Blue Ridge Music Trails

06/01/2026

Don't miss the upcoming new play, Singing Mary, at the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre.

In 1916, Cecil Sharp traversed WNC to collect songs, which included those from ballad singers in Madison County. This new play shares the story of Mary Sands, one of the ballad singers.

Our friends over at the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre are putting on a play all about Mary Sands, one of the ballad singers from whom Cecil Sharp collected songs during his 1916 trip to Madison County. It's coming up soon!

The Ramsey Center is a proud site on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina.

05/29/2026

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Email from Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Warm up to some music and festivals! The 2026 Down the Road Magazine is here! Keep an eye out for it at visitor centers. We'll also be adding a link to our

05/27/2026

The Daniel Boone Native Gardens will kick off its annual Roots in the Garden summer concert series tomorrow, May 28th. Now through August, a different band will take the stage each month. For a full line-up and more information, click the link to the press release in the comments.

05/22/2026

Celebrate Appalachian music and traditions this Friday and Saturday at the 30th Annual Swain County Heritage Fest.

Taking place at Riverfront Park in Bryson City, the event will have something for everyone -- gospel, bluegrass, folk, and country music, clogging, art & craft vendors, plus food and games.

Friday, May 22, 6-9 pm
Saturday, May 23, 10 am-5 pm

More info via Swain County Heritage Festival

05/19/2026

This Saturday, May 23rd, marks the 40th annual Fading Voices event of the Snowbird Cherokee community in Robbinsville, NC. All are welcome to attend. It's a day of remembrance and celebration of Cherokee culture. Visit and experience craft demonstrations, music, food, and games of the community that have been passed down for generations.

Find the link below for a full list of the day's events.

05/13/2026

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Email from Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Lots to celebrate! Dancing! Concerts! Heritage! Travel to Saluda on May 14, to hear Asheville Junction at the Purple Onion. The band features hot fiddling,

05/11/2026

Our summer reading list just got a little longer! The entire Old-Time Herald magazine collection is now available to read online thanks to the Southern Music Research Center and Whole South Heritage Works.

05/08/2026

The Lake Lure Music Festival is heading back to the lake!!

Come Back to the Lake Lure Concert is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at Rumbling Bald. The Po' Ramblin Boys will headline the event with Carley Arrowood and Daniel Thrailkill.

Don't miss this event! Press release link in comments.