Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

February 28, 2008 issue


Fiddler-Guitarist Mike Cross at Hayes Center March 15

Story by Anna Oakes

Tennessee-born Mike Cross could have become a professional golf player. Music lovers are thanking their lucky stars that he didn’t.

The guitarist and fiddler brings an evening of folksy charm to the Hayes Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Cross has made a career out of music spanning two decades, 13 albums and hundreds of concerts—from Boston’s Symphony Hall to outdoor music festivals. Raised in the Appalachian Mountains, Cross’s singing style reflects the down-home, welcoming spirit of old-fashioned storytellers. His live performances are a blend of 12-string bottleneck blues, fiery Irish jigs, original music and tall tales. In his own words, he’s a “wandering hillbilly hippie folk singer.”

Before Cross ever picked up a guitar, he earned a golf scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill. He gave that up to pursue medicine so he could impress a high school sweetheart, but when the relationship ended, Cross was without his golf clubs and without a clear direction.

During his junior year of college, Cross came down with an illness. To pass the time, he learned a few chords and songs on his friend’s guitar. He’s been playing music ever since.

“I've been incredibly fortunate to make a living at playing music, because there’s no logical reason why I should be able to do it—starting out so late, not having any idea of how to perform for an audience, having a tin ear and a scratchy old voice that behaves half the time,” Cross says in his website bio.

“I want people to leave a show of mine saying, ‘Boy, I had a good time.’”

Tickets are $26 for adults and $20 for students. For tickets or more information, call the Hayes Center Box Office at 828-295-9627.

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday, March 15
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hayes Center
Cost: $26 adults/$20 students