Ashe County Bluegrass & Old Time Fiddlers Convention Celebrates Traditional Music July 24-25
The Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention returns for its 55th year, continuing a long-standing tradition of celebrating the music and culture of our mountain community. For generations, this gathering has brought together musicians, dancers, and audiences to honor the sounds that define the Blue Ridge.
This year’s festivities begin even before the main event, with a series of three square dances leading up to the convention—offering a lively prelude to the weekend and setting the stage for what’s to come.
A notable change for 2026 is the Friday night kickoff concert, which moves to the Ashe Civic Center for a more comfortable, seated experience. Headlining the evening is The Blue Ridge Opry, a nostalgic country music variety show inspired by the early days of the Grand Ole Opry and the golden era of artists like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Uncle Dave Macon, and The Carter Family. Hosted and produced by Kelley Breiding, the show features an impressive lineup of regional talent including Jim Lloyd, Kilby Spencer, Jimmy Tremor, Josh Scott, Emily Spencer, and Kelley & The Cowboys, along with comedy and dance performances. The Blue Ridge Opry Kickoff is a chance to experience authentic country music close to home, no trip to Nashville required.
Saturday’s events return to Ashe Park with a full day of competitions for both youth and adult musicians and dancers. Contest categories include fiddle, guitar, banjo, dobro, bass, dance, and bands, with more than $4,700 in prize money awarded, including prizes for children’s competitions. Longtime emcee Dale Morris returns to guide the day’s events.
The 580 WKSK Old Time and Bluegrass Radio Show will be broadcast live on Saturday morning from Ashe Park, featuring Sassafrass as this year’s guest band. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own instruments and participate in jamming to create the spontaneous, collaborative spirit that makes the convention so special.
Ticketing has also been updated this year. Friday night’s concert is $20 with reserved seating, and that ticket serves as a weekend pass for the convention. Saturday admission alone is $10 at the gate. Whether you come to compete, to listen, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, the Ashe County Fiddlers’ Convention remains a cherished celebration of heritage, community, and music. Proceeds from the Fiddlers Convention support the Ashe County Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) Program providing instruction in guitar, banjo and fiddle for students in grades 3-8. A complete schedule of events, tickets, and competition times can be found on the Fiddlers Convention website.
FIDDLERS CONVENTION WEEKEND SCHEDULE
THURSDAY
SATURDAY Square Dance Ashe Arts Center
FRIDAY
Ashe Arts Center, 7 - 9 pm, Free!
Blue Ridge Opry in Concert
Ashe Civic Center, 7:30 pm
Live Radio Show & Competitions
Ashe Park, 11 am - 9 pm
Emily Spencer performs at the Fiddlers Convention. Photo by Martin Seelig.
COFFEE HOUSE LIVE
August 15, 7:00 pm, Ashe Arts Center
Tickets: $18.50 Adult | $7.50 Student
Coffee House Live returns to the Ashe Arts Center for an intimate evening of music featuring local and regional musicians performing short sets in a cozy listening-room atmosphere. This popular concert series will include hammered dulcimer player Benjamin Barker alongside additional featured artists to be announced. Seating is limited, and advance tickets are recommended.
THE BLUE RIDGE OPRY
July 24, 7:30 pm, Ashe Civic Center
Tickets: $20 Adult | $7.50 Student
Get ready to step back in time with a down-home dose of classic country charm! The Blue Ridge Opry comes to the Ashe Civic Center for a special edition of its nostalgic country music variety show, inspired by the early days of the Grand Ole Opry and the golden era of stars. Hosted by singer and multi-instrumentalist Kelley Breiding, the evening features performances by Jim Lloyd, Jimmy Tremor, Kilby Spencer, Emily Spencer, and more! The Opry celebrates real country folks who make country music right here in the heart of the Blue Ridge!
THE WKSK OLD TIME & BLUEGRASS RADIO SHOW LIVE AT THE ASHE CIVIC CENTER & FIDDLERS’ CONVENTION
Held once a month on Saturday mornings at 11 AM, the live radio show features regional acts performing traditional Appalachian music. Presented through a longtime partnership with WKSK The Farm, the show is free and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted, except for the Fiddlers’ Convention, a $10 ticketed event benefiting Junior Appalachian Musicians. Whether attending in person at the Ashe Civic Center or listening on the radio, audiences can enjoy a lively celebration of local musical heritage. Accessible seating and parking are available, and the full schedule is updated regularly on the Arts Council website under events.
June 6, 11 am • Surefire Bluegrass • Ashe Civic Center
July 25, 11 am • Sassafrass • Ashe Park ($10)
August 15, 11 am • Tucker Conner and Friends • Ashe Civic Center
ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL SPONSORS LIVE MUSIC AT THE ASHE FARMERS MARKET
Ashe County Arts Council is happy to partner with the Ashe Farmers Market to bring local and regional musicians to the market on Saturday mornings. Shop local and enjoy some great music. The market is open from 8 am - 1 pm with live music from 10 am - 12 pm. The Farmers Market features over forty vendors.
Pictured: Tucker Conner plays the Radio
VISUAL ARTS
IN THE GALLERY
Exhibit Dates: June 4 - June 27
Explore the beauty and artistry of architectural and industrial design through works inspired by the built environment. On the Edge offers a fresh perspective on how design shapes the spaces where we live, work, and gather. Join us for the artist reception Friday, June 12, 5-7 pm.
UPCOMING GALLERY EXHIBITS
Visit Ashe Arts Center to see monthly exhibits featuring regional artists!
THIS IS MY COUNTRY: CELEBRATING 250 YEARS
July 2 - July 25, Reception: July 10, 5-7 pm
This exhibit invites artists to reflect on the American experience through themes of history, culture, identity, and community, with a special installation from the Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild.
STUDIO TOUR
July 30 - Aug. 2
Studio Tour Artists display samples of their work
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Aug. 6 - Sep. 5, Reception: Aug. 14, 5-7 pm
Honoring the memory of local arts supporter John MacConnell, this exhibit celebrates the beauty and diversity of birds found in NC through artwork inspired by local avian wildlife and habitats.
HIGH COUNTRY WOODTURNERS
Sep. 10 - Oct. 3, Reception: Sep. 11, 5-7 pm
Discover the artistry and craftsmanship of woodturning through functional and decorative works created by regional artisans. The exhibit highlights the history, techniques, and creative possibilities of this traditional craft.
Are you a local artist interested in exhibiting your work? Many of our exhibitions are open to submissions. Contact us to find out more!
GALLERY CRAWL
The 25th season of GALLERY CRAWLS takes place on the second Friday of the month from June - October. Mark June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sep. 11, Oct. 9, and Dec. 4 on your calendars for opportunities to see new, creative, innovative works by local artists. Extended gallery hours are from 5-7 pm at galleries, studios & local shops.
Visit our website at the beginning of each month for a list of participating galleries and businesses!
The ARTS DISTRICT is the place to find paintings, photography, pottery, stained glass, fiber arts, weaving, furniture, toys, jewelry, wood-turned products, and other handcrafted items. Gallery Crawl is sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council in cooperation with the West Jefferson Business Association, the West Jefferson TDA, and is funded, in part, through a Grassroots Arts Program Grant of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
BEST OF THE BLUE RIDGE
Exhibit Dates: October 8 - November 14 Reception: October 9, 5-7 pm
Submit your artwork for BEST OF THE BLUE RIDGE, a juried fine art competition and exhibition. Open to painters in Ashe and nearby counties. Eligible artwork must be original and created within the last three years. Accepting paintings, drawings, and mixed media. Entry fee required. Deliver works on October 5-6 to Ashe Arts Center. Prospectus available from the Arts Council.
Ashe County Studio Tour to be held August 1-2
Ashe County Studio Tour returns August 1–2, 2026, inviting visitors to explore the county’s vibrant creative community. Sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council, studios will be open Saturday, August 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 2 from noon to 5 p.m., with locations spanning West Jefferson, Jefferson, Crumpler, Laurel Springs, Todd, Creston, Warrensville, and Lansing.
This self-guided tour offers a unique opportunity to step inside working studios and experience the artistic process up close. Across Ashe County, participating artists will showcase a wide range of mediums, including painting, photography, glass, sculpture, fiber art, metal, and functional pottery. Visitors can meet artists where they create, and gain insight into the artists’ techniques, inspirations, and the stories behind each art piece.
The Studio Tour is free and open to the public, and guests are encouraged to purchase work directly from artists along the way. To begin the tour, stop by the Ashe Arts Center, where a preview exhibit of participating artists will be on display July 30 through August 2. Maps and driving directions are available at the Arts Center and online through the Arts Council website.
This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Maps and information available at the Arts Council or by visiting www.AsheCountyArts.org.
Ashe County Little Theatre Brings a Beloved Fairytale to Life with Shrek the Musical June 25-28
Shrek the Musical is the hilarious, high-energy stage adaptation of the blockbuster story, and Ashe County Little Theatre is bringing this colorful adventure to the Ashe Civic Center June 25–28. Packed with catchy songs, dazzling sets, and larger-than-life characters, this production promises laughter, heart, and plenty of surprises along the way. Audiences will follow Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and a host of fairytale favorites on an unforgettable journey that celebrates friendship, selfacceptance, and the joy of being exactly who you are.
With a talented local cast and the creativity and dedication that audiences have come to expect, this production is sure to delight theatergoers of all ages. Showtimes are June 25, 26, and 27 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on June 28 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available at ashecountylittletheatre.org—don’t miss this magical, family-friendly theatrical experience. Ashe County Little Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers, continuing its tradition of bringing engaging, high-quality performances to the community.
This program, funded by the N.C. Arts Council, provides the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions. These grants support professional artists in any discipline and at any stage in their careers to pursue projects that further their artistic and professional development. Types of fundable projects include: creation of new work, purchase of equipment and materials, professional development workshops, and more. Grant amounts vary, most grants are between $500 and $2,000. Application deadline for the 2026-2027 award cycle is October 5, 2026. Application and guidelines may be obtained by calling 336-846-2787 or at www.ashecountyarts.org.
ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
SPONSORS JAMJUNIOR APPALACHIAN MUSICIANS!
One of the many things to enjoy in Ashe County is the traditional old time music. Passing this musical tradition to the next generation is the purpose of the Ashe County Arts Council sponsored Junior Appalachian Musicians – JAM. The Arts Council has facilitated this program since 2002.
The JAM program is available at the Ashe Civic Center with fall and spring semester programs. The JAM program offers music to 3rd-8th grade students who want to learn to play banjo, guitar or fiddle. Instructors include Chad Alpaugh, Kelley Breiding, Josh Scott, Emily Spencer, and Martha Spencer. The Arts Council has instruments available to students to borrow. The JAM program will also sponsor open jam sessions for ages 8-18 during the summer at the Ashe Civic Center on Monday nights.
JULY 20-21, 12:00 - 5:00 PM
ASHE CIVIC CENTER
Join us for JAM camp! Enjoy traditional music, square dancing, workshops, & more!
$35 per participant
Open to participants ages 8-18 that have completed at least one semester of JAM or private lessons, -and-
Open to rising 3rd – 8th graders who do not play but are interested in learning to play traditional music. Register by July 15. Scholarships available upon request.
This program is funded, in part, by a Folklife Initiatives Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, a grant from the Wayne Henderson Foundation, and is sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council. For more information about JAM please call 336-846-2787 or visit: https://ashecountyarts.org/jam/
JANE LONON LEGACY FUND GRANTS AWARDED
The Ashe County Arts Council is pleased to announce the 2026 Jane Lonon Legacy Fund Grant recipients: the Ashe County Little Theatre and the Todd Community Preservation Organization. The grants will support youth theater education and the beloved Todd Liberty Parade, continuing Jane Lonon’s legacy of strengthening community through the arts.
The Jane Lonon Legacy Fund is held at the North Carolina Community Foundation. Thank you to donors who contributed between July 1, 2025 and May 6, 2026:
Chip Anderson
Tabor Bell
Pete and Mimi Brandt
Karen Brock
Edmund and Betsy Gant
Phil and Carolyn Johnson
Sali Gill-Johnson
Joyce Kilby
Jane Lonon
Judy Mitchell
Lewis and Pat Poag
William Sands
Charlie and Ellen Vitale
Ashe Arts Center Hosts Square Dances over the Summer
Swing by the Ashe Arts Center in downtown West Jefferson for the Ashe County Arts Council Heritage Dance Series and enjoy a lively evening of traditional Appalachian square dancing, no experience needed. All ages are welcome, and the event is free to attend, with donations gratefully accepted to support the musicians and callers. Upcoming dances will be held Thursdays from 7 pm - 9 pm on June 25, July 23, and August 27. June features the Whitetop Mountain Band with caller Clarke Williams, while July welcomes the Big Ivy Stringband with caller Clarke Williams. The Heritage Dance Series is designed to preserve and promote oldtime and bluegrass traditions through participatory community dances, live music, and beginner-friendly instruction. This project is funded by an IBMA Foundation Project Grant. Come dance with us!
Backstreet Park Concerts Return to Downtown West Jefferson
TheWest Jefferson Community Partnership brings the 15th annual season of free music in the Backstreet Park on Fridays from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. These concerts will highlight local musicians and some new acts. The schedule is as follows:
May 22... Rock Bottom Bluegrass Band
May 29... Wayne Henderson & Friends
June 5... The King Bees
June 19... Kelley and the Cowboys
June 26... Crooked Road Ramblers
July 17... Wild Mountain Magic
July 24... Kelly & Ian Snider
July 31... Whitetop Mountain Band
Aug. 7... The Lucky Strikes Trio
Aug. 21... Those 3 Guys
Aug. 28... The Mountain Laurels
Ashe County Arts Council is pleased to sponsor of two of the concerts in the series. More information about the concerts can be found at: www.VisitWestJefferson.org.
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
The Ed Perzel Chamber Music Series and Arts Council gratefully acknowledge the financial contributions from July 1, 2025 - May 6, 2026 from the individuals and businesses committed to supporting chamber music in Ashe County. For more information about how you can support the 2027 Ed Perzel Chamber Music Series contact us.
Dawn Anderson
Anonymous
Jack Apple
Michael and Joanie Bell
Julia Evans Bishop
Alan Briggs and Cathy Buttler
Becky Burgess
Kathy Chefas
Jane and Walt Davis
Edmund and Betsy Gant
Karen Hall
Connie and Neal Hardison
Ben and Martha Hill
Marie Hoepfl
David and Sherry Hoffman
Kathy and Thomas Howell
Carolyn and Phil Johnson
Gerhard Kalmus
Nick and Jeannie Lampo
FUND DRIVE
Jane Lonon
John and Jane Maddocks
Tom and Linda McLintock
Susan Meredith
Rev. Stephen and Susan Miller
Beth and Vaughn Morrison
JoAnn and Ron Pippin
Dr. George and Nancy Puryear
Scot Pope
Cheryl Roberts and Robert Franklin
William Sands
Barbara Sears
Judy Scheel
Mark and Leila Spriggs
Dann Stansberry
Debbie Stathakis
Bill and Susan Stiles
Lauren and Drew Turner
Jeff and Shirley Vestal
The Ashe County Arts Council exists to enrich the cultural life of Ashe County by nurturing and supporting the arts. Your contribution is an investment in the future of your community. Our 2025-2026 Fund Drive continues with lots of community support. The Ashe County Arts Council is grateful to the business and individual contributors who make our programs possible. These donations were made between February 1, 2026 and May 6, 2026.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
SPECIAL $1000-2499
Blue Ridge Energy
Carolyn Weckstrom
SPONSOR $600-999
Theresa and Rudy Early Curd
Ben and Martha Hill
Joanne M. Kuszaj
Reeves DiVenere Wright Attorneys at Law
BENEFACTOR $400-599
Dr. Charla Rae Armitage
Alan Briggs and Cathy Buttler
Suzanne and John Morrow
Cathy Shepherd
Sharon and John Vodenicker
PATRON $300-399
Tabor Bell, In Loving Memory of Eileen Bell
Janet and Bob Edsell, In Fond Memory of John & Lucy Smyre
Mike and Rhonda Herman
Mike and Jan Kotula
FRIEND $50-299
Anonymous
Bill and Laura Barrier
Jane and Bill Berry
Caterpillar matched donation, initiated by Bruce & Debbie Hershock
N.G. Goodman
Karin Griffiths
Loftin and Linda Hargrave
Joseph Hightower
Donna Hines
Debra Keirce
Jay and Cheryl Lanning
Mast General Store
Beth and Vaughn Morrison
Patricia Nash
Patrick Richardson
Barbara N. Robinson
Jorena and Chris Sparks
Debbie Stathakis
Patricia Trice
Lorrie Anne Viola, In Loving Memory of Betty Paine
Christina Wagoner
Diane Newby and Dan Wilson
Please take this opportunity to contribute to the Ashe County Arts Council. Name Phone Address
Send your tax-deductible contribution to 303 School Avenue, West Jefferson, NC 28694. ONLINE DONATIONS may be made at www.AsheCountyArts.org
FRIEND $50-299 Continued
Connie and Fred Woolard
Bob and Bobbie Worley
DONOR $10-49
Anonymous
Susan Jespersen and Tom Truxal
Kristen Ryberg
Sarah Jane Stewart
• Community Concert Series
• Arts Education Programming
• Junior Appalachian Musicians
• Missoula Children’s Theatre Residency
• The Fiddlers Convention
• Year-round Gallery Exhibits
• Gallery Crawls
• On the Same Page Literary Festival
• Art on the Mountain and Studio Tour
YOUR DONOR DOLLARS SUPPORT PROGRAMMING SUCH AS: ...AND MORE!
Donate to the arts easily & securely online:
Ashe County Arts Council 303 School Avenue
West Jefferson, NC 28694
JUNE
4-27... “On the Edge” exhibit, Ashe Arts Center
5,19,26... Back Street Summer Concerts, 5:30 pm, BackStreet Park
6... WKSK Live Old Time and Bluegrass show featuring Surefire Bluegrass, 11 am, Ashe Civic Center
6... Coolest Corner Ashe Bash, 6 pm, Ashe County Courthouse
9... Ashe County Arts Council meets, 5:30 pm, Ashe Arts Center
11... Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild meets, 1pm, Jefferson UMC
12... Gallery Crawl, 5-7pm, Downtown West Jefferson
12... Artists’ reception for “On the Edge” exhibit, 5-7 pm, Arts Center
24... Friends of the Library meet, 11 am, Ashe County Library
25... Square Dance, Whitetop Mountain Band, 7-9 pm, Ashe Arts Center
25-28... ACLT’s Shrek the Musical, Ashe Civic Center
27... Blue Ridge Art Clan meets, 10 am, Florence Art School
27... Wordkeepers, 3:30 pm, Ashe Arts Center
JULY
2-25... “This is My Country” exhibit, Ashe Arts Center
3-4... Christmas in July Festival, Downtown West Jefferson
6-11... Ashe County Little Theater Youth Drama Camp, Ashe Civic Center
9... Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild meets, 1pm, Jefferson UMC
10... Gallery Crawl, 5-7pm, Downtown West Jefferson
10... Artists’ reception for “This is My Country” exhibit, 5-7 pm, Arts Center
14... Ashe County Arts Council meets, 5:30 pm, Ashe Arts Center
17,24,31... Back Street Summer Concert, 5:30 pm, BackStreet Park
20-21... JAM Camp, 12:00-5 pm, Ashe Civic Center
22... Friends of the Library meet, 11 am, Ashe County Library
23... Square Dance, Big Ivy Stringband, 7-9 pm, Ashe Arts Center
24... The Blue Ridge Opry, 7:30 pm, Ashe Civic Center
25... Ashe County Bluegrass & Old Time Fiddlers Convention, Ashe Park
25... Blue Ridge Art Clan meets, 10 am, Florence Art School
31... Fly Around Music Festival, Lansing, NC
STAFF: Joni Ray, Executive Director; Laken Brooks, Director of Operations; Rebecca Williams, Program Director; Peggy Brandt, Volunteer Coordinator
AUGUST
1... Fly Around Music Festival, Lansing, NC
1-2... Ashe County Studio Tour, Ashe County Artists’ studios
6-31... “Birds of a Feather” exhibit, Ashe Arts Center
6... Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild meets, 1 pm, Jefferson UMC
7,21,28.. Back Street Summer Concert, 5:30 pm, BackStreet Park
8... Corey Anne Celebration of Women in the Arts, 10 am, Florence Art School
11... Ashe County Arts Council meets, 5:30 pm, Ashe Arts Center
14... Gallery Crawl, 5-7 pm, Downtown West Jefferson
14... Artists’ reception for “Birds of a Feather”exhibit, 5-7 pm, Arts Center
15... WKSK Live Old Time and Bluegrass show, Tucker Conner, 11 am, Ashe Civic Center
15... Coffee House Live, 7 pm, Ashe Arts Center
22... Blue Ridge Art Clan meets, 10 am, Florence Art School
22... Wordkeepers, 3:30 pm, Arts Center
26... Friends of the Library meet, 11 am, Ashe County Library
27... Square Dance, 7-9 pm, Ashe Arts Center
28... Author Reading with Donna Everhart, 10 am, Orion Chapel
There are so many opportunities to experience the arts in the High Country this summertoo many to list! Check out these websites for shows, exhibits, concerts and more!
An Appalachian Summer Festival, Boone: www.appsummer.org
Ashe County Farmer’s Market: www.ashefarmersmarket.com
Ashe County Public Library: www.ashelibrary.com
BackStreet Park Concert Series: www.visitwestjefferson.org
Blue Ridge Music Trails: www.blueridgemusic.org
Florence Art School: www.FlorenceArtSchool.org
LMC Summer Theatre: www.lmc.edu/community/summer-theatre/ Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts: lostprovincearts.org
Mountain Home Music, Boone: www.mountainhomemusic.com
The River House, Grassy Creek: www.RiverHouseNC.com
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts: www.theschaefercenter.org
