf Club - A Gem of a Brunch. This multifaceted event caps the Showhouse week with all that is beautiful and gracious and welcoming about Southern living and style. Dawn Corley presents an anecdotal history of the pearl and will bring along hundreds of strands for attendees to “play with” and learn from. Barbara Westbrook will share bits of wisdom from her new book, Gracious Homes. Her witty speaking style and design acumen enhance to presentation. Wade Hampton Executive Chef Doug Sampey is designing an extraordinarily delectable brunch. Come sit and play that day and be further dazzled by table settings and service ware provided by Replacements, Ltd. atop fabulous cloths courtesy of Jim Thompson, Bangkok.

Get links for additional local details on the Cashiers NC Visitor Guide.

Penland School of Crafts Looks to the Future

Penland School of Crafts  is a national center for craft education located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Penland offers 1, 2, and 8 week workshops in books & paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking, textiles, and wood. The school also sponsors artists' residencies, outreach programs, and an exceptional craft gallery.

From its humble beginning in 1929 Penland has continued to add to both its curriculum  and facilities. And now the beginnings of its 5 year 30 million dollar campaign have become a reality. Former painting workshops took place in a makeshift studio carved out of a building that had once been Penland’s woodshop. Now, thanks to the ongoing Campaign for Penland's Future, there is a beautiful new painting and drawing studio with lots of natural light, flexible work-spaces, and an up-to-date ventilation system. In the new drawing studio, each student has the space to work with the techniques and materials that speak to them.

Launched in 2010, this five-year, thirty-million-dollar campaign was designed to strengthen Penland’s educational programs by improving its studios, housing, and other facilities; rehabilitating historic buildings; increasing program and scholarship endowments; and establishing an elevated, sustainable goal for Penland’s annual fund. The campaign total currently stands at just over $29,000,000, representing 97 percent of the goal.
 
“This level of support is unprecedented in Penland’s 86-year history,” says Penland’s director, Jean McLaughlin. “People come here from all over the world for new ideas, new skills, and remarkable educational experiences. This campaign is creating improved facilities that will elevate the student experience and financial stability that will help Penland transform lives for generations to come. So many people love this school and want it to have a sustainable future.”

More than 2000 individuals and 200 organizations have contributed to campaign projects, which are being launched as funds come in. Students are currently living in two new housing buildings and using new outdoor work spaces at the clay and metals studios funded by campaign donations. The Pines—which includes Penland’s dining hall and kitchen—has been fully renovated. The Penland Gallery and Visitors Center is currently under renovation. Drawing, painting, and book arts workshops are taking place in beautiful new studios. A major information technology upgrade (partially supported by a rural broadband project funded by the USDA) has recently brought high-speed Internet access to all parts of the campus. And campaign fundraising is ongoing for several other infrastructure projects that will begin as soon as funding is complete.

Penland’s endowment has grown from $8.6 million to $17 million, including support for thirty-eight new scholarships and endowments that ensure the long-term future of Penland’s resident artist and core fellowship programs. A further goal of the campaign was to increase unrestricted annual giving from $500,000 to a sustainable $650,000 annually. Penland has met or exceeded this target for the past three years.

While the campaign is not quite complete, its impact on individual lives is already clear. “Without the incredibly generous support of this scholarship, I would never have been able to experience this wonderful place,” wrote Victoria Buchler, a ceramics student who received a scholarship supported by a campaign endowment. “It is incredibly empowering to be immersed in a community of makers, many of whom have dedicated their lives to their craft,” she continued. “Outside of Penland, being an artist can make you the ‘other,’ but here I have been able to refill my wells of confidence and creativity, preparing me to move forward with my art career.”

Detailed information about the Campaign for Penland’s Future, including stories of how the campaign is benefitting Penland’s programs and the lives of individual artists, is available at penland.org/campaign.

Information for this posting provided by The Penland Sketchbook, Penland's Blog - Subscribe HERE.

NC Historical Theatre: Horn in the West Now Closed for the 2015 Season

Horn in the West is an outdoor Historical Drama, a look at 18th Century Living and Outdoor Drama since 1953. The history first premiered in 1952, making it ne of the nation's oldest Revolutionary Dramas still performed.  Horn in the West portrays the lives of pioneers who survived the wilderness challenges to settle in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Through drama, dance and music a cast of 50 performers takes you back 230 years to the American frontier. Horn in the West is located at Hickory Ridge Homestead in Boone NC.

This year's season ran from June 26 through August 8 and was reported to be one of the best of all time. Michelle Ligon, Director of Public Relations at Explore Boone, has written an excellent summary of the season now published on LinkedIn:

photo by Keaton Brower

A Bittersweet End of Summer 

by Michele Ligon

I serve on the board of directors for Southern Appalachian Historical Association, Inc., 501(c)3, producer of 'Horn in the West' and Hickory Ridge Living History Museum. The 64th production of "Horn in the West" ran June 26 through August 8, 2015. It was a fantastic season. Cast member, Keaton Brower, snapped this photo of our ticket office sign as he was leaving town on Sunday, August 9. We spotted it on his Instagram account. Oh, the heartbreak!

 It is so bittersweet when the season ends, after so much fun and hard work during rehearsals and the run of the show; after so much togetherness; after so many nights of welcoming our guests, indeed friends new and old, who explored our Hickory Ridge Museum cabins and who received us so warmly as an audience of “Horn in the West”.

We will miss performing for you! Thank you all for a wonderful 2015 season. Because of you, this legacy outdoor drama, the third oldest in the nation, is now entering its 65th season in 2016. We have already started work on this milestone season and will keep you updated here on our website and via our Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter pages, so please “Like” us and “Follow” us where you will.

Join us for our Autumn event, the 5th Annual Boone Heritage Festival, which takes place Sunday, October 11, 2015, 10AM-4PM. We’ll be celebrating Southern Appalachian heritage and Daniel Boone history through live, old-time mountain music and storytelling, heritage crafts, historical demonstrations, kids’ crafts and activities, and delicious food! For more on the festival, follow its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/booneheritagefestival.

As a nonprofit, Southern Appalachian Historical Association, Inc., is continuously engaged in fundraising and friend-raising. For more information on how you can donate and/or volunteer, please email us at info@horninthewest.com. When you are considering where to invest your end of the year donations, we would be very grateful if you would consider S.A.H.A. All the best to all of you, From all of us at “SAHA”

produced in 2011

Stories of Mountain Folk for 8-8-15

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

Podcast August 15, 2015:

Storytelling: Amy gives you another episode of her early married life with “The little Blue Valiant”   Music: Background Music: " Here Comes the Sun” by Acoustic Guitar.

Creative Corner:   Doreyl ’s guest is once again Conrad Burrell from Sylva—serving the public of Jackson County as Register of Deeds, County Commissioner, and is now on the Board of Trustees for Southwestern Community College; here he talks about the flood of 1940.  .  Music: “The Flood of 1940” by by Buddy Melton, Milan Miller and Mark Winchester.

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy talks once more with  Susan Hirsh, who tells the story of the Cherokee Chief Rabbit..  Music: “Cherokee Morning Song” by Robbie Robertson.

Let Us March On: Mary Sue Casey interviews Bishop Adam West from Macon County who gives a review of his life—Part 1.  Music: I Got Shoes by Clara Ward. 

Down Another Road:  Judy’s guest is David Massie (also known as Pooch Massie), whose family is from Madison County. He lives in Buncombe County, but grew up in Haywood County   Music: “The Peaceful Pigeon River” by Richard Hurley.

Closing Song:“John Henry” Henry Queen. 

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

NC Park News: Wild Mushroom Walks at Chimney Rock State Park

August 14, 2015    Wild Mushroom Walks at Chimney Rock State Park    11 AM. Be amazed at the variety of fascinating fungi growing along the Park’s trails. Whet your appetite on this guided hike as you identify and learn about a dozen or so of the most common mushrooms among more than 1,000 species that could be growing in Western NC. 

This hike is led by Karen Johnson, member of State Parks and the Asheville Mushroom Club. Limit is a maximum of the first 15 people.  Meet at Grady’s Animal Discovery Den to begin the event which is included with Park Admission.

Find complete local area information on Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

NC State Bluegrass Annual Festival Next Weekend in Marion NC

August 13 - 15, 2015      41st Annual NC State Bluegrass Festival   Featuring dozens of bluegrass musicians.. Tickets are available at the gate or in advance by calling 706-864-7203. The event is held  "rain or shine" with performances under covered pavilion. The cafe will be serving breakfast and lunch, with hot food and other concessions also available. Bring your lawn chairs - no alcohol, smoking or pets in the performance area.

The event is held at Tom Johnson's Camping Center 1885 US 70 West in Marion NC, a venue which is an outdoor festival in the campground under a pavilion. 

courtesy Tom Johnson's Camping Center

Mountain Music: Live Concerts this Weekend Include Bluegrass, Folk, Pop Rock and Old TIme Mountain Music

August 6, 2015 - ASHEVILLE NC
Homegrown in Pritchard Park  This performance features Molly Rose.  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.  

August 6 - 8, 2015 - ASHEVILLE NC
88th Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival   The nation’s longest running folk festival. The 88th annual edition of this three-day event showcases the best of the region’s old-time and bluegrass musicians, mountain dance groups, cloggers, and ballad singers. A different show every night, beginning at 7:00 PM nightly at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville. 

August 7, 2015 - HENDERSONVILLE NC
 Music on Main Street   Horsefly / Rock & Blues  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. 

August 7, 2015 - ASHEVILLE NC  
The Biltmore Concert Series:  Natalie Cole and Peabo Bryson    Enjoy performances by award-winning artists at Biltmore with stunning views of Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a perfect place to see a show under the stars. 

August 7, 2015 - SYLVA  NC
Concerts on the Creek -   Porch 40 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. 

August 7, 2015  - CASHIERS NC
Groovin' On The Green   This concert features " The Jackson Taylor Band "  (pop rock).  Live summer music concert with great music in a stunning venue in the beautiful weather. The summer concert series is held on Friday at 6:30 pm at the Village Commons. (Frank Allen Road – Next to the Post Office). FREE event, but tips appreciated.  

August 7 and 8, 2015 -  CHEROKEE  NC
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: David Lambert,  Saturday night: AM Superstars.  

August 7 - 8, 2015 -  FRANKLIN NC
 Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival   BBQ, Music and Car Show. This two-day event features authentic, mouth-watering BBQ, live entertainment ,a car show, cornhole tournament, crafters and tastin’ tent.  This is an official North Carolina State BBQ Championship with over $11,000 in cash and awards. Gate Entrance: $5 one day; $8 both days, Children 12 & under Free. Held at the Wayne Proffitt Agricultural Center, 1436 Georgia Road in Franklin.

August 7 - 8, 2015 -  LANSING
Ola Belle Reed Music Festival   A showcase of top notch local and visiting musicians honoring Ola Belle Reed, a local legendary bluegrass and gospel musician.  Musical acts will provide continuous day and evening concerts in addition to instrumental, songwriting, and voice workshops. The event also includes a Craft Market, Food Court and much more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, overnight camping available. Purchase tickets online or at the gate.

August 8, 2015 -   ROBBINSVILLE NC
An Appalachian Evening - Mac Arnold and Plate Full O' Blues    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. 

August 8, 2015 - ASHEVILLE NC
15th Annual RiverFest    Crafts, kid fun, a raft race, music and more.  RiverFest is an event especially for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Craft vendors sell local handmade goods, there are kids parades and activities and the popular Anything That Floats Raft Parade also takes place that afternoon. Live music continues into the evening. 1 PM - 7 PM.

August  8 - 9, 2015 - BLOWING ROCK NC
Riders in the Sky Perform at Tweetsie Railroad   Come hear America's Favorite Cowboys and Grammy award-winning singers. The shows are included in the Park admission but seating is on a first come basis. Showtimes at noon and 3 PM.  

August 9, 2015 - ASHEVILLE NC
The Biltmore Concert Series:  Counting Crows: Somewhere Under Wonderland Tour with special guest Citizen Cope    Enjoy performances by award-winning artists at Biltmore with stunning views of Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a perfect place to see a show under the stars. 

 

Conservation News: WNC Nonprofit Pathways Announces September Workshops

9/11/15 - Fresh Approaches to Securing Business Support   Businesses and corporations have become more strategic in giving to nonprofit organizations, so nonprofits must adapt their relationships if they are to receive support from the business sector. This class will: explore current trends in corporate giving; identify what businesses and special events would be a good fit for your organization; teach how to put together a simple package to present to businesses and deliver results; and show how to have successful fundraisers year-round. Click here to register for this class. Melissa LeRoy teaches nonprofit management classes throughout NC, SC and VA for Duke University, and offers her services as a consultant through OnFire Nonprofit Consulting.

 9/16/15 - Nonprofit Fundamentals: Advocacy   Public policy advocacy is a powerful tool to help nonprofits fully realize their missions. For successful advocacy, organizations must speak from their values and have a program for involving and educating their volunteers, staff, and constituency. In this course, you will gain infrastructure and communication tools so you can begin to create a plan for values-based public policy advocacy in your nonprofit. Click here to register for this class. Greg Borom is Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement for Children First/ Communities In Schools of Buncombe County, coordinating public policy advocacy in partnership with volunteers, staff, and partner organizations.

9/29/15 - Creating High Performance Teams in a Multi-Cultural and Multi-Generational Workplace   As nonprofits work with multiple cultures within the US and throughout the world, understanding optimal interaction among team members is critical to developing high functioning teams. Come learn about the different ways in which Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and Millennials communicate, and develop an action plan to create high performance teams across your organization. Click here to register for this class. Althea Gonzalez is an Independent Consultant supporting nonprofits and philanthropy. Althea is also a workshop facilitator providing courses in Public Speaking Skills Development and Latino Cultural Awareness.

Also in August and Seltember, mark your calendars for the NC Network of Grant Makers Foundation Fair in Cherokee NC. We highly recommend this once-a-year opportunity to meet and connect with potential funders.

• Info Session for Duke Nonprofit Management Program on August 18th
• NC Network of Grant Makers Foundation Fair in Cherokee - on September 24th

Western North Carolina Nonprofit Pathways is a collaboration of the following funding organizations: Cherokee Preservation Foundation The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Mission Hospital Community Benefits Program United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County These groups came together in 2006 out of concern about the increasing demands on nonprofits and a desire to play a role in building the capacity of community organizations so they can best carry out their missions. Each year, these funders contribute dollars to provide Pathways program of services - making high quality capacity building support available at low or no-cost to nonprofits across the mountain region.

American Made Crafts Shine at the Dillsboro Arts and Crafts Market

August 15, 2015 from 10 AM to 4 PM in historic Downtown Dillsboro NC the second of three Arts and Crafts Markets will line Front Street in charming downtown Dillsboro NC. This market will showcase demonstrating crafters located inside the shops of Dillsboro, as well as in the tents on Front Street.

Continuing the successful markets produced by Dillsboro Merchants Association, the day-long August market solidifies the efforts of shop owners in this mountain town as they offer even more vendor choices for the visiting public. Demonstrations and items for sale include painting Smoky Mountain flowers with watercolors, soap making, basketry, needlework, metal art, rustic furniture, porcelain jewelry, pottery, painting with oil on tiles and on barn wood, folded star ornaments, and much more. 

Diane Ellis, rug braider

Dogwood Crafters of Dillsboro supports close to 100  local, traditional crafters by selling their wares, including hand-braided rugs by Dianne Ellis, rug braider from Stecoah Valley, North Carolina. Dianne will be on hand at Dogwood Crafters on August 15, demonstrating this heritage craft. Braiding rugs since 1991, Dianne has won countless awards and been featured and taught at some of the most prestigious places in the area. She is a veteran of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, the Village of Yesteryear at the State Fair in Raleigh, and at the 10-day heritage show at the Western Carolina Mountain State Fair in Fletcher. 

Also demonstrating at Dogwood Crafters will be Madge Sala, who works with gourd art. No longer regarded as just craft, gourd work is now considered art and is being exhibited in many high end galleries throughout the United States. 

Another cooperative shop in Dillsboro is Tunnel Mountain Crafts, who hosts the art and crafts of over 65 local crafters, featuring pottery, knitted items, watercolors, stained glass, wood work, John 'Buddy' Hogan, wood burner. Buddy’s favorite woods to work with are cedar, red oak and ambrosia, and his specialty is making “lazy susans” for dining room tables, benches, tables and smaller items. This art has been called “writing with fire,” and could be easily identified as “drawing with fire!” 

Buddy Hogan, wood burner

wrought iron art, handmade soaps, jewelry, photography, fabric totes and cases, greeting cards, ornaments, candles, wooden toys and much more. The shop also has a variety of local honey, jams, jellies, pickles, teas and herbs. On August 15, the featured crafter at Tunnel Mountain Crafts will be

As a fundraiser for their scholarship efforts, the nonprofit organization, Catch the Spirit of Appalachia will offer a raffle and sell old time mixed pickles (beans, corn and cabbage). Be sure to stop by and have a taste from the crock of mixed pickles…then buy a ticket to win the basket, and buy a jar of the old time pickles. 

To top off the day, visitors will be able to cool off with Little Jimmy's Ices and purchase baked goods, while listening to music. Featured from 11—12 noon, and from 1—2 PM will be the entertainment act called “Twelfth Fret,” an acoustic duo from Sylva who performs classic rock songs.