JUNE 25, 2009 ISSUE
Ashe Arts Council Events in July
By the time July rolls around in the High Country, summer is maturing, as are events associated with the warm months. The Ashe County Arts Council hosts a trio of hot happenings beginning Saturday, July 4.
Christmas in July returns for its 23rd year, celebrated on our nation’s birthday; another spectacular gallery crawl in downtown West Jefferson offers patrons a chance to tweak their art appreciation skills; and the group Irish Temperance brings ancient Irish and Scottish music back to Ashe County.
Christmas in July, Saturday, July 4, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Celebrating farm-grown Christmas trees, plus local arts and crafts, Christmas in July has blossomed into one of the largest and most well known festivals in the south. More than 20,000 visitors are drawn to the old-fashioned street celebration where they can enjoy children’s activities, dancing, food, live bluegrass music and family fun. Handmade juried crafts and mouth-watering food from more than 20 vendors will be sold throughout the day, though the festival itself is free. The Ashe County Farmer’s Market will also be open, united with the festival activities.
West Jefferson Gallery Crawl, Friday, July 10, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.: Why not start your crawl at the Ashe Arts Center? From that point, 11 more participating businesses can be easily reached: Broomfields Gallery; Bohemia Gallery; R.T. Morgan Art Gallery; Smart Gallery; River Rock Gallery; Originals Only; Spin A Yarn...Weave A Web; Backstreet Beads; Acorn Gallery; Stephen Shoemaker Gallery; and Ashe Custom Framing and Gallery.
Irish Temperance, Saturday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.: The Ashe Arts Center hosts the band Irish Temperance, a group who promises to delver authentic Irish and Scottish music, pre-dating the more commonly heard bluegrass by centuries. Whether or not you have any Irish or Scottish blood coursing through your veins, everyone can enjoy songs like “Brian Boru,” named for the Irish king who defeated the Vikings in 1014; or “Guilderoy,” named after the Scottish outlaw who was executed in 1635.
“You won’t hear us playing a fake Irish song like ‘The Unicorn,’” said Bill Bynum, band member. “Everything we play is rooted in the Scottish and Irish who settled Ashe County. Jigs and reels originating from the British Isles and performed by Irish Temperance, are familiar to bluegrass fans and include “Cold and Frosty Morning,” commemorating the 1746 Battle of Culloden and “Jerusalem Ridge.” Other selections are“Whiskey in the Jar,” from the 1600s, “Rosin the Beau,” an 1830s tune,“The Wild Rover” from the 1840s and“Molly Malone” from the 1880s. Audience participation is requested, as the seven musicians comprising Irish Temperance lead the ancient Celtic chorus with their fifes, flutes, pennywhistles, bodram, mandolin, guitar and piano.
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for students. Purchase tickets by phone at 336-846-ARTS or at the Ashe Arts Center. For more information on any of the July events, call 336-846-ARTS.
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