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Tag Archives: North Carolina
Labor Day 2023 weekend brings a variety of outdoor music festivals to North Carolina, Virginia
Editor’s Note: This story originally ran in the Wake Weekly newspaper at this link.
As summer winds down, Labor Day weekend is heating up with a variety of outdoor music festivals from western North Carolina to Virginia. What better way to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers than hanging out with friends and listening to some old favorites, as well as being introduced to some new artists?
Following are just a few festivals featuring a variety of musical genres and activities to choose from:
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Mill Spring, North Carolina, Sept. 1-3, is a celebration of the defining bluegrass banjo player Earl Scruggs. It features about 30 bluegrass, folk and Americana acts on two stages, including newgrass band Into the Fog, which has its roots in Wake Forest, where lead singer and band co-founder Brian Stephenson calls home, and Raleigh’s Tray Wellington Band. Other acts include Emmy Lou Harris, Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Earls of Leicester, Pete Wernick,Greensky Bluegrass, The Jerry Douglas Band, Della Mae, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, Zoe and Cloyd, Rissi Palmer, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper and the Jon Stickley Trio. The festival also hosts a collection of food trucks, children’s activities, free horse jumping demonstrations and trail rides for a fee. The festival debuted in 2022 and is a collaboration between the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby and WNCW FM at Isothermal Community College in Rutherfordton. For a schedule and tickets visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/.
The Happy Valley Old-Time Fiddlers’ Convention
The Happy Valley Old-Time Fiddlers’ Convention at Jones Farm in Lenoir, North Carolina, is Sept. 1-3 and pays homage to the legends and stories of the Yadkin River Valley. The festival includes 11 categories of competition for old time and bluegrass bands and musicians and featured performances on Sunday, plus children’s activities, food vendors and more. In addition to competitors, artists include William Ritter and Sarah Ogletree, Burnett Sisters Band, Michael Reno Harrell, Strictly Clean and Decent, Rob McHale and Rodney Sutton. The 2023 festival is the 18th and final edition of the event, organizers say. Learn more at happyvalleyfiddlers.org/.
The 12th annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival
The 12th annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival set for Sept. 2-3 in High Point’s Oak Hollow Festival Park is sponsored by The Friends of John Coltrane, which works to preserve and celebrate the life and music of Coltrane and to enrich the lives of others through the introduction of jazz and other musical genres. Artists include Keb’ Mo’, Dave Koz, Maysa, Mr. Sipp, Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius, Norman Brown, Samara Joy, Chucho Valdes, Yellowjackets, Terri Lyne Carrington, Matthew Whitaker, and more. Learn more at coltranejazzfest.com
The 14th annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
The 14th annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is set for Sept. 2-3 and celebrates African American culture through art, music, dance, food and community. Local and national musical acts are presented Saturday and Sunday on the main stage in addition to a juried art gallery, craft and food vendors, educational and hands-on activities in the Family Village, and more. The festivities kickoff Friday with Gladys Knight and Eric Benet performing at the North Carolina Museum of Art. For tickets and more information visit www.aacfestival.org/
ProgDay
ProgDay, the world’s longest-running Progressive Rock Festival, is celebrating its 28th year and is set for Sept. 2-3 at Chapel Hill’s Storybrook Farm. The event will feature artists from all over the world including Karmic Juggernaut, A Light Sleeper, Moon Letters, Perfect, Red Fiction, tu:NER, We Used to Cut the Grass and You Bred Raptors? For tickets visit https://progday.net/.
The 14th annual Front Porch Fest
The 14th annual Front Porch Fest is a family friendly festival set for Aug. 31-Sept. 3 at Spirithaven Farm in Stuart, Virginia. This year’s musical lineup includes Butcher Brown, Jimkata, Dangermuffin, DJ Williams, Sun-Dried Vibes, Cailtin Krisko & The Broadcast, Big Daddy Love, The Plate Scrapers, The Judy Chops, Urban Soil, The Wilson Springs Hotel and many more, according to organizers. In addition to 30-plus bands, Front Porch Fest features an array of children’s activities, yoga, campsite jams, on-site camping, craft brews and foods, and more. For tickets, volunteering, vending and sponsorship opportunities visit frontporchfest.com/
Appaloosa Roots Music Festival
MerleFest’s favorite house band Celtic rockers Scythian hosts Appaloosa Roots Music Festival in Front Royal, Virginia, on Sept. 2-3. The lineup features an exciting mix of artists from various genres including the Triangle’s own Chatham Rabbits, Blue Highway, Screaming Orphans, Carbon Leaf, Christian Lopez and many more. For tickets and more information, visit appaloosafestival.com/
NCMA of presents Gladys Knight with special guest Eric Benet on Sept. 1 in association with the African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County
The North Carolina Museum of Art welcomes Gladys Knight, the seven-time Grammy-winning Empress of Soul, for a special evening of pop, R&B, gospel and adult contemporary music on Friday, Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Grammy-nominated R&B/neo soul singer Eric Benét opens. Click the link below for tickets and more information.
The 14th annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh & Wake County is set for Sept. 2-3 and celebrates African American culture through art, music, dance, food and community. Local and national musical acts are presented Saturday and Sunday on the main stage in addition to a juried art gallery, craft and food vendors, educational and hands-on activities in the Family Village, and more. For tickets and more information visit http://www.aacfestival.org/.
Folk and Fun Festival set for Oct. 1 at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard featuring The Midatlantic, The Orange Constant and more
I am so excited to see The Midatlantic in this lineup for the first Folk ‘N’ Funk Music Festival at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard in Raleigh! Grab your tickets starting at $15 now, as they are limited at this link.
The Lineup
Counterclockwise String Band: 12 p.m.-12:45 p.m.
The Midatlantic: 1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Florencia & The Feeling: 3 p.m.-3:45 p.m.
Duck: 4:15 p.m.-5 p.m.
The Orange Constant: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Bowstring will be serving pizza and drinks.
Doors open at 11 a.m. Free Parking. No Refunds.
The Kruger Brothers present ‘Carolina in the Fall’ music and food festival for 7th year on Sept. 22-23
I had the pleasure of being invited to this festival several years ago by the incomparable Kruger Brothers, who are MerleFest fan favorites for the uninitiated, and I fell in love with this festival. It’s mostly free, it’s intimate (I sat on the stage steps as Ricky Skaggs performed just a few feet away), it always has a great lineup (and this year is no exception) and it’s in a fantastic location (downtown Wilkesboro has a very Mayberry vibe). Trust me, you are going to want to add this festival to your fall music calendar!
From the good folks at Carolina in the Fall: Carolina in the Fall returns for our seventh festival in the Carolina West Community Commons in Downtown Wilkesboro, North Carolina, with our host band, The Kruger Brothers, for two days of great music, food, drink and community.
This year’s festival will be Sept. 22 and 23. Our lineup is headlined by Balsam Range, The Kruger Brothers, Woody Platt and Shannon Whitworth and John Cowan’s NewGrass Allstars. The lineup also includes Hank, Pattie & the Current, Alex Key, His & Hers, Presley Barker, Shay Martin Lovette, and returning international guests, Thurler-Mosimann Project.
We have made some significant changes to last years festival in an effort to simplify the festival experience and want to highlight those again. Here are the biggest changes to be aware of:
Carolina in the Fall is a mostly free festival. VIP tickets will be sold for reserved seating at the main stage. All seating behind the reserved and sponsor seating areas will be open and free to the public.
There will only be one stage this year. Managing four stages spread out across the downtown had become an overwhelming task and we wanted to bring the focus back to those artists who perform on our main stage each year. The Carolina Stage in the community commons is our one featured stage.
Music begins at 5 p.m. on Friday. After five years of watching our attendance, we’ve realized that most festival goers arrive after work on Friday. So, we’ve condensed our Friday lineup to begin when most folks can attend.
2023 Stage Schedule
Friday
5:00 – 5:45 – Presley Barker
6:00 – 6:45 – Alex Key
7:00 – 8:15 – Balsam Range
8:45 – 10:00 – The Kruger Brothers
Saturday
12:00 – 12:45 – Shay Martin Lovette
1:00 – 1:45 – His & Hers
2:00- 3:00 – Thurler-Mosimann Project
3:15 – 4:15 – Hank, Pattie & the Current
4:30 – 5:30 – John Cowan’s NewGrass AllStars
6:00 – 7:15 – Woody Platt & Shannon Whitworth
7:45 – 9:15 – The Kruger Brothers
Registration is also open for the 8th Annual Chad Lovette Memorial Trail Run at Cub Creek Park in Wilkesboro on Saturday, Sept. 23! Link to register below. Of course we will have our virtual option available for our friends and family who aren’t able to make it in person! We can’t wait to gather again with everyone to celebrate Chad and then head to Carolina In The Fall (Chad played at the inaugural festival). As always, all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to contribute to the fight against cancer!
Town of Cary announces Marvelous Music Mainstage Series 2023-24
From the Town of Cary website: Come to downtown Cary and be a part of incredible evenings of entertainment through the Marvelous Music Mainstage Series. The 23nd season marks the 12th anniversary of this beloved series in the restored, historic Cary Arts Center. The series showcases a variety of emerging and nationally-acclaimed touring artists.
“Ella, the Early Years” – Amanda King in Concert
Saturday, September 16, 2023 | 7:30 p.m.
Amanda King has delighted audiences from New York City to San Francisco with her joyous celebration in “Ella, the Early Years.” Focusing on Ella Fitzgerald’s early career with great music and superb storytelling, Amanda is backed by a “big band” ensemble to artfully deliver a wonderful jazz concert as well as a cultural retrospective. Audiences of all ages love the swingin’ tunes from the Big Band Era as well as the anecdotes of Ella’s storied career.
For more, visit amandaking.com.
Sones de Mexico Ensemble
Friday, October 13, 2023 | 7:30 p.m.
Since its founding in 1994, Sones de México Ensemble has grown to be one of the country’s premier Mexican folk music ensembles with a diverse repertoire, rich in colors, textures and rhythms demonstrating that there is more to Mexican music than mariachi with a repertoire, including the regional styles of huapango, gustos, chilenas, son jarocho, and more. Sones de México has toured coast-to-coast, performing at The Getty in Los Angeles, Carnegie Hall in New York City, The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and Orchestra Hall in Chicago celebrating the riches of Mexican music, dance and culture.
For more, visit sonesdemexico.com.
From Broadway to Hollywood! – Empire Trio
Saturday, November 18, 2023 | 7:30 p.m.
Join the EMPIRE TRIO for a unique celebration of music from the Great White Way to the Big Screen. Starting with classic show tunes from beloved Broadway musical, including Les Miserables, West Side Story and Phantom of the Opera the Trio brings their own breathtaking and unique arrangements. Then the show moves west with a dazzling performance of some of the most beloved and toe-tappingly famous songs from the world of film, with songs ranging from the Wizard of Oz and Casablanca to Ghost and Titanic. The performance weaves together the stories from both backstage and behind the camera as well as the singers who performed them.
For more, visit empiretrio.com.
Sons of Mystro
Friday, February 23, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Umoja and Malcolm are the two talented violinists that make up Sons of Mystro. Their unique sound draws from an array of musical genres, from classical to R&B to hip-hop, all while incorporating their signature touch of soulful improvisation. Each concert is a perfect blend of covers and original compositions that showcase their musical prowess. With their mesmerizing arrangements, intricate harmonies, and contagious energy, Sons of Mystro is sure to sweep the audience away in an unforgettable evening.
For more, visit sonsofmystro.com.
The Tartan Terrors
Friday, March 8, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
The Tartan Terrors are their own Celtic Invasion, mixing music energy with traditional folklore, dance, and humor. With an arsenal featuring classic bagpipes and fiddle, driving drum tones, and signature guitar styles, audiences marvel as The Terrors use their sonic blitz to underscore award winning Step Dancers and internationally recognized comedic performers alike. They have performed on four different continents, in some of the most prestigious Festivals and Highland Games as well as all across North America. Join the phenomenon of the Tartan Terrors and see why Celtic Beat Magazine hails them as the heirs apparent to “Celtic mayhem.”
For more, visit tartanterrors.com.
Appalachian Road Show
Saturday, April 27, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Appalachian Road Show is a visionary acoustic ensemble, bringing new-generation interpretations of traditional Americana, bluegrass and folk songs, as well as offering innovative original music, all presented with a common thread tied directly to the heart of the Appalachian regions of the United States. Featuring multiple Grammy winners and Grammy nominated performers, these musicians showcase both the traditions and the history of this storied region. Appalachian Road Show invites us to come and sit a spell on its porch as the band shares its dynamic musicianship through songs and stories.
For more, visit theappalachianroadshow.com.
Contact
For general information, call (919) 462-2055.
Robbie Stone
Arts Program and Operations Coordinator
(919) 460-4969
robbie.stone@carync.gov
Hosts announced for 34th annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards on Sept. 28
Ketch Secor and Molly Tuttle to host this year’s show on September 28
From the good folks at the International Bluegrass Music Association: Ketch Secor and Molly Tuttle have been announced as hosts for the 34th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Show, presented by Yamaha, on Thursday, Sept. 28 during the 2023 IBMA World of Bluegrass®.
Secor is the consummate entertainer: the merry ringmaster, mischievous busker, passionate professor, modern Beat, and unassuming virtuoso, all rolled into one. Ketch is best known as the founder and frontman of Old Crow Medicine Show, a two-time GRAMMY Award-winning juggernaut whose triumphs include induction into the Grand Ole Opry and double-platinum certification for their iconic hit single “Wagon Wheel.” The scope and potency of Ketch’s work has long since spilled over to include documentaries, writing and starring in variety shows, authoring a children’s book, composing a musical, and launching a school. His myriad projects also include serving as an advisor, historical consultant, and featured speaker in Ken Burns’ acclaimed 2019 documentary Country Music. “Whether I’m in front of an audience of concert-goers or a six-year-old, whether I’m using puppets or a banjo, I’m always trying to show people that they can be mesmerized by a story, by a person, by a character,” says Ketch. “By humanity, really. By one another.”
Jubilee, releasing August 25 via ATO Records, is a companion album to Old Crow Medicine Show’s critically-acclaimed 2022 release Paint This Town and marks the band’s 25-year anniversary. The album was co-produced with Matt Ross-Spang, and features several special guests including legendary soul singer Mavis Staples, singer/songwriter Sierra Ferrell, and Old Crow co-founder Willie Watson, who records with the band for the first time in over 10 years on their recent single “Miles Away.”
Since moving to Nashville in 2015, Tuttle has continued to receive widespread accolades, most recently earning seven 2023 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards nominations: Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Guitar Player of the Year, Album of the Year (Crooked Tree), Song of the Year (“Crooked Tree”), Instrumental Group of the Year and Collaborative Recording of the Year (“From My Mountain [Calling You]” with Peter Rowan and Lindsay Lou). Additionally, Tuttle also won Best Bluegrass Album at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards earlier this year (Crooked Tree), Album of the Year at the 2023 International Folk Music Awards, IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 2022, Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2018 Americana Music Awards, and IBMA Guitar Player of the Year in both 2017 and 2018.
Tuttle’s new album, City of Gold, was released last month on Nonesuch Records to critical praise. Once again produced by Tuttle and Jerry Douglas, City of Gold was inspired by Tuttle’s constant touring with Golden Highway these past few years and follows her 2022 release of Crooked Tree.
“I’m thrilled Ketch and Molly will host this year’s Awards Show,” said Paul Schiminger, Interim Executive Director of IBMA. “They are sure to make the ‘Biggest Night in Bluegrass’ a memorable and entertaining night for everyone gathered to celebrate a terrific year in bluegrass music!”
Tickets available at worldofbluegrass.org
‘Pickin’ in the Pines’ music series returns to Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Wednesday nights could turn out to be your favorite night of the week when the “Pickin’ In The Pines” music series, presented by B93.9, returns on Aug. 30 to Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre, according to the website.
A beautiful outdoor setting in the heart of North Carolina’s Triangle regeion will set the stage for some of the region’s best talent with a country and bluegrass flare. Gates open at 5:15 and the music starts at 5:45 p.m. Tickets start at just $9.39 and picnics are allowed (no alcohol please). Kids 12 and under are free on the lawn. Buy all five concerts for just $40.
The complete schedule follows:
B 93.9 PRESENTS PICKIN’ IN THE PINES MUSIC SERIES
- WEDNESDAY, 8/30 // PAIGE KING JOHNSON WWW.PAIGEKINGJOHNSON.COM
- WEDNESDAY, 9/6 // ALEX KEY WWW.ALEXKEYMUSICGROUP.COM
- WEDNESDAY, 9/13 // JOHN NORRIS WWW.JOHNNORRISMUSIC.COM
- WEDNESDAY, 9/20 // JORDAN PICKETT BAND WWW.JORDANPICKETTMUSIC.COM
- WEDNESDAY, 9/27 // CHANDLER JAMES BAND WWW.CHANDLERJAMESMUSIC.COM
Tickets are on sale now through www.etix.com. Go to www.boothamphitheatre.com for event and ticket information.
Tickets can be purchased through etix.com. By phone call (800) 514-3849
Etix hours: Monday-Friday/ 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. EST
Saturday/10 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST & Sunday/noon – 8 p.m. EST
Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Rhonda Vincent to headline Bluegrass Island Music Festival in OBX on Oct. 19-21
From the good folks at the Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival: Music lovers from all over the world flock to the Outer Banks for this tradition that adds a roster of acclaimed bands with one of the most beautiful venues anywhere. The Bluegrass Island Music Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and this year’s event is no exception, with a number of regionally and internationally famous bands set to take the stage.
The festival is held in Manteo at the stunning Roanoke Island Festival Park, which overlooks miles of pristine sound waters. This unique 22-acre island becomes Bluegrass Island each year to host the event. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets and lodging well in advance as this event tends to fill up fast each year. If your dream vacation involves laying back in your most comfortable beach chair and listening to great music, then you’ll definitely want to set this long weekend aside for the Outer Banks most popular festival!
Visit for tickets and more information: https://www.bluegrassisland.com/outerbanksbluegrassfestival
NCMA, Cat’s Cradle present Steep Canyon Rangers with Amythyst Kiah on Aug. 18
If you follow this blog, you know I have been a big fan of the Steep Canyon Rangers, affectionately known as just “Steep,” for a long, long time so I am excited to announce they are returning to the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh on Friday, Aug. 18, for a show with the incomparable Amythyst Kiah, whom I have also had the pleasure of hearing perform on numerous occasions. You don’t want to miss this show, trust me! For tickets, which are $30 for nonmembers, and more information, visit https://ncartmuseum.org/events.
From the Museum’s website:
The Steep Canyon Rangers are made up of Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals, Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals, Nicky Sanders on fiddle and vocals, Mike Ashworth on drums and vocals, Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, and vocals and Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals.
The band has been on a journey that is uniquely their own. They started in college at UNC–Chapel Hill, then dove headfirst into bluegrass in its most traditional form. Over the years they rose to the top of the bluegrass genre, headlining top festivals such as Merlefest and Grey Fox Bluegrass.
The Rangers were then discovered by Steve Martin, famous actor and banjo player, who took the band on a decade-long tour. He introduced them to hundreds of thousands of new fans and gave them prime time TV exposure. This helped SCR become the most recognizable modern name in bluegrass music.
The band has continued to tour extensively on their own and has expanded into country, jam, and Americana. The Rangers are big players in the bluegrass/country and Americana scene today. They are often compared to predecessors The Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and the modern Zac Brown Band.
Amythyst Kiah’s Rounder Records debut, Wary + Strange, marks the glorious combination of two vastly different worlds: the iconoclastic alt-rock that first sparked her musical passion and the roots/old-time music scene where she’s found breakout success in recent years, including recognition from Rolling Stone as “one of Americana’s great up-and-coming secrets.” With an unforgettable voice that’s both unfettered and exquisitely controlled, the Tennessee-bred singer/songwriter who identifies as an LGBT woman expands on the uncompromising artistry she most recently revealed as part of Our Native Daughters—an all-women-of-color supergroup. Their Kiah-penned standout “Black Myself” earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best American Roots Song and won Song of the Year at the 2019 Folk Alliance International Awards. In her graceful interlacing of political commentary and personal revelation, Kiah infuses “Black Myself” with a potent vulnerability that builds and deepens all throughout Wary + Strange. The transcendent quality of her newly elevated sound is an extraordinary vessel for Kiah’s songwriting: a raw yet nuanced examination of grief, alienation, and the hard-won triumph of total self-acceptance.
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