Art Of Sound is a music festival by and for lovers of the arts and music. It began as a local festival, and by word of mouth has grown into a respected regional event. AOS now attracts headliner acts from the national scene. In spite of being bigger and better, it retains its hometown charm.
The Art of Sound is not your typical music “festival” in fact it almost has the feel of a weekend concert series. Our festival supports local and regional musicians and serves as a gift to the community from the Arts Council as it is FREE!
The festival is in uptown Shelby, N.C., the home of Earl Scruggs and Don Gibson. It is held on the historic court square and nestled in several venues that afford the listener an up-close experience with the artists. Jack Lawrence once said it reminded him of the European festivals he and Doc used to play. The venues are tucked away at a variety of indoor stages around the square. It is a crisp, cool, time of year, but you can enjoy in comfort regardless of the weather.
AOS prides itself on a presentation of a variety of traditional music styles. You might hear bluegrass or jazz then Cajun, county rock, or old time later. Like MerleFest, there are often spontaneous moments of improvisation in jam sessions you won’t hear elsewhere.
