Fain Alley Music Series
Come out to hear the area’s top talented musical artists for FREE performances!
Located in Historic Downtown Murphy’s Fain Alley.
Shows start at 6PM, unless otherwise noted.
Rainy day venue will be across the street at the Cherokee County Arts Council (CCAC).
2024 Concerts:
- Saturday, May 25th – Jacob Sisters & Cassie Lawrence – The Jacob Sisters are sisters not by choice, partners… Reluctantly by choice, but they love to make some music! They are influenced by the darker side of country music and lovers of catchy melodies.
Cassie first became what you could call “an actual musician” during the three years she spent in the Junior Appalachian Musicians program. Playing traditional old-time music, there she learned banjo and guitar. After her years in the program, the musical genre she began to write her own songs in shifted away from the Appalachian style, with major influences being musicians like Paul Simon, Hozier, and The Smiths. But, in an underlying way, her old-time roots still impact her writing. “When playing old-time music, it’s hard not to feel a connection to the songs, and more particularly, the people you’re playing the songs with. This feeling of connection is what I found stayed with me and is something that I find myself trying to capture in my songs. Through the melody and the lyrics, there is an attempt to highlight small moments of life – experience and emotion – joy, love, sorrow, and hope.” - Saturday, June 29th – Paul Wilson – Paul Wilson carries on the tradition of playing and singing Appalachian gospel music as once performed by his father and uncles (the Wilson Brothers), who were recipients of the NC Folk Heritage Award for their gospel music in 1998.
- Saturday, July 27th – Paddy’s Return – Paddy’s Return is a traditional Irish band from the surrounding Murphy, NC area. Members can perform as a full band, or form custom ensembles…with instruments including Fiddle, Tenor Banjo, Bouzouki, Bodhrán, Rhythm and Fingerstyle Guitar, Standup Bass, Mandolin, Accordion, Recorder, Celtic Folk Harp, and Keyboard.
- Saturday, August 31st – Blue Eyed Girl – Blue Eyed Girl is a dynamic group of three Western North Carolina women whose roots are deep in traditional music and dance. Their sweet Appalachian vocal harmonies and old-time rhythmic flair draw from the music passed down to them from their families. Pearl Shirley was raised near Black Mountain, NC, where she was underfoot in the early days of the Old Farmers’ Ball and the Black Mountain Festival (LEAF). At age 5, she picked up a tiny violin, and since then has fiddled her way through hundreds of foot-stomping contra dances and folk performances locally and abroad. She is an elementary school teacher, dance leader, and performer. Laurel Willoughby grew up nearby in Leicester, NC surrounded by swing and blues, gospel and old-time music. Laurel and Pearl started singing old-style harmonies together at a very young age which has resulted in a wonderfully seasoned sound now that they are grown. She plays stand-up bass and is known for her versions of old favorites like “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”
Annie Fain Barralon was raised in Cherokee County, NC, whereas a small child she often fell asleep under the piano at the John C. Campbell Folk School while her parents played for contra/square dances. She is the former Music & Dance Coordinator for the Folk School and teaches banjo, book arts, clogging, Northwest Morris and European Bal Folk Dance workshops. - Saturday, September 28th – Jonah Graves Trio – Jonah Graves is a former JAM (Junior Appalachian Musician) student and certainly one of the most talented musicians from Cherokee County. Multi-instrumentalist, he is focusing on the fiddle or violin in this ensemble. Jonah already won several prizes in Old-Time and Bluegrass competitions.
Charlie Beck plays traditional and original old time, bluegrass, country, blues and swing. He dazzles on banjo, guitar, fiddle and voice with compelling feeling and rhythm. Originally from Indiana, Charlie Beck recently moved with his family to Murphy, NC from Seattle, WA. He has been performing solo and in bands such as Squirrel Butter and The Tallboys since 2003. He has played many concerts, festivals, dances and more including The Prairie Home Companion, The Festival Of American Fiddle Tunes, Wintergrass, Bumbershoot and Pickathon.
Géraud Barralon comes from Ardèche in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. Now married to a Brasstown native, he makes his home outside of Murphy, NC.He has a background in Django Reinhardt style, rhythmic swing guitar and is a member of the French Gypsy Swing Band Djoukil.The trio is built around the common passion for Old Time, Bluegrass and Swing! - Saturday, October 26th – Addison Levy – Meet Addie Levy, a captivating American bluegrass-country artist who effortlessly weaves tradition and vision into exciting, progressive movements. Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Addie has emerged as a true multi-talent in the world of music, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and exciting mandolin improvisation. From the early age of 10, she has been a powerful performer mentored by the bluegrass and old-time community. Enchanted by the resonating tales and camaraderie embedded within the “happy music” of Bluegrass, Addie swiftly cultivated a deep love for its rich history and stories. Her radiant energy and boundless enthusiasm have transformed her into a sought-after collaborator, drawing the attention of organizations, fellow musicians, businesses, and festivals. Through her music, Addie Levy has breathed new life into traditional sounds and forged a vibrant and ever-expanding landscape for its future.
