This has been a rich time for people who love traditional folk music. We’re in the right area for that – Western North Carolina is home to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokees, as well as people from the Scots-Irish diaspora, and those of African descent. Each of these cultures has a tradition of instrumental and vocal music, as well as music that’s a blend of more than one tradition, such as jazz.
John McCutcheon, who plays many instruments, writes some of his own material, and sings traditional and modern folk songs and ballads, appeared at the Isis Music Hall in Asheville in mid-May. On May 29, the Fellowship hosted Steve Brooks for a service based on the music of Pete Seeger, a giant figure in American folk music.
The Tannahill Weavers, who hail from the far north of Scotland, played at the Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville in early June. And in late June and early July, David Weintraub’s Center for Cultural Preservation rolled out their latest documentary, titled “The Great American Tapestry: The Many Strands of Mountain Music,” featuring storytellers such as Sheila Kay Adams, along with traditional folk singers such as Joe Penland, Nellie Chandler Norton, Berzilla Wallin, Walker Calhoun, and others who make their home in this area.
In mid-July, the Fellowship hosted Brother Sun in concert and as presenters of the Sunday worship service, as part of their farewell tour. This area also hosts several active groups of shape note singers, for those who want to participate in the Singing School tradition of Southern Harmony and other songbooks.
Enjoy as many of these opportunities as you can while the Fellowship choir members take a break, and music director Katherine Price attends the continental UU Musicians Network conference in Arlington, VA.