The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and NC Arts Council have launched a new initiative, the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina, in conjunction with the publication of the new Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina Guidebook, to be released in late April. The Blue Ridge Music Trails Initiative kicks off with listening sessions seeking input from individuals and groups who are interested in the traditional music of Western NC and who want to become part of the effort to continue to support and grow this vital cultural heritage legacy.
The listening sessions will be held in each of the six regions outlined in the Guidebook: Tues., April 9, 1 – 4 pm at the Asheville CVB Conference Room, 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville, for Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties; Wed., April 10, 1 – 4 pm at the Old Rock School in Valdese for Burke, Cleveland, Polk, and Rutherford counties; Thurs., April 11, 1 – 4 pm at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, Robbinsville for Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain counties; Wed., April 17, 1 – 4 pm at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre in West Jefferson or Wednesday, April 24, 10 am – 1 pm at the Chetola Resort in Boone for Alleghany, Ashe, Caldwell, Watauga and Wilkes counties; Mon., April 29, 1 – 4 pm at the Toe River Arts Council, 269 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine for Avery, McDowell, Mitchell, and Yancey counties; Tues., April 30, 1 – 4 pm at the Old Time Music Heritage Hall, Mount Airy for Iredell, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin counties; and Sat., May 4, 10 am – 12:30 pm at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Milepost 384, Asheville, for all. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling Dale Bartlett, 828-708-7907, or emailing brnha.dale@gmail.com.