This presentation and performance traces the history behind ballads from the Blue Ridge Mountains. While strongly associated with European and British Isles traditions, balladry in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina and southwestern Virginia reflects a broad range of cultural influences, including roots in and stories connected to African and Native American experiences. This revisitation of ballads from the Blue Ridge, stretching from the mid-18th century to the present, examines the histories behind these story songs and their continued relevance in the vast musical landscape of 21st century Appalachia.
Presenting sponsor for this exhibition is The Mountain Times: The High Country’s Art and Entertainment Source and Watauga Democrat: Watauga County’s independent news source and newspaper of record since 1888.
This program is made possible in part by a grant from America 250 NC, an initiative by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
