In the spring of 2023, the live collaborations of seasoned traditional artists and emerging musicians of Fine Tuned took to three stages across Western NC! These concerts were an exciting culmination of the Blue Ridge Music Trails’ trailblazing musical project called Fine Tuned. This initiative connects Western NC musicians for a shared growth experience to enrich the current traditional music of the NC mountains and foothills. The Fine Tuned Concert Series was presented by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area with the support of the North Carolina Arts Council’s Spark the Arts Grant and a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council.
April 7, 2023
The Reeves Theater, Elkin, NC
Benjamin Barker with David LaMotte, and The Allen Boys with Kelley Breiding and DaShawn Hickman
Benjamin Barker is a national champion hammered dulcimer player who has been mentored by Asheville-area songwriter, author, and speaker David LaMotte. Together, they blend Benjamin’s immense instrumental talent with David’s own musicality and gift for language to create nuanced and emotion-filled music.
The Allen Boys and DaShawn Hickman carry the torch for the Sacred Steel musical tradition out of their church in Mount Airy. Kelley Breiding is well-versed in Surry County’s Round Peak style as well as country and Western Swing stylings. Together, these musicians have fused their respective Surry County styles into one exciting sound.
May 28, 2023
Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center, Franklin
Josh Jones with Sav Sankaran, and Bayla Davis with Cary Fridley.
Josh Jones and Sav Sankaran have two major musical commonalities. Both are classically trained vocalists, and both are high caliber bluegrass musicians. Together, they meld their classical chops with some high lonesome flavor to offer a fresh bluegrass sound.
Bayla Davis is still in her teens, but she’s already making waves with her banjo prowess and emotive vocals. Cary Fridley has had a lengthy career as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist across an impressive range of styles. Cary has shared her experience and knowledge of country music harmony singing, and Bayla has brought her own banjo spark to some fresh reimagining of well-loved standards.
June 25, 2023
Ebbs Chapel, Mars Hill (presented by the Madison County Arts Council)
Bayla Davis with Cary Fridley, Donna Ray Norton with Josh Goforth, and The Allen Boys with Kelley Breiding
Bayla Davis is still in her teens, but she’s already making waves with her banjo prowess and emotive vocals. Cary Fridley has had a lengthy career as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist across an impressive range of styles. Cary has shared her experience and knowledge of country music harmony singing, and Bayla has brought her own banjo spark to some fresh reimagining of well-loved standards.
When English ballad collector Cecil Sharp called Madison County “a nest of singing birds,” he didn’t know it yet, but he was describing Donna Ray Norton. An eight-generation ballad singer raised in the Sodom community of Madison County, Donna Ray Norton carries on the musical legacy of her family and her home. Donna Ray’s work with fellow Madison County native and Grammy nominee, Josh Goforth, fuses the “old love songs” with a dash of something new.
The Allen Boys carry the torch for the Sacred Steel musical tradition out of their church in Mount Airy. Kelley Breiding is well-versed in Surry County’s Round Peak style as well as country and Western Swing stylings. Together, these musicians have fused their respective Surry County styles into one exciting sound.
