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Last Wisps of the Old Ways

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Last Wisps of the Old Ways: North Carolina Mountain Singing pulls together mountain songs from North Carolina crossing nearly a century. Child ballads, local murder songs, banjo and dulcimer pieces alongside tape transfers & close harmony singing. The star of the compilation, Mrs. Lena Bare Turbyfill, could have been another Texas Gladden in her own right, but dozens of recordings of herself and her family made in 1939 remained on a shelf in The Library of Congress, until they were unearthed by me and presented on this collection. Mrs. Turbyfill's daughter Nicky also makes a notable appearance here.

This compilation is noteworthy for the inclusion of “Hold Up Your Hand Old Joshua!” She Cried, perhaps the only existent version of Child number 95 which mentions a “golden key” being stolen; most versions of this ballad do not have this verse, and certainly no audio recordings exist with this component. Bolakins was sung from memory by Lena's last living daughter, and Shirley Glenn makes her first recorded appearance on this compilation.

This release was handled by the wonderful label Death Is Not The End, and is available on digital and cassette.

  1. Mrs. Nicola “Aunt Nicky” Pritchard (Turbyfill) – Bolakins
  2. Mrs. Lena Bare Turbyfill – Sourwood Mountain
  3. Mrs. Lena Bare Turbyfill – “Hold Up Your Hand Old Joshua!” She Cried
  4. Mrs. Sabra Bare Hampton – The Royal Band (The Texas Rangers)
  5. Frank Proffitt – Joshuay
  6. Charlie Glenn – Poor Ellen Smith
  7. Mrs. Lloyd Bare Hagie – Rowan County (The Roane Cty. Crew)
  8. Mrs. Lena Bare Turbyfill And Mrs. Loyd Bare Hagie – Black Jack Davy
  9. Shirley Glenn – Rose Conlee
  10. Mrs. Nicola “Aunt Nicky” Pritchard (Turbyfill) – Frankie & Johnny
  11. Mrs. Lena Bare Turbyfill and Frank Bare – Tom Dooley
  12. Mrs. Sabra Bare Hampton – Lily Shull
  13. Charlie Glenn – Red River Valley
  14. Marshall Ward – Red River Valley
  15. Marshall Ward – Cindy
  16. Mrs. Lloyd Bare Hagie and Mrs. Lloyd Bare Hagie – Cumberland Gap

Curated by Derek Piotr. Photograph of Mrs. Nicola “Aunt Nicky” Pritchard (Turbyfill) by Derek Piotr.

DISCOVER THE HIDDEN MELODIES OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

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ASHEVILLE’S CELEBRATED MUSIC SCENE GOES TRADITIONAL

A trip up to the mountains is never complete without a stop in Asheville. This city pays homage to its mountain roots with live music and cultural celebrations. Pop into Isis Music Hall in west Asheville to enjoy one of their weekly shows featuring new talent and established acts.

On September 18, the Southern Highland Craft Guild hosts their annual Heritage Day. This day-long celebration of Southern Appalachian culture is held at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The day includes live music and traditional craft demonstrations such as blacksmithing, chair-making, quilting, and basketweaving. The mountains call with their own special song. For centuries, Western North Carolina’s unique geography, history, and culture have nurtured a rich musical heritage, which is now showcased through the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina. Internationally renowned music traditions like old-time string bands, ballad singing, and bluegrass are highlighted in the Blue Ridge Music Trails that expand across 29 counties. Come and explore for a few hours or a few days to immerse yourself in authentic mountain melodies and traditions.

DISCOVER THE ROOTS OF BLUEGRASS & TRADITIONAL MUSIC

Courtesy of Visit Cleveland County – Carolina's Land of Rhythm & Roots

About an hour southeast of Asheville, just within the North Carolina state line, the town of Shelby proudly nurtured the birth of bluegrass with musical legend Earl Scruggs. Scrugg’s three-finger banjopicking style forever changed bluegrass music and influenced generations to come. Discover more about his legacy at the Earl Scruggs Center located in the former courthouse, a beautiful three-story neoclassical revival building.

Hankering for live music after your history lesson? Stop by the historic Don Gibson Theatre. This former art-deco movie theatre now hosts national artists and upand-coming talent in its intimate concert hall. Autumn guests include the Oak Grove String Band on September 17 and Carlene Carter on October 22.

”On October 16, the Official Fall Liver Mush Festival of North Carolina, Mush, Music and Mutts” returns for a celebration of liver mush—a local food delicacy that has a famed following at breakfast tables across the Carolinas. Enjoy live music on three stages while also checking out local craft beer, arts, and crafts.

Just down the road from Shelby, the song of the foothills continues at Spindale and Union Mills. Just a short jaunt down Highway 74, Spindale keeps traditional and Americana music flowing through the airways. Tune into WNCW 88.7 FM and hum along to weekly programs such as Mountain Mornings, Country Gold, Goin' Across the Mountain, and This Old Porch. Their carefully cultivated song lists provide a melodious introduction to the region as you drive.

Time your journey to Union Mills to take advantage of Music at the Mills at the Union Mills Learning Center. Held the first Friday of the month at 7 p.m., this community event features local and regional artists who put passion into every performance. The evening starts with a locally prepared meal that’s available for a song—just $5—and a free performance where tips are encouraged and flow as freely as the audience’s applause.

Nestled along the state line is Tryon, NC. This quiet town is the birthplace of Nina Simone. Born Eunice Waymon in 1933, her early talents garnered hometown support. She eventually vaulted to the national stage, and was recognized as a singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. Learn more about this native daughter and pay homage to her gifts at the Nina Simone Plaza and Sculpture, a permanent installation in historic downtown Tryon.

Cap off your exploration of the foothills with a trip to Henderson County. Spend the day visiting the historic home of literary legend Carl Sandburg and exploring the artist haven of Flat Rock before heading out to the Feed & Seed in Fletcher, where you will enjoy traditional, bluegrass, and classic country music on Friday or Saturday nights at no charge!

Don Gibson Theatre

Nina Simone Plaza & Sculpture

HEAD TO THE MOUNTAINS FOR A SWEET ESCAPE

The music of the mountains continues to ring out towards the western edges of the state. Set your GPS for Highway 64 and take the Waterfall Scenic Drive to Brevard, NC. Once you get into town, immerse yourself in the local music scene at 185 King Street. This local venue celebrates homegrown talent with concerts offered year-round. Mark your calendar for the Mountain Song Festival, September 10-11. The picturesque outdoor festival boasts incredible talent and features the Grammy-winning group Steep Canyon Rangers as the kingpin act. For a weekly treat, take in Mountain Music Mondays at Oskar Blues’ Tasty Weasel Taproom, starting at 6 p.m. While in Brevard, be sure to visit the Brevard Music Center, complete with a new performing arts center, and offering performances in a variety of music styles throughout the season. Out in Cedar Mountain, enjoy the Mountains and Moonshine concert series on Friday nights at Studio 276 and sample spirits from their on-site distillery.

Steep Canyon Rangers/Mountain Song @Bolder Filming

Further down the road, the mountain communities of Waynesville and Maggie Valley deliver local music with a side of small-town charm. Various festivals throughout the fall celebrate local talent with live music—check out the Annual Church Street Art & Craft Show on October 9 and the Apple Harvest Festival on October 16 in Waynesville. Bluegrass enthusiasts can get their music fix at the Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival on October 23 in Maggie Valley. This year’s festival acts include Balsam Range, Kruger Brothers and Unspoken Tradition with more artists added closer to the date. 

A melodious journey through the mountains must include a stop at Marshall and Mars Hills, NC. Nestled among the nooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, these small towns proudly carry on rich bluegrass, stringband and ballad singing traditions. In Marshall, Zuma Coffee brews up more than caffeine on Thursday nights. Grammywinning fiddling legend and local resident, Bobby Hicks takes the stage to host weekly jam sessions. Arrive early to snag a prime viewing spot; the tunes often flow before the official show time of 7 p.m.

For a living history lesson, check out the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Mountain Music Festival on October 2, in Mars Hill. Held at Mars Hill University, the day-long event is the second oldest folk festival in Western North Carolina. Pick up new and old tunes (some are centuries old!) at the ballad swap, join in a community dance, and listen in on a spontaneous music jam. The event honors Lunsford who dedicated his life to collecting and promoting Southern Appalachian music.

LOCAL MUSIC THRIVES IN SMALL TOWNS

Courtesy of Merlefest

As the roads wind through the mountains, the passion for Appalachian music swells with a crescendo that reaches the high peaks of the Blue Ridge. A visit to the High Country never disappoints as harmonious discoveries await around every curve.

A stopover in Wilkesboro, NC, provides a chance to attend MerleFest, one of the premier music festivals in the country. Usually held in the spring, this year’s festivities are offered September 16-19. The event honors the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of American music legend Doc Watson. Over a dozen stages host a variety of acts including Balsam Range, Mavis Staples, Melissa Etheridge, LeAnn Rimes, Sturgill Simpson, and Yasmin Williams. Cap off your time in Wilkesboro with a visit to the Wilkes Heritage Museum, housed in the newly restored historic courthouse. The museum showcases artifacts and images from the area’s early days and features a music room that celebrates the area’s harmonious heritage. 

Step back into the past with a visit to Mount Airy, the town that inspired Mayberry in the Andy Griffith Show, and the heart of the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail. The town’s musical roots are on display throughout the fall with shows at the Earle Theatre, Blackmon Amphitheatre, and Andy Griffith Playhouse, and during the Autumn Leaves Festival held the second weekend in October.

On Saturday mornings, the Earle Theatre fills the airwaves with the WPAQ Saturday Morning Merry-GoRound. Second only to the Grand Ole Opry as the oldest continuous radio broadcast show, the AM radio show features two live bands each week. Ticket options allow you to sit in and be a part of history.

Plan ahead to attend the BLUE RIDGE & BEYOND SERIES concert on September 24 or 25. Enjoy five bluegrass concerts over two days at the Historic Earle Theatre and the Andy Griffith Playhouse. The Playhouse dates to the 1920s and was once a public elementary school that taught Mayberry alumni Andy Griffith.

Clarissa Roberts

LOCAL CHARM BLENDS WITH HOMETOWN MUSIC

Embrace a relaxed pace as you climb through the mountains to Sparta, NC. Enjoy a small-town atmosphere where mountain music serves as the background beat. Sparta’s Main Street hosts a community celebration on September 11 with traditional mountain dance, music, and crafts at the Mountain Heritage Festival. The day-long event is an oldfashioned street festival with something for all ages.

Beginning in October, the local Muddy Creek Cafe & Music Hall becomes ”a celebrated music venue with And the Beat Goes On” music series. It offers three concerts held October through November and showcases old-time, bluegrass, and blues performers. Music thrives continuously in this mountain town. Stop in at the Alleghany Jubilee on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday nights for live music and traditional dance. The fun begins at 7 p.m. and is perfect for all ages and abilities.

As you head back down the mountains and into the foothills, take in the Concerts at the Rock in Valdese, NC featuring old-time and bluegrass bands in the Old Rock School auditorium. On your visit, explore the lively traditions of the original Waldensian settlers.

KEEP EXPLORING ALL YEAR LONG

Don’t let the music stop! Come back again and again to explore the region’s talent. Get news about events and shows by signing up for emails at BlueRidgeMusicNC.com. You can also explore the website for the latest listing of live traditional, bluegrass, blues, and gospel music in Western North Carolina. Want to plan ahead for next year? Request the spring 2022 issue of our Down the Road magazine; email Cindy@blueridgeheritage.com to get on the mailing list.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Be aware of local and regional COVID policies before you go. Check with your selected venue in advance to stay informed and prepared.

TAKE AN ARTISTIC DETOUR

The Blue Ridge Mountains inspire creativity in every genre. Make time to explore the rich artistic legacy that thrives in every mountain community and town. Follow the Blue Ridge Craft Trails to enjoy nationally renowned artists' studios and galleries. Learn more at BlueRidgeCraftTrails.com

Mills River potter Rodney Leftwich of Leftwich Pottery finds inspiration in North Carolina’s beauty and traditions. His unique folk and art pottery is widely collected and showcased in museums and private collections.

WHAT IS THE BLUE RIDGE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA?

The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina is an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA), the North Carolina Arts Council and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. BRNHA, a non-profit organization, is a steward of Western North Carolina’s natural treasures and distinct living traditions in small towns including music, craft, outdoors, foodways and Cherokee culture. They invest in the region’s economic and cultural vitality through grants, cultural trails, and partnerships. Learn more at BlueRidgeHeritage.com.

Grit & Grace: A Flood Relief Benefit for Haywood County

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Presented by Balsam Range, United Way of Haywood County, Town of Canton and The Smoky Mountain News, “Grit & Grace: A Flood Relief Benefit for Haywood County” will take place from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Saturday, October 2, at Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton.

Hitting the stage will be acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range, with Americana sensation Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters opening the show.

The event is to not only raise funds for those in need following the devastating flood waters in August in the communities of Canton, Cruso and Bethel, but also to provide a moment to gather together as neighbors and friends, and enjoy some live music.

Balsam Range is a fiery quintet hailing from Haywood County. The highly-popular act has become the stuff of legend in recent years, as seen by the band’s numerous number one radio hits, chart-topping albums and International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, including “Entertainer of the Year” (2014, 2018) and “Album of the Year” (2013, 2017), amid several other honors.

The show is free and open to the public, with a $20 suggested donation at the entrance. All proceeds from the evening will go to the United Way of Haywood County, which will provide disaster relief for flood victims.

Food trucks and craft beer will also be sold onsite. Bring your lawn chairs and your good attitudes for an unforgettable night of Appalachian music under the stars.

Donations from businesses, organizations and private citizens are currently being accepted at:

United Way of Haywood County, Flood Recovery Donations, PO Box 1139, Waynesville, NC 28786. Or make a gift online at the Flood Recovery Donations page.

For more information, you can contact Garret K. Woodward, arts/music editor for The Smoky Mountain News at garret@smokymountainnews.com.

A Call to Rising North Carolina-Based Musicians

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What images and sounds come to mind when you hear the term “folk music?” At the NC Folk Festival, we think of fiddles, songwriters, and banjos – but also Gospel, Hip-Hop, Salsa, polka, Country, Blues…AND SO MUCH MORE! We are accepting applications NOW from the diverse tapestry of talented NC musicians who are influenced, informed, and inspired by their particular brand of “folk music.”

The Not Your Average Folk Contest, presented by Cone Health, is an opportunity for North Carolina-based musicians to compete for prizes – including a chance to perform at the 2021 North Carolina Folk Festival and 8 hours of FREE recording time at Black Rabbit Audio!

We are welcoming electronic applications from a diverse array of musical groups from across North Carolina who will be adjudicated in two phases – the first phase by a panel of music experts from the Greensboro community who will select four finalists, and the second phase of online voting by the public to select a winner from the four finalists. Contest applicants must submit (1) a newly recorded performance video & (2) a short written response describing the folk and community roots that influence and inspire their music.

The Not Your Average Folk Contest will accept online applications through the NC Folk Festival website until 11:59 pm (EST) on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Contest guidelines, eligibility, and application requirements, along with more information on how and where to submit an application can be found at www.ncfolkfestival.com.

About the North Carolina Folk Festival: The NC Folk Festival is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the presentation of music, dance, crafts, and other arts representing cultural traditions from across America and the world through its flagship annual event each September in downtown Greensboro, NC. The North Carolina Folk Festival, co-produced by the City of Greensboro, is one of the fastest-growing destination events in the Southeast, attracting over 156,000 people from across the U.S. to downtown Greensboro. The festival is a FREE admission, three-day event that continues the legacy of the National Folk Festival, which was held in Greensboro from 2015–2017. In the tradition of “The National,” the North Carolina Folk Festival features performing groups representing a diverse array of cultural traditions from around the world on multiple stages, including continuous music and dance performances, a North Carolina Folklife Area featuring ongoing demonstrations, an interactive Family Area, a makers marketplace, regional and ethnic foods, festival merchandise and more. The 2021 North Carolina Folk Festival will take place in downtown Greensboro September 10 through 12. Additional information is available at www.ncfolkfestival.com.

Easter Brothers mural dedication in Mount Airy, NC

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Local dignitaries and townspeople turned out last week in Mt. Airy, NC for the official dedication of The Easter Brothers mural painted downtown by Tim White.

From their home base in Mt Airy, The Easter Brothers delighted bluegrass and Gospel music fans over a career that spanned more than 50 years. Recently, the city arranged to have this 18 x14 foot painting commissioned just across the street from the music store run by the sole remaining brother, James Easter, Mayberry Music Center on Main Street.

White is well known to bluegrass lovers as the host of the PBS television show, Song of the Mountains, broadcast from Marion, VA. He completed the portrait over the course of nine days in April. His talents as a sign and mural painter are less well known, with his larger painting in Bristol, TN celebrating the iconic Bristol Sessions being his most prestigious work.

James and Tim were both on hand for the dedication on May 15, which included the installation of a plaque marking the mural, The Easter Brothers, and the artist. Both the current and previous mayors were in attendance, and bluegrass music was performed for the crowd.

Congratulations James, and Tim!

About the Author: John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.

Doors Open at T.M. Rickman General Store

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The arrival of spring marks a new season of weekly festive gatherings at the Rickman Store.  Mainspring Conservation Trust and the Friends of the Rickman Store (FORS) invite the community and visitors to the region to visit this historic building every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting May 8.

 

This year Rickman Store proudly joins eight other sites in Macon County that have been selected for inclusion in the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area that promotes the must-see destinations for traditional and contemporary art.  Our local artists, writers and craftsmen exhibit their work and creations in this friendly venue.

 

Volunteers and Mainspring staff have invested a great part of the winter restoring and making necessary repairs to this beloved building.  Many friends and donors have made valuable additions to the collection of antiques and artifacts that allow visitors to step back in time to enjoy the experience of the traditional general store that Tom Rickman ran for 69 years since 1925.

 

As part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails, the Rickman Store will continue welcoming musicians for its weekly afternoon jams.  Masks are required indoors but the option of playing outdoors on the porch is available. Jam Session details.

 

The Rickman Store is located seven miles north of Franklin by Hwy. NC 28, in the heart of the Cowee-West Mill Historic District, next to the Old Cowee School on 259 Cowee Creek Road. For more information call (828) 369-5595 or visit Friends of the Rickman Store on Facebook.

Rising Stars and Current Masters Featured in Season 5 of David Holt’s State of Music

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In the fifth season of the PBS series David Holt’s State of Music, host David Holt shares tunes and stories with outstanding performers of American folk, bluegrass, and country music. The season comprises six 30-minute episodes and will be fed via satellite to PBS member stations beginning May 1. Check local listings for air dates.

Filmed entirely on location in North Carolina and Tennessee, David Holt's State of Music features music and interviews with emerging young performers as well as veteran masters.

A four-time Grammy winner himself, David Holt toured with the late Doc Watson for fourteen years. He says “The traditional music of this region is a treasure we’re privileged to share. Whether it’s bluegrass, gospel, a string band, or the blues, the artists we feature are performing at the very highest level. Some are young; some are older but deserve greater recognition. We help raise awareness of these artists by presenting them to the PBS audience nationwide.”  

The series showcases the musical heritage and scenic beauty of Southern Appalachia while introducing viewers to bluegrass, roots music, blues, new acoustic, and gospel music genres. Season 5 features Keb’ Mo’, Zoe & Cloyd, John McCutcheon, Muriel Anderson, Lakota John Locklear, Tray Wellington, and Rob Ickes with Trey Hensley. 

The first four seasons featured Rhiannon Giddens, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Molly Tuttle, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, April Verch, Joe Newberry, Wayne Henderson and Jeff Little, the Kruger Brothers, Dom Flemons, Amythyst Kiah, Alice Gerrard, Rayna Gellert, Laurelyn Dossett, the St. John AME Zion Unity Choir, Josh Goforth, the Branchettes, Bryan Sutton, Mipso, Balsam Range, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Della Mae, Darin and Brooke Aldridge with John Cowan, Taj Mahal; Presley Barker, Cane Mill Road band, the Burnett Sisters with Willow Dillon, and Josh Goforth and Zeb Holt playing with host David in a look back at his 50-year career in folk music. 

The series premiered on North Carolina Public Television (UNC-TV) in 2015. It airs in more than 90% percent of PBS markets nationally.

The Will & Deni McIntyre Foundation is the prime fundraising entity for David Holt's State of Music. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit established in 2009 to raise the profile of the arts and educational organizations through the creation of videos, books and photography for websites and related media.

To find out when you can see David Holt’s State of Music, check your local PBS station’s schedule. The series can also be streamed anytime on iTunes, Amazon Prime, or (for PBS Passport members) at PBS.org.

Season 5 Interviews and Locations:

  • Episode 1: Keb’ Mo’ filmed at Innisfree Farm in Hendersonville, NC
  • Episode 2: Zoe and Cloyd filmed at Timber Hall in Leicester, NC
  • Episode 3: John McCutcheon filmed at Perelandra Studios in Asheville, NC
  • Episode 4: Muriel Anderson filmed at Pinebrook Manor in Hendersonville, NC
  • Episode 5: Lakota John and Tray Wellington filmed at Timber Hall in Asheville, NC; Johnson City, TN; and Fairview, NC
  • Episode 6: Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley filmed at Jeter Mountain Farm in Hendersonville, NC

To learn more about David Holt’s State of Music, follow the show on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

About David Holt:

Early in his career, David Holt hosted the UNC-TV/PBS series Folkways that took viewers through the Southern mountains visiting traditional craftsmen and musicians. He also served as host of The Nashville Network’s Fire on the Mountain, Celebration Express, and American Music Shop. He was a frequent guest on Hee Haw, Nashville Now, and The Grand Ole Opry. David was cast as a musician in the popular Coen Brothers film O Brother Where Art Thou. He has hosted Riverwalk Jazz for Public Radio International and Great Scenic Railway Journeys on public television. In 2002, David and Doc Watson won two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Folk Recording for Legacy, a three-CD collection of songs and stories reflecting Doc Watson’s li fe in music. Doc and David toured together from 1998 until Doc’s death in 2012. More information can be found at davidholt.com.

You Gave Me A Song – A film about Alice Gerrard

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You Gave Me A Song offers an intimate portrait of old-time music pioneer Alice Gerrard and her remarkable, unpredictable journey creating and preserving traditional music. The film follows eighty-four year old Gerrard over several years, weaving together verité footage of living room rehearsals, recording sessions, songwriting, archival work, and performances with photos and rare field recordings. Much of the film is told in Alice’s voice and via interviews with musical collaborators and family members who share the story of Alice and others chasing that high lonesome sound. Visit the film's website.

About Alice Gerrard

In a career spanning 50+ years, Alice Gerrard has made an indelible mark on the history of traditional music. Alice’s groundbreaking collaboration with Appalachian singer Hazel Dickens during the 1960s and ’70s produced four classic LPs (recently reissued by Rounder) and influenced scores of young women singers. Her subsequent four solo albums—including Bittersweet, produced by Laurie Lewis, and Follow the Music ,produced by Mike Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger— further showcased Alice’s many talents: her compelling, eclectic songwriting; her powerful, hard-edged vocals; and her instrumental mastery on rhythm guitar, banjo, and old-time fiddle. Alice’s 2015 album, Follow the Music was nominated for a Grammy. Her most recent release, Sing Me Back Home: The DC Tapes 1965-1969 on Free Dirt records, has found critical acclaim for its intimate peak into previously unheard Hazel and Alice practice tapes.

Alice has appeared on more than 20 recordings, including projects with many traditional musicians such as Tommy Jarrell, Enoch Rutherford, Otis Burris, Luther Davis and Matokie Slaughter; with Tom Sauber and Brad Leftwich as Tom, Brad & Alice, with the Harmony Sisters,  the Herald Angels, Beverly Smith, and with Anna Roberts-Gevalt and Elizabeth LaPrelle. 

A tireless advocate of traditional music, Alice has won numerous honors, including an International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Distinguished Achievement Award, a Virginia Arts Commission Award, the North Carolina Folklore Society’s Tommy Jarrell Award, and an Indy Award. In 2017, Alice was inducted into the IBMA Hall of Fame along with Hazel Dickens. In 1987, Alice founded The Old-Time Herald and the Old-Time Music Group, a non-profit organization that oversees its publication. Alice served as editor-in-chief of The Old-Time Herald from 1987 till 2003. 

She continues to perform, teach and document and can be found most afternoons at the dog park with her beloved pit bull, Polly.

Sepia Tones: Exploring Black Appalachian Music

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Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA) is pleased to announce the launch of a new six-part podcast mini-series, “Sepia Tones: Exploring Black Appalachian Music.” Hosted by Drs. William Turner and Ted Olson, “Sepia Tones” will survey the many Black roots and branches of Southern Appalachian music by sharing research, listening to recordings, and interviewing contemporary Black musicians and experts in music history.

“One of the things I noticed quickly, conspicuously, when we started down a path of trying to learn about Black history and culture in the mountains of the South is the absence of a body of literature that deals specifically with the music of Blacks in the South,” said Dr. Turner. “I was inspired to get interested in this type of music, and in this podcast in particular, because we are filling a void. The general public does not know much about Black Appalachian music.”

The six episodes will be released throughout 2021 and cover topics such as the complex history of Black music in East Tennessee, Black sacred music, Black women musicians, and the diverse landscape of music communities in Southern Appalachia. The first episode of the mini-series, premiering in late March, will focus on neglected Black contributions to Appalachian music with an emphasis on country and blues. Featured guests include Loyal Jones, James Leva, and Sparky Rucker.

Listen to the podcast.

About the Hosts:

Dr. Turner is a longtime African American studies scholar who first rose to prominence as co-editor of “Blacks in Appalachia” (1985) and as a research assistant to “Roots” author Alex Haley. He retired as the Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Studies and Regional Ambassador at Berea College. His memoir, “The Harlan Renaissance,” is forthcoming from West Virginia University Press in fall 2021.

Dr. Olson is a professor of Appalachian studies at East Tennessee State University and the author of many books, articles, reviews, encyclopedia entries, and oral histories. Olson has produced and compiled several documentary albums of traditional Appalachian music, for which he has received numerous awards, including seven Grammy Award nominations.

IBMA Presents Navigating the Digital Jungle Series

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We are thrilled to announce that for the first time ever the general public can experience IBMA's highly revered Leadership Bluegrass program via a four-part professional development series titled Leadership Bluegrass Online: Navigating the Digital Jungle. 

The series will stream live on the IBMA Facebook page Thursdays at 12:00 pm Central Time and feature discussions with industry leaders and performances by international bluegrass bands.

Join us as we navigate the digital jungle and discover what is next for bluegrass music!

  • March 4 – The Show Must Go On: Producing Events in Uncertain Times
    • Performance by Country Gongbang (South Korea)
  • March 11 – The Music Modernization Act: Where Are We Today?
    • Performance by The Often Herd (UK)
  • March 18 – The Business of Education: 4 Tips to Becoming More Effective & Profitable
    • Performance by Johnny & The Yooahoos (Germany)
  • March 25 – The Artist's Perspective: Sarah Jarosz
    • Performance by You, Me, Everybody (New Zealand)

About Leadership Bluegrass

Founded in 2000 by the International Bluegrass Music Association, Leadership Bluegrass is an annual intensive professional development program. The mission of Leadership Bluegrass is to bring professionals with strong leadership qualities together on behalf of bluegrass to collaborate, inspire, and transform. The program boasts over 400 graduates who share a professional network spanning every aspect of our music industry. 

About IBMA

The IBMA is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide.

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