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. 

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.

The The Swannanoa Gathering Continues with Mano and Banjo Week and Fiddle Week

August 4 - 10   The Swannanoa Gathering  is Warren Wilson College's continuing education program of summer folk arts workshops held on the campus in the Swannanoa Valley on the outskirts of Asheville.
Each week offers a different instrument and/or musical style.

This week is Mando & Banjo Week and Fiddle Week.. Public Concerts are offered at Kittredge Theatre at 7:30 PM throughout the Gathering.

Warren Wilson College is located between Asheville and Black Mountain just off route 70.

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.

Celtic Week at The Swanannaoa Gathering

July 14 - 20     Swanannoa Gathering - Celtic Week   This year’s lineup features present or former members of the supergroups Lúnasa, Danú, Ossian, Solas, Battlefield Band, The House Band, and Cherish the Ladies, several other exciting new faces, and the return of some old friends.

New this year are more song and flute classes, and sean-nós and set dancing. The week will feature classes, potluck sessions, concerts, jams, dances and a ‘Food Songs Night,’ with delicious fare provided by the Seasonal School of Culinary Arts.

"Slow Jams" and Songs Swaps take place from 6 - 7 PM. Public concerts, dances, jams begin at 7:30 PM.

Find links for the Swanannoa Gathering Celtic Week and more Asheville Events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.