Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Brings Music and Art to Earl Scruggs Music Festival with Fundraising Concert and Craft Trails Artists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Brings Music and Art to Earl Scruggs Music Festival with Fundraising Concert and Craft Trails Artists

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – August 26, 2025 – The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is excited to announce its participation in the 2025 Earl Scruggs Music Festival (Mill Spring, NC), featuring a special fundraising concert, “Healing the Hollers,” and a presence from the beloved Blue Ridge Craft Trails. The event, which takes place from August 29 to 31, will showcase the region’s rich cultural traditions while promoting its heritage.

The centerpiece of the weekend for the organization is the “Healing the Hollers” concert, a special event designed to raise funds for the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and highlight the resilience of the communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Sponsored by the Jazz Foundation of America and Bluegrass Situation, the concert will take place on the Foggy Mountain stage on Saturday, August 30th at 3:30 p.m.. Hosted by Unspoken Tradition, the performance will feature an incredible lineup of musicians, including Zoe & Cloyd, Laura Boosinger, Josh Goforth, Nest of Singing Birds, and Lance Mills. For those unable to attend in person, IAmAVL will stream the concert on Facebook from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., allowing a broader audience to tune in and support the cause. Audiences can watch the live stream at: https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeNationalHeritageArea.

In addition to the music, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area will showcase the work of six talented artists and organizations from the Blue Ridge Craft Trails as vendors throughout the festival weekend. Participants include Carolina Farm Table (woodworking), Erica Stankwytch Bailey (jewelry), Mike McKinney (woodworking), Crossnore Weavers, Tryon Arts & Crafts School, and Local Cloth. This marks an exciting new chapter for the Craft Trails, as it creates opportunities for artists to collectively present their work outside of their own studios and businesses. This collaboration highlights the vibrancy of the regional craft community, offering festival-goers the opportunity to experience and purchase authentic, handmade goods.

Proceeds from the “Healing the Hollers” concert will directly support the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s mission to preserve, promote, and celebrate the cultural heritage of the mountains of Western North Carolina. Through initiatives like the Blue Ridge Music Trails and the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, the organization works to sustain the unique traditions that define the region. Collectively, these two programs serve some 900 craft and music artists, galleries, and venues.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area thanks the Earl Scruggs Music Festival for these new and exciting opportunities to participate in this year’s festival and for its continued dedication to the cultural heritage of Western North Carolina. To learn more about the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, and to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.earlscruggsmusicfest.com/

About the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is one of 62 congressionally-designated National Heritage Areas in the United States. Its mission is to preserve and promote the natural and cultural heritage of the 25 counties of Western North Carolina for the benefit of all. Learn more at https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/.

Media Contact:
Bridget Herbig
Communications Manager, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
bridget@blueridgeheritage.com
828-818-5334

###