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Jacob Jolliff Band Album Release at 185 King Street

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Adhyâropa Records announces the release of Jacob Jolliff’s Instrumentals Vol. 2: Mandolin Mysteries, the latest in the series of virtuosic romps by the rising acoustic music star. A follow up to his influential 2018 release, Instrumentals, Vol. 1, his latest edition of all original music shows the development in his compositional skill while retaining the fiery group playing that has marked his previous albums.

“There’s a theme running through the album that this could be music to accompany a mystery or dimestore book, hence the name,” Jolliff says. “Vera is named after a detective show, and The Art Heist Suite has a fun James Bond spy thriller feel to it.”

True to its title, the music on this album conveys a sense of fun, slinky peril behind every corner, relying less on the band’s considerable technical abilities than in previous ventures and instead focusing on Jolliff’s developing compositional acumen. Jolliff notes, “It’s different making a record now that I’m in my mid-30’s; I was 27 when the first Instrumentals album came out. When I listen back to my older music I can really hear the difference in my playing from then to now. At that age there’s still a sense that you have something to prove and that’s not a bad thing in your 20s – there’s a certain type of tune I would write back then that I still enjoy but these days there’s something else I’m trying to express through my writing and playing.”

In fact much of the music here wasn’t written on mandolin at all. “I wrote most of this album at the piano, which was a great way to open up new possibilities. I don’t really play piano that well, just well enough to pick out melodies, but in that creative space I was able to just focus on developing melodies rather than executing what I already know is technically possible on my primary instrument.”

Jolliff’s accomplices for this caper are George Jackson on fiddle, Ross Martin on guitar, and Myles Sloniker on bass. They more than hold their own next to Jolliff’s pyrotechnics, and in fact carve out unique supporting voices within Jolliff’s intricate textures. The thrilling duel between Jackson and Martin on ‘Los Angeles County Breakdown,’ like two cat burglars after the same prize, is an early album highlight. On the late-album burner ‘Silver Blaze’, Jackson holds strong against Jolliff’s barrage of notes and returns fire in kind. And Sloniker’s bass work is exemplary throughout, keeping the music rooted and delivering his own fusillade when called upon. 

The album’s centerpiece, the three-movement Art Heist Suite, was originally written for FreshGrass as part of their Concerto Commissioning program. “It was a fun and new challenge to write a long-form piece like that, with several movements sharing melodic material. None of it was written down, everyone just memorized their parts and we let them develop individually and organically.” Jolliff’s solo on Mvt 1 is simply astounding; there just hasn’t been mandolin playing like it anywhere before and Jolliff can rightfully lay claim to being the state of the art.

“Most of the music was written in the past year, while we were touring constantly together. Lots of fun time in the car, staying up late jamming, dealing with sound issues and just being out on the road as a group, we developed a rhythm and cohesiveness you can really feel on the recording. We all listen well and have a good feel for what each other is doing. These musicians are a joy to play with and I think we’ve made something that people will enjoy listening to.”

Stream Instrumentals Vol. 2: Mandolin Mysteries on SoundCloud. Download codes and physical copies of the album are available upon request. For media requests, please contact Adhyâropa Records at adhyaroparecords@gmail.com.

BIO:

Jacob Jolliff is one of the country’s premier contemporary mandolinists. Jacob toured as a member of the beloved New England roots band, Joy Kills Sorrow, while attending Berklee School of Music on a full scholarship. In 2012, Jolliff won the National Mandolin Championship in Winfield, KS. A fixture of the national bluegrass community, he has collaborated and shared the stage with Darol Anger, Sam Bush, Ronnie McCoury, Michael Daves, Tony Trischka, and David Grisman to name a few. When Joy Kills Sorrow disbanded in 2014, Jolliff got the call to join Yonder Mountain String Band and toured full time with them until the end of 2019. This last year, Jolliff released a new album with his group, The Jacob Jolliff Band, and also toured with Béla Fleck’s as part of My Bluegrass Heart.

Venue and ticketing information:

We are family friendly, but shows are 21+ unless accompanied by a guardian.

For this show you have the option of purchasing a table or a general admission ticket.

When purchasing a table you are purchasing the number of tickets that the tables seats.  For example if you purchase a 4-top table you are purchasing 4 tickets

General admission tickets gain you access to the rear of the venue, behind the seated sections as well as the backyard.  There are tables in both areas that are available on a first come, first served basis.
There is a garage door behind the stage that remains open in good weather so that you can enjoy the show from inside or outside.

For more information visit our FAQ page or reach out to us directly.

Fain Alley Music Series

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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.

The Peacock’s Main Stage Series

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The Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville, NC is a center of community and cultural activity, providing quality entertainment to residents of Western North Carolina and North Georgia. People who have attended performances at Peacock Performing Arts Center know that it is a gem of superior quality. Those who haven’t attended yet are in for a stunning surprise: big city entertainment in a quiet mountain town.

The Peacock’s 2024 Main Stage line up is our boldest ever! It has everything from tribute bands, original artists, bluegrass, jazz, americana, and rock and roll.

2024 Concerts:

  • Saturday, April 13 – Darin and Brooke Aldridge – Doors 7:00 PM, Show 7:30 PM – Darin and Brooke are excited. And why not? With two new band members, a new record label, and five original songs on their latest album, the bluegrass and Americana duo are back with This Life We’re Livin,’ their ninth recorded project together, and first release on Billy Blue Records. This Life We’re Livin’ celebrates the space the husband-and-wife team now occupies – the top of bluegrass music.
    Armed with the talents of the proverbial triple-threat of uniquely distinctive singing, commanding instrumental skills, and accomplished songwriting, Darin and Brooke continue to ascend to new heights in the industry while maintaining their easy-going, down-to-earth connection with audiences everywhere. Brooke is a four-time consecutive winner for Female Vocalist of the Year for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). She was nominated for a fifth time in 2021. Once a six-year member of The Country Gentlemen with the late Charlie Waller, Darin is a former IBMA Mentor of the Year and a truly gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. Together with their band – Billy Gee on bass, Samantha Snyder on fiddle, and Jacob Metz on banjo and resonator guitar – Darin and Brooke were recognized with the IBMA’s nomination for 2021 Vocal Group of the Year. They have had multiple nominations over the years from the IBMA, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA), and the Inspirational Country Music Association. They have enjoyed top spots on the Billboard, SiriusXM, Bluegrass Today, Bluegrass Unlimited, Americana/Roots, and Gospel charts. Their music videos have been featured on Country Music Television (CMT), CMT Edge, Great American Country (GAC), Bluegrass Ridge TV, and The Bluegrass Situation. Their television appearances include PBS’ Mountain Stage, Songs of the Mountain and Music City Roots; RFD-TV’s Larry’s Country Diner, Country’s Family Reunion, and The Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour; Great American Gospel, The Bluegrass Road, and Blue Highways TV. Their long-held dream to one day play the Grand Ole Opry came true on July 4, 2017, and since then, they have graced the Opry stage more than 35 times.
  • Saturday, May 25 – Fireside Collective – Doors 7:00 PM, Show 7:30 PM – A quintet who cheerfully disregard every kind of one-dimensional label that might be attached to their music, Fireside Collective has been on a roll since emerging seven years ago from the fertile roots music scene of Asheville, North Carolina. In quick order, the progressive bluegrass group released its debut album, won the 2016 Band Contest at MerleFest, earned an International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Band of the Year nomination and embarked on an ambitious touring schedule that’s earned an enthusiastic reception from traditional bluegrass to wide-ranging, eclectic music festival audiences alike. Blending the characteristic interplay of bluegrass instrumentation and harmonies with strong original material and exuberant energy, Fireside Collective has drawn on folk, blues, funk and a wide variety of bluegrass sounds to create a distinctive body of work that’s all their own.

Concerts at Ebbs Chapel Performing Arts Center

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The Ebbs Chapel Community Center provides a venue for the performing arts, conferences, festivals, weddings, and similar activities, and hosts services for the people of the Upper Laurel community and those beyond, in and on the grounds of the historic Ebbs Chapel School. The Center is managed by the Upper Laurel Community Organization, Inc., a registered non-profit North Carolina corporation with voluntary leadership, dedicated only to the renovation, maintenance and operation of the Center. Activities of the Center are supported and funded by facility rental proceeds, contributions from the community and with the cooperation and support of Madison County, North Carolina.

One of the major achievements in the conversion of the historic Ebbs Chapel School to a Community Center was the restoration of the school’s auditorium to a climate controlled 250-seat theater: the Ebbs Chapel Performing Arts Center.  The Center has been the site of frequent performances by accomplished amateur and professional musicians celebrating traditional mountain music, as well as gospel and classical genres.  The Center is a member of the Blue Ridge Music Trails and a venue for an annual concert series sponsored by the Madison County Arts Council.

2024 Concerts: 

  • Saturday, March 23 at 7:00 PM –

    Bluegrass in the Laurel Concert at Ebbs Chapel featuring The Tennessee Bluegrass Band

    Come join us for an unforgettable evening of foot-stomping bluegrass music at the Ebbs Chapel Community Center in beautiful Mars Hill, NC. Get ready to tap your toes and clap your hands as The Tennessee Bluegrass Band takes the stage, bringing their incredible talent and infectious energy to the stage. This in-person event promises to be a toe-tapping good time for bluegrass enthusiasts of all ages with the Roan Street Ramblers starting things off to get the crowd warmed up. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience the magic of live bluegrass music in the heart of the Laurel Valley. Grab your friends and family and get ready for a night of pure musical bliss!

    Tickets for this event are $20 online or $27 at the door.

Fine Tuned Album In-Store at Records in the RAD

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Friday, April 12 – Bayla Davis, Cary Fridley, and Donna Ray Norton – 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Catch members of Blue Ridge Music Trails’ Fine Tuned project perform live, in-store at Records in the RAD on April 12 at 6:00pm! Bayla Davis and Cary Fridley teamed up for a musical partnership utilizing Cary’s vast and varied musical experience to guide Bayla in her focused development as a performer and recording artist. These two will be joined by eighth generation Madison County ballad singer, Donna Ray Norton. This one-of-a-kind performance will blend styles and voices for a beautiful evening of mountain music in Asheville’s River Arts District.

This event is FREE to the public.

Blue Ridge Music Trails Spring Concert Series

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The Blue Ridge Music Trails Spring Concert Series brings a fresh perspective on traditional music to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville. In partnership with the Blue Ridge Music Center, and with funding from South Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council, we are working to update our Traditional Artist Directory with some fresh new members. We have scheduled four events to present them to audiences free of charge, at the Parkway’s flagship visitor center located at Milepost 384 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803).

Saturday, March 23, 2 PM – 4 PM – Ballad Swap with Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, Melanie Rice, and William Ritter

  • Four of the premier ballad singers from WNC will take the stage to share songs and stories. Telling stories through song has been woven into the culture of the Appalachian Mountains for hundreds of years. You won’t want to miss this truly authentic experience with Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, Melanie Rice, and William Ritter performing in-the-round.

Saturday, April 13, 2 PM – 4 PM 

  • 2 PM – 3 PM – Sam McKinney has been playing guitar since he was 6 years old and gave his first public performance at the age of 10. Born and raised in Altapass, NC, his musical roots grow deep in the culture and heritage of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Having developed an appreciation for all kinds of music at a young age, Sam takes many different styles of music and does them in his own way. Bluegrass, country, blues, ballads, traditional old time, gospel and more can all be heard in one performance. Sam does something for everyone.
  • 3 PM – 4 PM – Jarrett Wildcatt works as a cultural specialist at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC. He is a multi-instrumentalist, performing with traditional Cherokee instruments and several guitar styles. Jarrett carries on traditions learned from his family and community, and he is also a craft artist working in multiple traditional Cherokee craft forms.

Saturday, May 18, 2 PM – 4 PM 

  • Artists TBA 
Friday, June 7, 2 PM – 4 PM
  • 2 PM – 3 PM – White Rock Revival is a modern-traditional bluegrass band from Western North Carolina. White Rock Revival band members live in Madison and northern Buncombe County. With all members contributing to vocals the band consists of Sam Adams on bass, Sammy Adams on banjo, Jackson Adams on mandolin, McClellan Patterson on dobro, and Jamie Roberts on guitar.  Playing a variety of styles within the context of the bluegrass genre, White Rock Revival has a heavy rotation of gospel, traditional country from the 60’s through the 90’s, and hard-driving bluegrass.   With strong family harmony and an instrumental foundation, White Rock Revival is an authentic representation of bluegrass music from members who were born and raised in the mountains where the music originated.
  • 3 PM to 4 PM – The Wilder Flower flexes between folk, Americana, bluegrass, and Old-time tunes. They thrice vocally on three-part harmonies, whether a two-chord old-time ballad, or a modern, minor-filled melody. Instrumentally, they feature bluegrass banjo tunes, fiddle and clawhammer string-band songs, flatpicking guitar tunes, and everything in between. Their unique sound is centered around original songs and tunes that are thoughtfully arranged and adapted to showcase their tasteful instrumental sensibilities. They flex between genres and writers in each song, but there’s something to their collective taste that speaks the same language, though switching dialects.

Blue Ridge Music Trails Spring Concert Series

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The Blue Ridge Music Trails Spring Concert Series brings a fresh perspective on traditional music to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville. In partnership with the Blue Ridge Music Center, and with funding from South Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council, we are working to update our Traditional Artist Directory with some fresh new members. We have scheduled four events to present them to audiences free of charge, at the Parkway’s flagship visitor center located at Milepost 384 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803).

Saturday, March 23, 2 PM – 4 PM – Ballad Swap with Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, Melanie Rice, and William Ritter

  • Four of the premier ballad singers from WNC will take the stage to share songs and stories. Telling stories through song has been woven into the culture of the Appalachian Mountains for hundreds of years. You won’t want to miss this truly authentic experience with Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, Melanie Rice, and William Ritter performing in-the-round.

Saturday, April 13, 2 PM – 4 PM 

  • 2 PM – 3 PM – Sam McKinney has been playing guitar since he was 6 years old and gave his first public performance at the age of 10. Born and raised in Altapass, NC, his musical roots grow deep in the culture and heritage of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Having developed an appreciation for all kinds of music at a young age, Sam takes many different styles of music and does them in his own way. Bluegrass, country, blues, ballads, traditional old time, gospel and more can all be heard in one performance. Sam does something for everyone.
  • 3 PM – 4 PM – Jarrett Wildcatt works as a cultural specialist at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC. He is a multi-instrumentalist, performing with traditional Cherokee instruments and several guitar styles. Jarrett carries on traditions learned from his family and community, and he is also a craft artist working in multiple traditional Cherokee craft forms.

Saturday, May 18, 2 PM – 4 PM 

  • Artists TBA 
Friday, June 7, 2 PM – 4 PM
  • 2 PM – 3 PM – White Rock Revival is a modern-traditional bluegrass band from Western North Carolina. White Rock Revival band members live in Madison and northern Buncombe County. With all members contributing to vocals the band consists of Sam Adams on bass, Sammy Adams on banjo, Jackson Adams on mandolin, McClellan Patterson on dobro, and Jamie Roberts on guitar.  Playing a variety of styles within the context of the bluegrass genre, White Rock Revival has a heavy rotation of gospel, traditional country from the 60’s through the 90’s, and hard-driving bluegrass.   With strong family harmony and an instrumental foundation, White Rock Revival is an authentic representation of bluegrass music from members who were born and raised in the mountains where the music originated.
  • 3 PM to 4 PM – The Wilder Flower flexes between folk, Americana, bluegrass, and Old-time tunes. They thrice vocally on three-part harmonies, whether a two-chord old-time ballad, or a modern, minor-filled melody. Instrumentally, they feature bluegrass banjo tunes, fiddle and clawhammer string-band songs, flatpicking guitar tunes, and everything in between. Their unique sound is centered around original songs and tunes that are thoughtfully arranged and adapted to showcase their tasteful instrumental sensibilities. They flex between genres and writers in each song, but there’s something to their collective taste that speaks the same language, though switching dialects.

Blue Ridge Music Trails Spring Concert Series

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The Blue Ridge Music Trails Spring Concert Series brings a fresh perspective on traditional music to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville. In partnership with the Blue Ridge Music Center, and with funding from South Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council, we are working to update our Traditional Artist Directory with some fresh new members. We have scheduled four events to present them to audiences free of charge, at the Parkway’s flagship visitor center located at Milepost 384 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803).

Saturday, March 23, 2 PM – 4 PM – Ballad Swap with Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, Melanie Rice, and William Ritter

  • Four of the premier ballad singers from WNC will take the stage to share songs and stories. Telling stories through song has been woven into the culture of the Appalachian Mountains for hundreds of years. You won’t want to miss this truly authentic experience with Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, Melanie Rice, and William Ritter performing in-the-round.

Saturday, April 13, 2 PM – 4 PM 

  • 2 PM – 3 PM – Sam McKinney has been playing guitar since he was 6 years old and gave his first public performance at the age of 10. Born and raised in Altapass, NC, his musical roots grow deep in the culture and heritage of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Having developed an appreciation for all kinds of music at a young age, Sam takes many different styles of music and does them in his own way. Bluegrass, country, blues, ballads, traditional old time, gospel and more can all be heard in one performance. Sam does something for everyone.
  • 3 PM – 4 PM – Jarrett Wildcatt works as a cultural specialist at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC. He is a multi-instrumentalist, performing with traditional Cherokee instruments and several guitar styles. Jarrett carries on traditions learned from his family and community, and he is also a craft artist working in multiple traditional Cherokee craft forms.

Saturday, May 18, 2 PM – 4 PM 

  • Artists TBA 
Friday, June 7, 2 PM – 4 PM
  • 2 PM – 3 PM – White Rock Revival is a modern-traditional bluegrass band from Western North Carolina. White Rock Revival band members live in Madison and northern Buncombe County. With all members contributing to vocals the band consists of Sam Adams on bass, Sammy Adams on banjo, Jackson Adams on mandolin, McClellan Patterson on dobro, and Jamie Roberts on guitar.  Playing a variety of styles within the context of the bluegrass genre, White Rock Revival has a heavy rotation of gospel, traditional country from the 60’s through the 90’s, and hard-driving bluegrass.   With strong family harmony and an instrumental foundation, White Rock Revival is an authentic representation of bluegrass music from members who were born and raised in the mountains where the music originated.
  • 3 PM to 4 PM – The Wilder Flower flexes between folk, Americana, bluegrass, and Old-time tunes. They thrice vocally on three-part harmonies, whether a two-chord old-time ballad, or a modern, minor-filled melody. Instrumentally, they feature bluegrass banjo tunes, fiddle and clawhammer string-band songs, flatpicking guitar tunes, and everything in between. Their unique sound is centered around original songs and tunes that are thoughtfully arranged and adapted to showcase their tasteful instrumental sensibilities. They flex between genres and writers in each song, but there’s something to their collective taste that speaks the same language, though switching dialects.

Blue Ridge Music Trails Spring Concert Series

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The Blue Ridge Music Trails Spring Concert Series brings a fresh perspective on traditional music to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville. In partnership with the Blue Ridge Music Center, and with funding from South Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council, we are working to update our Traditional Artist Directory with some fresh new members. We have scheduled four events to present them to audiences free of charge, at the Parkway’s flagship visitor center located at Milepost 384 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803).

Saturday, March 23, 2 PM – 4 PM – Ballad Swap with Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, Melanie Rice, and William Ritter

  • Four of the premier ballad singers from WNC will take the stage to share songs and stories. Telling stories through song has been woven into the culture of the Appalachian Mountains for hundreds of years. You won’t want to miss this truly authentic experience with Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, Melanie Rice, and William Ritter performing in-the-round.

Saturday, April 13, 2 PM – 4 PM 

  • 2 PM – 3 PM – Sam McKinney has been playing guitar since he was 6 years old and gave his first public performance at the age of 10. Born and raised in Altapass, NC, his musical roots grow deep in the culture and heritage of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Having developed an appreciation for all kinds of music at a young age, Sam takes many different styles of music and does them in his own way. Bluegrass, country, blues, ballads, traditional old time, gospel and more can all be heard in one performance. Sam does something for everyone.
  • 3 PM – 4 PM – Jarrett Wildcatt works as a cultural specialist at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC. He is a multi-instrumentalist, performing with traditional Cherokee instruments and several guitar styles. Jarrett carries on traditions learned from his family and community, and he is also a craft artist working in multiple traditional Cherokee craft forms.

Saturday, May 18, 2 PM – 4 PM 

  • Artists TBA 
Friday, June 7, 2 PM – 4 PM
  • 2 PM – 3 PM – White Rock Revival is a modern-traditional bluegrass band from Western North Carolina. White Rock Revival band members live in Madison and northern Buncombe County. With all members contributing to vocals the band consists of Sam Adams on bass, Sammy Adams on banjo, Jackson Adams on mandolin, McClellan Patterson on dobro, and Jamie Roberts on guitar.  Playing a variety of styles within the context of the bluegrass genre, White Rock Revival has a heavy rotation of gospel, traditional country from the 60’s through the 90’s, and hard-driving bluegrass.   With strong family harmony and an instrumental foundation, White Rock Revival is an authentic representation of bluegrass music from members who were born and raised in the mountains where the music originated.
  • 3 PM to 4 PM – The Wilder Flower flexes between folk, Americana, bluegrass, and Old-time tunes. They thrice vocally on three-part harmonies, whether a two-chord old-time ballad, or a modern, minor-filled melody. Instrumentally, they feature bluegrass banjo tunes, fiddle and clawhammer string-band songs, flatpicking guitar tunes, and everything in between. Their unique sound is centered around original songs and tunes that are thoughtfully arranged and adapted to showcase their tasteful instrumental sensibilities. They flex between genres and writers in each song, but there’s something to their collective taste that speaks the same language, though switching dialects.

Surry Old Time Music Camp

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Surry Community College is excited to offer the 5th Surry Old-Time Music Camp July 8-July 12, 2024 on our campus in Dobson, NC.

Surry County has an in-tack music culture that is passed down from generation to generation. The “old-time” music style of the Appalachian Mountains uses fiddle, banjo, and guitar as core instruments to create a unique folk music. Old-time music of the North Carolina and Virginia mountains date back to before the invention of sound recordings.

Join us for a week of music and fun led by the area’s finest old-time and bluegrass musicians. This summer we are excited to bring back an excellent lineup of instructors, instrument classes, workshops, jams, and the opportunity for students ages 8 to 110 to learn an instrument or sharpen their skills.

Students may choose a primary instrument and skill level to study for the week:

Beginner through advanced levels of:

Banjo
Fiddle
Guitar
Beginner students will participate in music fundamentals, singing, and dance workshops. Students will also have the opportunity to join in on jam sessions during the week.

Additional sessions will be offered in singing, bass, mandolin, banjo styles, and advanced jam.

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Cost

The cost for the week is $100 for youth ages 8-17 and $150 for adults 18 and up. Additional children will receive a $25 discount off the ticket price.

Youth scholarships may be available on a sliding scale. If needed, please inquire before you register.

Loaner instruments are available upon request. Please indicate this at the time of registration.

Would you like to help a youth attend camp this summer? Click the button below to make your contribution online. Choose the donation option on the ticket to give any amount you choose. You may also call 336-386-3206 to make your payment over the phone. One hundred percent of your gift will fund youth scholarships for the Surry Old-Time Music Camp.

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Food & Lunch

We will be providing light snacks daily. Monday through Thursday, students can bring a packed lunch or bring money to purchase something at the Knight’s Grill. On Friday, camp students will be provided a pizza lunch before their concert.

Note: Students with certain food allergies and dietary restrictions may need to bring their own food. Please inquire about lunch options if more information is needed.

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Emergency Medical and Contact Information

Parents will need to provide emergency medical and contact information for each student under 18 years old. Emergency forms will be emailed or available for completion upon check-in on Monday, June 12th.

Surry Community College is proud to offer this camp sponsored by the Wright Traditional Music Fund and Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation.

Our Supporters and Partners