Today, the combination of traditional music and mountain beauty remain a major draw for the city’s multitude of visitors. And just as the Asheville area has grown, so has its range of musical offerings.
From the bluesy rock of Asheville native Warren Haynes, who is featured at this month’s Asheville Music Jamboree, to the global performers at July’s Folkmoot festival in nearby Waynesville, to the African – Caribbean sounds of the Goombay festival held downtown each August, the Asheville area’s summer music festivals are as eclectic as the city itself.
For an intimate setting, hang out under a shade tree in an Asheville park at Shindig on the Green for an impromptu bluegrass jam. Or join the stageside crowds downtown for one of the dozens of bands who play Bele Chere, the southeast’s largest street party.
From the unique traditions of the Festival of Native Peoples in Cherokee to the indie bands at the Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival, this season’s festivals provide another compelling mix of musical sounds, summertime sunshine and Blue Ridge vistas.
To get your planning started, here’s a brief overview of more than a dozen options in Asheville and around Western North Carolina:
Asheville Music Jamboree
AMJam returns for three days of music and camping at Deerfield’s, a 940-acre property in the Mills River community. More than 30 roots and rock acts perform May 23-25, including reggae legend Burning Spear and the bluegrass-inspired jammers Keller and the Keels.
First Annual Asheville Sacred Music & Yoga Festival
Enjoy a world class line up of sacred music including K. Sridhar (master Sarod player and tablas), Wynne Paris (worldbeat kirtan), Free Planet Radio (world music super group), Sangita Devi (local kirtan), Japa (world infused kirtan) and Kali Das. Exciting yoga workshops and classes will be offered all weekend long on Aug 15-17.
Bluff Mountain Festival
Enjoy bluegrass music and an evening square dance at this free public festival June 14 on the grounds of the Hot Springs Spa and Resort. A silent auction of donated arts and crafts raises funds for the Madison County Arts Council.
North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival
The legendary Ralph Stanley is a headliner at this June 19-21 festival in Cherokee, along with Mike Snider, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and plenty more.
Locals celebrate the vibrancy of downtown Asheville at these music-filled Friday evening gatherings, which will be held this year May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19 on N. Lexington Avenue near I-240. The music menu includes jazz, blues, rock and more.
Singing on the Mountain
The oldest ongoing old-time gospel convention of its kind in the Southern Appalachians, this free day-long event June 22 at the foot of Grandfather Mountain features top Southern Gospel groups and Grand Ole Opry performers, plus a midday sermon.
Brevard Music Festival
If it’s classical music you’re after, check out the performance calendar of the acclaimed Brevard Music Center’s Summer Institute & Festival. A special opening night event June 27 features artistic advisor Keith Lockhart leading the BMC Orchestra with cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Shindig on the Green
“Along about sundown” is the calling card for these free bluegrass song and dance gatherings, which have been taking place in Asheville for more than four decades. The eight Saturday evening shows begin June 28 and end Aug. 30 in Martin Luther King Park.
Festival of Native Peoples
Experience song performances and dance exhibitions from a host of tribes as part of this annual showcase of Native American culture held July 17-19 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.
Folkmoot USA
Global sights and sounds take center stage in Western North Carolina during the July 14-17 Folkmoot festival, which spotlights folk music and dance by more than 350 performers from about a dozen countries. 2008 marks the 25th year of the festival.
Bele Chere
Asheville’s signature music festival turns 30 this summer, with an earful of free tunes scheduled for five downtown stages July 25-27 plus headliners The Wailers and Travis Tritt playing ticketed shows at Memorial Stadium.
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Generations of fans have celebrated the banjo, fiddle and dulcimer sounds along with the traditional dancers of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, which kicks off at 7 p.m. July 31-Aug. 2 in downtown’s Diana Wortham Theatre.
Biltmore Estate Summer Concert Series
The nation’s largest privately-owned residence gets down at night with KC and the Sunshine Band, B.B. King, REO Speedwagon, The Beach Boys and more during its August 2008 summer concert series. The mountain setting behind the stage is tough to beat. .
Goombay Festival
Each August “The Block” at the intersection of Eagle and Market streets comes alive with music, crafts, food and more during this African- and Caribbean-inspired festival. Look for R&B, steel drum, gospel and blues music during the August 22-24 celebration.
Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival
This downtown avenue will turn into a showcase of indie bands, street performers and artwork on Sunday, Sept. 7 for this all-local festival that benefits arts2people.
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