Live Mountain Music and Concerts This Weekend

Date:      July 29, 2016 
NC City:  WEST JEFFERSON  
Event:     Backstreet Park Summer Concert Series  FREE summer concert series held  from May/June - August, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, every 3rd and 4th Friday. Bring your chair, blanket or picnic and enjoy the sounds of traditional, old time, and bluegrass music for ages.  Rain locations: the Farmer's Market or the Ashe Arts Center. This concert features Mountain Laurels.

Date:      July 29, 2016
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:     Music on the River   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.  

Date:      July 29, 2016
NC City:  SYLVA 
Events:   Concerts on the Creek -   Darren Nicholson Band    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 29, 2016
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     Music on Main Street   A Social Function  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 30, 2016
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:     Music on the River   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.  

Date:      July 30, 2016
NC City:  ROBBINSVILLE
Event:     An Appalachian Evening - Balsam Range    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 30, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance:  A Midsummer Night's Dream.    Benjamin Britten's adaptation of Shakespeare's classic, featuring BMC alumnus and world-renowned countertenor David Daniels in the role of Oberon. Ticket holders may attend a free Pre-Opera Talk in Scott Commons beginning one hour before the performance

Date:      July 30, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance:  Dvořák in America Festival: New World Symphony. Dvorák's final symphony is the centerpiece of a multimedia program hosted by Joseph Horowitz, providing the dramatic finale to BMC's Dvorák in America Festival. Ticket holders may attend a free Pre-Concert Talk in Thomas Hall, which begins one hour before the performance.

Date:      July 30, 2016
NC City:  Just north of Boone in Galax VA
Event:     Blue Ridge Music Center Concert - Bill and the Belles & the South Carolina Broadcasters    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 30 - 31, 2016
NC City:   ASHEVILLE
Event:     Annual LEAF Downtown AVL   Celebrate community, creativity, diversity, and family in the heart of downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park. Enjoy two days filled with music, art, workshops, great food and drinks and a variety of family activities all with an emphasis on local talent. Event hours are 8/1, Noon - 10 PM and 8/2 10 AM - 6 PM. The 5K LEAF Art Dash begins at 9 AM and travels through downtown and surrounding areas while roaming artists perform on the sidelines.   

Date:      July 31, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance:  Supersonic. BMC's percussion students and faculty don't miss a beat in this energetic concert. Free Event

Date:      July 31, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance: Soloists of Tomorrow.   A perennial audience favorite, featuring the winners of the Jan and Beattie Wood Concert Competition. Celebrate BMC's mission as we shine a spotlight on some of our most talented young musicians. Ticket holders may attend The PreConcert, a free recital in Thomas Hall, which begins one hour before the performance. 

   

  

Blue Ridge Music Trails Upcoming Mountain Concerts

July 30, 2016
NC City:  Just north of Boone in Galax VA
Event:     Blue Ridge Music Center Concert - Bill and the Belles & the South Carolina Broadcasters    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.

August 4, 2016
NC City:  Asheville NC
Event:      Balsam Range & Tellico perform at Highlands Brewing Company.  Enjoy an evening of incredible Bluegrass.  The Pre-show fun begins at 4:00 PM in the meadow with a celebrity chef and your chance to tour.....Jam in the Van.  

This events is part of Feast to the Beat National road trip series. Feast to the Beat with Blue Ridge National Heritage Area benefiting Blue Ridge Music Trails of NC. Feast to the Beat national road trip tour offers a great opportunity to enjoy some of our most treasured National Parks in a whole new way. At each stop the public is invited to enjoy great music and food along with special activations from local and national sponsors. Each event stop highlights the local area’s culture and history, showcasing the best in food, drink, music and arts.


August 5, 2016
NC City:  Asheville NC
Event:     Musical Celebration of 100 years of National Parks at The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center.  A fun filled day with celebrity chefs Ally Phillips and Arlene Cotler cookin' up tempting taste treats  AND music rockin' Jam in the Van.  Music lovers and casual listeners alike will have an up-close and personal experience with the solar-powered mobile recording studio. Catch the behind-the-scenes action on large screen monitors.  

Bands to be featured: Stop Light Observations,  The Fritz,  Aaron Woody Wood,  The Broadcast,  Tellico.

Learn more about upcoming and ongoing music in the mountains at The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina.

 

Events and Festivals this Weekend in the Mountains

July 15 - 16, 2016 
NC City:  BANNER ELK 
Event:     Annual Fine Art & Master Crafts Festival in July  This juried festival has been serving the community with a unique array of art for over 24 years. Enjoy an eclectic gathering of mountain and international fine artists and master crafters, plus great food and family fun.  

July 15 - 16, 2015
NC City:  SPARTA
Event:    Alleghany Fiddler's Convention   Traditional mountain music that is sure to get your toes tappin’. 40 to 60 bands and over 200 individual compete each year,  The convention is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds with sites available for camping. The convention is held every year on the weekend of the third Saturday in July.

photo courtesy of Alleghany Fiddlers Convention

 July 15 - 16, 2015
NC City:  Spruce Pine
Event:     Spruce Pine BBQ Championship and Bluegrass Festival  The event features a sanctioned professional BBQ competition, a wings contest, public tastings, live bluegrass music, a cornhole tournament, championship clogging teams, craft vendors, BBQ equipment and supplies vendors, local food vendors, the Spruce Pine Skedaddle 5K and Fun Run, a kids play-area.

July 16, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance: Symphonie Fantastique.  BMC Alumni Robert Moody and Mason Bates light up the WPA stage in one of the season's biggest reunion moments! Sit back and explore Berlioz's "musical expedition into psychedelia," after Bates shares his pair of electronica compositions that take "open-eared listeners to wonderful new places." Ticket holders may attend The PreConcert, a free recital in Thomas Hall, which begins one hour before the performance.

June 16, 2016
NC City:  WILKESBORO
Event:     Candle Light Ghost Tours   Come out for an evening of tales, mystery and haunts at the Candle Light Ghost Tours. Learn about the ghosts that haunt the old buildings that make up downtown Wilkesboro. Visit a cemetery where Civil War Soldiers are buried, stand in the jail cell Tom Dooley spent his last days, and listen to the stories of the haunted Smithey Hotel. Tickets will be sold on the Courthouse lawn at the museum and at the Wilkesboro Open Air Market the Friday before. Tours start at 8 PM 

July 16, 2016
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:    Art in the Park   A juried arts and craft show featuring 90 artists held in the picturesque downtown park once a  month from May to October. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. Prices for objects, from a handmade postcard to a large piece of furniture, range from $5 to $5,000.

July 16, 2016
NC City:  Just north of Boone in Galax VA
Event:     Blue Ridge Music Center Concert - Carlene Carter & the Reed Island Rounders    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

July 16, 2016
NC City:  GRASSY CREEK (near West Jefferson)
Event:     14th Annual Winefest    The Annual River House Winefest includes a Winefest wine glass, tastings from all the wineries, lots of music, and, of course, great River House food. The highlight of the festival will be wine samplings from nine North Carolina wineries: Biltmore, Brushy Mountain, Grassy Creek, Hanover Park, McRitchie, RagApple Lassie, RayLen and Round Peak. The musical lineup is one you won't want to miss from bluegrass to Jazz to soft rock and blues.

July 16, 2016
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. 

July 16, 2016
NC City:  ROBBINSVILLE
Event:     An Appalachian Evening - Mac Arnold    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.

July 16, 2016
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. 

July 16, 2016
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     20th Annual Chalk It Up   The sidewalks of Historic Downtown Hendersonville become the canvas for some outstanding works of art. The event is free and open to five age categories from age 5 and under to age 21 and over. This is an all day event.  

July 16, 2016
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:    Rhythm & Brews Concert Series   Held in the Azalea Parking Lot along King Street the music starts at 5 PM with headline acts from 7 PM - 9 PM.  FREE event but seating space is limited.  Beer, wine and food will be available

July 16, 2016
NC City:  OLD FORT
Event:     Classic Car Cruise-in  Held the 3rd Saturday of every month. Bring your car, truck or motorcycle. Downtown Old Fort, 3-5 PM. A  free Sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers.

July 16, 2016
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.

July 16, 2016
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:     Music on the River   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.

July 16, 2016
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:     Cherokee Bonfire   Spend the evening by a roaring bonfire among Cherokee storytellers and dancers as they tell tales and dance traditional dances of days gone by. Stories often feature native myths, survival skills, and history passed down through generations of the Cherokee people. Dances showcase authentic 17th-century dress and traditional Cherokee music. Enjoy marshmallows for roasting and beverages. 

July 16 - 17, 2016
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:     The Tim Hill Memorial trout Tournament    This event is held in honor of long-time hatchery employee Tim Hill. Fish and compete in this fun and lucrative tournament in his name. A portion of the $11 entry fee will be donated to a charity (yet to be determined) to help pay tribute to Tim. You’ll be fishing for your share of $10,000 by catching fish in rivers all across the Qualla Boundary. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Register to redeem cash prizes anywhere fishing licenses are sold. 

photo courtesy www.visitcherokeenc.com

July 17, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance: Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition Finals. Gifted BMC high school and college musicians compete for the coveted spotlight positions at BMC's Soloists of Tomorrow concert. 

July 17, 2016
NC City:  ASHEVILLE  
Event:    The Big Crafty returns to Pack Square. The event celebrates and showcases the fine wares of over 100 independent indie crafters, artists and makers. The complete line up of participating artists is available online. This is a free, family-friendly event.

                   

Friday Night Live Music in the Mountains this Weekend

Date:      June 17, 2016 
NC City:  WEST JEFFERSON  
Event:     Backstreet Park Summer Concert Series  FREE summer concert series held  from May/June - August, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, every 3rd and 4th Friday. Bring your chair, blanket or picnic and enjoy the sounds of traditional, old time, and bluegrass music for ages.  Rain locations: the Farmer's Market or the Ashe Arts Center. This concert features Kelly and the Cowboys.

Date:      June 17, 2016
NC City:  CASHIERS 
Event:     Groovin' On The Green   This concert features The Bo Spring Band ( a folk roots band from Port St Joe, Florida ).  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.   

concerts on the Creek in Sylva NC

Date:      June 17, 2016
NC City:  SYLVA 
Events:   Concerts on the Creek -   Whitewater Bluegrass Company   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:      June 17, 2016
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     Music on Main Street   Featuring Horsefly.  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 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:      June 17, 2016
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Downtown After Five   Free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville. Headlining this month is Corey Harris. 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:      June 17, 2016 
NC City:  Just north of Boone in Galax VA
Event:     Blue Ridge Music Center Concert    This concert features The Steep Canyon Rangers & Dori Freeman     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.

Steep Canyon Rangers at The Blue Ridge Music Center

     

Mountain Music News: Live Music at The Purple Onion

photo by Jeff McJunkin , Fine Art America

The Purple Onion Restaurant, located at 16 Main Street in historic downtown Saluda NC, is a favorite destination for excellent cuisine featuring a variety of ethnically and regionally inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean's simple, healthful cuisines with a focus on freshness. Winter hours begin in November along with Oyster and Pint Night - Every Monday and Tuesday oysters on the half shell is a feature, raw or roasted along with $3 pints.

October 29 - Michael Reno Harrell the master of great songs and stories is back

October 31 - Halloween with the JPQ Band.  Jim Peterman returns with his fabulous, funky, jazz and R & B band to "put a spell on you." The Onion will be buying beers for the best in costume so come on out and have some fun.

November 5 - Dogwhistle - local Saludan Scott Allen returns after a very long absence with a band that combines the landscape and sounds of Appalachia, Texas and Nashville.

November 7 - Aaron Burdett, talented favorite hometown singer-songwriter returns with his latest, highly acclaimed release "Tinderbox".

November 12 - Cabo Verde, a mix of authentic Latin and Afro-Cuban grooves and funky rhythms

November 14 - Gigi Dover and Big Love.  Gypsy, jazzy, funky, southern-soul and world music from this longtime Onion favorite.

November 15 - Sweet Claudette (special Sunday Concert). Call for reservations. Country/Motown.

November 19 - Louise Mosrie.  Soulful southern folk music from this Nashville-based singer/songwriter

November 21 - Citizen Mojo.  A blues, funk, soul and rock 'n' roll band

November 26 - THANKSGIVING - NO MUSIC

November 28 - Riyen Roots and Kenny Dore  End a great month of music with the duo's uncut truth of blues influenced songs.

A highlight of the month's music will be the Sweet Sounds of Sweet Claudette. The doors open at 6:00 PM and a limited menu will be available prior to the concert with beverages and desserts served throughout the evening. . Admission is $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Reservations highly recommended.

photo of Sweet Claudette courtesy of The Purple Onion

Sweet Claudette is made up of members of some of the Southeast's favorite bands. Amanda Platt of The Honeycutters, Dulci Ellenberger of Now You See Them and Melissa Hyman of The Moon and You are joined in this WNC supergroup by Amber Lyle Sims. The seeds of Sweet Claudette were planted at a women's songwriter showcase in the fall of 2009. The four women had so much fun working up tunes for the show, they decided to form a band so they could keep singing and playing together. 

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. 

 

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 Heritage Festival in Sparta

September 21   19th Annual Mountain Heritage Festival  Craft and food vendors line Main Street in celebration of mountain heritage in craft and music. This year's entertainment features Zephyr Lightning Bolts . With demonstrations of the skills of local ancestors and music that mixes local heritage with modern influences, there is something for everyone. Dancers will be kicking up their heels and the Possum Queen will be crowned.

Get local  visitor information on the Sparta NC Guide.

Old TIme Week Begins at The Swanannoa Gathering

July 21 - 27    Swanannoa Gathering - Old Time Week   Explore the rich music, dance, and singing traditions of the southern Appalachian region through a wide variety of classes taught by an experienced and supportive staff. Evening activities include jam sessions, singing, square dances, clogging, concerts, and the popular Late-Night Honky-Tonk Dance.

For those students bringing their families, we also offer a program for kids, but space is limited. The Children's Program for ages 6-12 features kids' activities scheduled during all the daytime class sessions, and evening childcare for ages 3-12 is provided at no additional cost.

Blue Ridge Music Center Mountain Duets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mother's Day Weekend Events: Music on the Mountain Concert Series at Chimney Rock Park

The 2013 Chimney Rock Park concert series, featuring talented bluegrass, folk and Americana bands from across Western North Carolina, kicks off Mother's Day weekend on Saturday, May 11 from noon-3 PM. John Wilkes Boothe and the Black Toothe will open for Taylor Martin's Engine, both from Asheville, NC.

The family-friendly concert will be held at the Park's Outdoor Classroom, the intimate new fresh-air venue on the Meadows. The concert will be held rain or shine, but in the event of rain, it will be moved to the covered pavilion on the Meadows. Limited bench seating is provided at the concert venue, so attendees are encouraged to bring camping chairs or blankets. Concessions will be offered.

Special thanks go to the sponsors who help make this concert series possible: Music City Asheville, Acoustic Corner of Black Mountain, NC, and WNCW 88.7 as a media sponsor. The series continues on August 11 and September 14.

Get a link for the Concert Series and other Chimney Rock Park events on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

John C Campbell Folk School Hosts Grace Adele concert

April 26   The Grace Adele Duo Performs at John C Campbell Folk School   Grace Adele performs traditional American roots music drawn from classic country, western swing, bluegrass,and folk.With well over 100 tour dates a year, she charms audiences from Columbus to Jacksonville, Nashville to Asheville and many points between and beyond. Her original tunes and instrumental talent converge with comedic grace as she's a master kazoo player, and blends percussive tap dance into her live show.

John C. Campbell Folk School provides experiences in non-competitive learning and community life that are joyful and enlivening. Located in scenic Brasstown, North Carolina, the Folk School offers year-round week-long and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing. The school also hosts concerts, festival and a variety of cultural events.

Learn more about local lodging and attractions on the Hayesville NC Visitor Guide.