APRIL 30, 2009 ISSUE
Music Festival Season IS HERE!!!
MerleFest
The recent wave of warm weather signals the start of the best season of the year for music lovers: Festival Season. And while Bonnaroo and the New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival may bring the biggest bands in the world, a vast array of talented musicians head to Western North Carolina when the weather warms up to play for eager festivalgoers. From bluegrass and old-time fiddlers’ conventions to more diverse events, music festivals are a great way to enjoy being outside while soaking up some tunes. Here’s a run down of what’s happening in our neck of the woods.
French Broad River Festival
Friday to Sunday, May 1 to 3
Hot Springs, NC
Part live music throw-down, part outdoor adventure festival and part benefit, the 12th Annual French Broad River Festival combines the typical outdoor musical festival aspects with high adventure including whitewater rafting, mountain bike racing and stewardship.
Taking place 45 minutes north of Asheville at the Hot Springs Campground and Spa, the French Broad River Festival’s musical offerings combine the best of Asheville rich music scene with a handful of out-of-town headliners. This year’s event features the Reverend Horton Heat, Acoustic Syndicate, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Screaming Js with Abe Reid, Snake Oil Medicine Show, WSNB, Mad Tea Party and many more.
For those looking to spice up their festival experience with a little friendly competition, the festival includes the 12th annual FBRF Raft Race and the 5th Annual FBRF Mountain Bike Race, as well as a Paddle With The Pros canoe clinic with three-time world open canoe champion Eli Helbert.
For more information including a complete list of artists, outdoor event schedules, ticket prices, camping options, festival guidelines and more, click to www.frenchbroadriverfestival.com.
Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF)
Thursday to Sunday, May 7 to 10
Black Mountain, NC
Taking place at the beautiful Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, the Lake Eden Arts Festival (better known as LEAF) has long been one of the most musically diverse festivals in the region, both during the fall and spring. From the New Orleans funk of The Meter Men (three original members of The Meters), the polyrhythmic dance music of Antibalas, the crafty songwriting and melodic mastery of Martin Sexton or the unique offerings of Haitian songstress Emiline Michel, LEAF leaves no musical stone unturned.
In addition to its more than 60 performers, LEAF features a kid’s village for the little ones, tons of handcrafts, a poetry slam, gourmet festival food throughout its culinary arts program, and lots of healing arts to align your mind, body and soul. LEAF is, in every way, a feast for the senses.
For more information including a complete list of artists, stage and workshop schedules, ticket prices, camping options and more, click to www.theleaf.com.
Fiddler’s Grove Ole Time Fiddlers & Bluegrass Festival
Friday to Sunday, May 22 to 24
Union Grove, NC
Billed as the oldest continuously run festival of its kind in the nation, the 85th annual Fiddler’s Grove Ole Time Fiddlers & Bluegrass Festival in Union Grove is an absolute must for diehard fans of bluegrass and old-time music who love nothing better than to hear the best pickers and singers in both genres.
Taking place at the Fiddler’s Grove campground, the famed event will feature performances by more than 50 old-time and bluegrass bands in junior and senior categories vying for the coveted top honors in the festival’s band competition. Winners in each of the categories will compete for the Fiddler of the Festival award—arguably the highlight of the festival.
For more on the festival’s history, tickets, directions and more, click to www.fiddlersgrove.com.
MusicFest ‘N Sugar Grove
Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11
Sugar Grove
The 12th Annual MusicFest ‘N Sugar Grove will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11 at the Historic Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove. Virtually all performers at this year’s festival have played at the festival before include Doc Watson, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Kruger Brothers and Steep Canyon Rangers, along with stellar local acts Lost Ridge Band, Southern Accent, Andy Owens Band, Amantha Mill, the Forget Me Nots, Lost Faculties and more.
As in recent years, The Kruger Brothers will be hosting musician workshops in guitar, banjo, mandolin and bass. Internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Andy Owens will also be hosting a Songwriter’s Showcase. As part of its green initiatives, the festival will welcome the return of local band Southern Exposure’s Solar Stage.
For more information, click to www.covecreek.net
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Thursday to Sunday, July 9 to 12
MacRae Meadows, Linville
For more information, click to www.gmhg.org.
High Country Bluegrass Festival
Saturday, July 25
High Country Fairgrounds, Boone
For more information, click to www.highcountryblugrassfestival.com.
Ola Belle Reed Homecoming Festival
Friday to Sunday, August 14 to 16
Lansing, NC
For more information, click to www.olabellefest.com.
Music On The Mountain
Date to be announced
High Country Fairgrounds, Boone
For more information, click to www.musiconthemountain.net.
Daniel Boone Days
Friday and Saturday, September 4 and 5
Horn In The West, Boone
For more information, click to www.danielboonedays.com.
New River Blues Fest
Sunday, September 6
Jefferson Landing, West Jefferson, NC
For more information, click to www.newriverbluesfestival.info.
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