Blue Ridge Music Trails Virtual Workshops
The Blue Ridge Music Trails, an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and the North Carolina Arts Council, is hosting a series of free online workshops aimed at music venues and traditional music artists in Western North Carolina to provide ideas and options for virtual opportunities for the music business. The three workshops are scheduled from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, June 24, July 8 and July 15, 2020. Panelists include International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award-winning artists who will share with participants what they’ve learned during the COVID-19 crisis.
Workshop topics, dates, times, registration:
Cutting through the Noise: Harnessing the Power of Social Media
COMPLETED: Wednesday, June 24, 2 – 3:30 p.m. (Click to watch recording on YouTube)
The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has radically shifted the role of the arts sector. Panelists will discuss building a social media voice, strategies for Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and emerging trends.
Presenters will include Darren Nicholson, award-winning traditional musician and member of Balsam Range; Laura Boosinger, traditional musician and Director of Madison County Arts Council; Sandra Davidson, Content Director and Zoe van Buren, Folklife Director with the North Carolina Arts Council; and Leslie Hartley, Communications manager with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.
Going Virtual: Tips and Techniques to Present Meaningful Streaming Events
COMPLETED Wednesday, July 8, 2 – 3:30 p.m. (Click to watch recording on YouTube)
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on live, in-person performances and lessons. Now, artists, venues, and presenters are turning to virtual opportunities to support their income and provide their constituents and communities with the art they need. Panelists will share emerging online trends for performance and arts education.
Presenters included Sam Wharton, musician and founder of Bands2Fans livestreaming concerts; Kruger Brothers, internationally renowned, award-winning musicians; Beth Fields, Executive Director Stecoah Valley Center; Sandra Davidson, Content Director and Sam Gerweck, Program Administrator with the North Carolina Arts Council.
Necessity is the Mother of Invention: Adopting New Ways to Connect
Wednesday, July 15, 2 – 3:30 p.m. (Click to watch recording on YouTube)
From benefit concerts and online fundraising to pivoting their services, venues, arts centers, and artists are adopting new strategies to connect with their audiences and generate income.
Presenters include Frank and Allie Lee, traditional musicians; Scott Woody, Owner Isis Music Hall; Louise Baker of Baker Booking; Carly Jones, Senior Program Director and Zoe van Buren, Folklife Director with the North Carolina Arts Council.
Funding for the project is provided by First Citizens Bank and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area with workshop content support by the North Carolina Arts Council.
