The N.C. State Fair has a tradition of featuring some of the state’s most talented artists and this year is no exception.

For 2022, the N.C. State Fair Folk Festival has moved to Heritage Circle next to the historic church. Talented musicians from across North Carolina feature performances ranging from old-time bluegrass music to folk and Americana. 

I am looking forward to hearing some of my personal favorites —
Into the Fog, Big Daddy Love, The Barefoot Movement, Violet Bell, Abigail Dowd — as well as being introduced to new talent such as Sweet Potato Pie, Russ Thompson, Jarrett Raymond and Dawn Landes, among others.

HERITAGE CIRCLE STAGE

Thursday, October 13
1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m.		Sweet Potato Pie All-female bluegrass band blends Americana, country, and gospel into their classic sound
Friday, October 14
10 a.m. 12 p.m.		Russ Thompson Folk and Americana singer-songwriter out of Greensboro
4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m.		Big Daddy Love Winston-Salem’s purveyors of Appalachian rock, bluegrass, and psychedelic jams
Saturday, October 15
10 a.m. 12 p.m.		Jarrett Raymond Wilmington-based folk singer-songwriter and 1st Place winner at NC Dogwood Festival
2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m.		Ages Past “Traditional with a twist” bluegrass from Western NC
Sunday, October 16
10 a.m. 12 p.m.		Chris McGinnis Sultry, salty, and deeply rooted folk music out of Morganton, NC
2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m.		Jon Shain & F.J. Ventre Blues, jazz, and folk from these gifted Durham scene mainstays
Monday, October 17
11 a.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m.		Sideline Pickin’ and grinnin’ on these bluegrass classics and original compositions from some of the capital city’s finest
Tuesday, October 18
11 a.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m.		Into The Fog Adventurous genre-jumping newgrass from Raleigh-by-way-of-Wilmington
Wednesday, October 19
11 a.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m.		The Holland Brothers Old-school country and country-blues from the Piedmont duo
Thursday, October 20
11 a.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m.		The Barefoot Movement Americana and bluegrass quartet originating from Granville County
Friday, October 21
10 a.m. 12 p.m.		David & Kolby Bluegrass, gospel and country music duo from Greensboro
2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m.		Violet Bell Delicated progressive folk duo from Chapel Hill
Saturday, October 22
10 a.m. 12 p.m.		Abigail Dowd Greensboro’s folk singer-songwriter known for her vivid lyrics and unique classical influenced guitar style
2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m.		The Grassomatics Bluegrass and more out of the capital city
Sunday, October 23
10 a.m. 12 p.m.		Dawn Landes Folk and Americana-pop songwriting from the Chapel Hill musician
2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m.		Carolina Line Bluegrass Bluegrass and country straight out of Southport/Oak Island, NC