Old Marshall Jail Ballad Swap at Homeplace & Hog Hollow

***

The Nest of Singing Birds and the Old Marshall Jail, co-hosts of the Old Marshall Jail Ballad Swap, are taking the rich Appalachian ballad tradition on the road to highlight the ongoing rebuilding efforts in Madison County, NC, and the surrounding Western North Carolina region after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

For over two years, the Old Marshall Jail Hotel has been home to the only known recurring traditional ballad swap. Esteemed 7th and 8th-generation ballad singers—including NEA National Heritage Fellow Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, William Ritter, and several others—have gathered to share the songs and stories of their ancestors, preserving a living tradition. The event, hosted by Josh Copus, who transformed the historic Old Marshall Jail into a vibrant community space, has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural identity.

In October, just one month after Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters ravaged Marshall, the community rallied to hold the beloved ballad swap outside the gutted Old Marshall Jail. Under the glow of string lights and powered by generators, over a dozen singers and more than 100 attendees came together, demonstrating the unbreakable power of community, music, and tradition.

“These songs and traditions have never been more important,” said Josh Copus, emcee for the tour. “In the wake of a natural disaster, we’re reminded of how fragile yet vital these connections are. Marshall isn’t just a town—it’s a family tied together by music and stories. I’m proud to be part of a community that knows how to hold on to what matters while moving forward.”

Donna Ray Norton, a founding member of Nest of Singing Birds, echoed this sentiment: “The Ballad Swap is more than a gathering—it’s the heartbeat of our community. As we rebuild, carrying forward these traditions is essential. This music and these stories keep us connected to one another and to our history. They remind us of who we are.”

Learn more about the Nest of Singing Birds Ballad swap: https://www.songtoseed.com/ballad-swaps.html#/

Learn about The Music Maker Foundation : https://www.musicmaker.org

A recent Rolling Stone article on the swap: https://www.rollingstone.com/…/climate-change…/

Radio Show about The Marshall Recovery, Mutual Aid, and the Ballad Swap: http://outsideinradio.org/shows/the-ballad-and-the-flood…