24 minute read
Graham Sharp brings solo show to Orange Peel
Graham Sharp. Sandlin Gaither photo
Truer picture of me
Graham Sharp of Steep Canyon Rangers
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
It’s late morning at Citizen Vinyl in downtown Asheville. Formerly the CitizenTimes Building, the historic structure is now home to a record manufacturing facility, café, bar, record store and recording studio.
On the third floor is the legendary “Studio A,” once home to WWNC, an enormously popular and vital radio station, which broadcasted the first on-air performances by the “Father of Bluegrass” Bill Monroe (in 1939) and folk legend Jimmie Rodgers (the week before he ventured up to the “Bristol Sessions” in 1927, dubbed the “Big Bang of Country Music”).
Standing in Studio A is Graham Sharp, Grammy-winning singer/banjoist for the Asheville-based Steep Canyon Rangers, one of the marquee bluegrass/Americana acts of the 21st century. But, today, Sharp is there to pick up the vinyl test pressings of his debut solo album, “Truer Picture.”
Created as a result of the shutdown of the music industry last year due to the pandemic, the record is a portrait of a man reflecting on the world surrounding him. Whether it be through the lens of his family, his band, or simply the matters of the day, it’s an embracing and intricate offering — a culmination of Sharp’s wide-ranging talents and deep appreciation for those who came before him.
Putting “Truer Picture” on the record player in Studio A, it’s a full circle kind of thing for Sharp, as he sat down and immersed himself in the sounds radiating from the speakers. Thoughts and visions of Bill Monroe singing in that very spot over 80 years ago, a place Sharp, literally and figuratively, now occupies, this current torchbearer of that “high, lonesome sound” — an artist ever-evolving and reshaping his melodic palette.
Smoky Mountain News: You’re used to nonstop touring and recording with the Rangers. But, with the shutdown, you’ve got to have something to focus on when you’re sitting still.
Graham Sharp: Totally. And that was it. I mean, everything else around you stopped, but I wouldn’t, I didn’t, I couldn’t stop. I just needed to keep working and feel productive. ate all this music or turn it into a record. But, the moment was heavy [in 2020]. The moment was Black Lives Matter, obviously the pandemic and everything that came with that. And the [presidential] election.
So, the next natural reaction for me was just to write songs. That’s kind of the way that I’m tuned to react to stuff. And it’s a tricky situation. Everybody needs music, and I believe it’s a unifying force, a force for positivity. And, at least for me, I feel it’s the musician’s job to reflect the reality around them.
You can only write with what inspires you, you know?
SMN: What surprised you about the process of putting together a solo record, rather than a group effort with the Rangers?
GS: Well, you’re ridiculously nimble when you’re solo. [With] the Rangers, we’re democratic to a fault. We’ve been together for 20something years now and have very little turnover. It’s definitely has been the right way to go, but it can be slow and it can be messy.
And there were times when I missed the band’s input on music. But, it’s just so nimble. Like, the cover [photo] to the [solo] album. My other project during the pandemic was that I took my garage stall and turned it into an apartment [for an] Airbnb. [That Airbnb] was part of my B-game for the pandemic, [in] how to survive [financially]. So, I was jackhammering out the slab at the bottom of my basement for the channels for the plumbing. And just snapped a picture — let’s make it the album cover, simple as that.
SMN: The Rangers celebrated 20 years together recently. What do you think about that number, the road from then to now?
GS: Hugely proud of it. You know, for something that started [out in the dorms at UNC-Chapel Hill] with very little expectations besides, “let’s just learn how to play this music,” I’m unbelievably proud of it — this is our life’s work.
SMN: And yet, 20 years probably feels like 20 days sometimes.
GS: It feels like about 20 days. I still think I’m a young man, but last night’s [solo gig in Winston-Salem] proved that I’m not. [Laughs]. Driving out there [from Asheville] for the show, do the show, then turn around and drive home.
But, I look back on the Rangers, and I still feel like we’re just getting started, I still feel like we’re growing into ourselves. And that’s a good feeling, there’s just so much musical talent and energy in that group, so many different skills that when the thing really starts working and in the energy swirling — it’s amazing. It’s powerful.
SMN: What’s it like to be here in the legendary Studio A, the same place Bill Monroe got his start those many years ago?
GS: It’s heavy being in this room. I’ve heard about this [place] forever, ever since I moved to Asheville. The music scene in Asheville is really, really special. And I feel like it’s just getting broader and better all the time. And a lot of it has to do with places like [Studio A], venues like The Orange Peel and The Grey Eagle, and all of the incredible musicians who call these mountains home.
Want to go?
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Graham Sharp will host an intimate seated show at 8 p.m. Friday, June 18, at The Orange Peel in Asheville. Doors at 7 p.m.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to www.theorangepeel.net and click on the “Shows” tab. To learn more on Graham Sharp, www.grahamsharp.com.
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
Ode to 22 years, ode to being together again
It was exactly a week ago when it was decided as a newsroom to cleanup up our offices for The Smoky Mountain News “Distant Social & Birthday Bash” last Friday afternoon.
Digging through old files, binders, newspaper issues, boxes of archived materials, boxes of objects of unknown origin. Deciding what stays and what gets brought to the dump. Wednesday morning and the excavation began.
A couple years back, I gave up my personal office to one of our advertising representatives. Back then (and to this day), I’m only ever at the office on Tuesdays to edit and proof the newspaper pages before it goes to the printer, soon to be dropped off at newsstands around Western North Carolina come Wednesday morning.
I’ve never been able to be at the office for long periods of time. I’ve also never been able to sit still, from childhood through adulthood. Besides, I’d rather do my interviews and writing at coffee shops or at my desk in my apartment, a bustling Russ Avenue in downtown Waynesville floating by my front window, my fingers typing away wildly as they are right now on this quiet Sunday afternoon.
I let go of my old office to someone who needed her own space (and more of it). That said, my boxes of files and objects of unknown origin got put in the back office, right across from our conference room. From constantly being on road on assignment or simply frolicking around Southern Appalachia, I’ve neglected unpacking the boxes or just getting around to tossing them out.
During the chaos of 2020 and such, the boxes still sat there atop the office desk in the back, untouched and gathering dust. It got to the point where I didn’t even notice the boxes and files piling up higher and higher with each passing week of putting the newspaper together.
Thus, there I was last Wednesday, with orders from my publisher, Scott McLeod, to finally clean out our building and its offices before we welcomed the general public over
for free Boojum beer from its antique keg truck and small plates of culinary delights emerging from the Fuego food truck also onsite for the “Distant Social & Birthday Bash.”
As with any time one finally cleans up their space and starts digging into all their junk, you soon find yourself amid a cathartic moment, this sense of self about where you came from, where you are, and where you may go from here.
You start to pick through things and realize each item — old newspaper, receipts, business cards, letters from readers, post it notes with interview reminders, etc. — is a moment in time in the continuing motion of your life’s journey. Names on pieces of paper you haven’t talked to in way too long. Assignment notebooks filled with quotes from countless stories, some I had forgotten about in the grand scheme of things.
And all of those old copies of The Smoky Mountain News, those interview subjects and matters that seemed so urgent at the time. All of those columns about whatever I was up to that particular week. Words about femme fatales now long gone from my fieldof-vision, but never forgotten. Words about being back home in my native North Country, of heading out West to find myself once again, and seemingly everywhere (and everything) in-between.
I even unearthed my first article for The Smoky Mountain News, a cover story on Balsam Range’s “Papertown” album release party in Canton in August 2012. I
was 27 years old and just uprooted my entire life in Upstate New York in hopes of a fresh, promising new chapter in Western North Carolina. Nine years ago, feels like nine days ago, truth be told. And I love it here now more than ever.
What really made me stop in my tracks were all the issues from last spring, when Covid-19, the pandemic and eventual shutdown were just starting to become part of our daily lives. Cover stories trying to make sense of what was happening in real time, and what our landscape of people, places and things may look like with so many unknown back then.
By early Wednesday afternoon, the back office was spotless, my files and old newspapers neatly organized on the nearby shelves. Books and other trinkets finding a home somewhere on the same shelves. My desk completely cleared off, ready to edit and proof this week’s issue.
That ride down Memory Lane on Wednesday parlayed itself in deep feelings of compassion and connectivity within our mountain communities as we greeted any and all Friday afternoon at the “Distant Social & Birthday Bash.” Celebrating 22 years of The Smoky Mountain News in business, it was a truly full circle thing to be in the presence of all who read and support what we do, and are trying to do.
At one point, which was definitely after a
few beers, I found myself standing on a chair in the newspaper parking lot, in front of dozens of birthday patrons. I spoke of the importance of community journalism, and how surreal it was to be around everyone who came, to see their smiling faces once again, to laugh together, and to merely just be together — reconnecting in a time of disconnection.
I missed each and every single one of you. Thank you for being you. And thank you for providing me with a bountiful career of unlimited possibilities.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
HOT PICKS
1Popular psychobilly act Humps & The Blackouts will hit the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 13, at The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill in Waynesville
2Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Billingsley (jam/rock) at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 12.
3The “An Appalachian Evening” series will return to the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville with Frank & Allie (Appalachian/folk) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 12.
4Presented by “Kids at HART,” a production of “Sister Act Jr.” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. June 12 and 19, and at 2 p.m. June 13 and 20 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
5The “Downtown Sylva Sidewalk Sale” will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 12.
‘Faces,’ an exhibit of drawings by the late Ron Hunnicutt, who passed away in February, will be held through the end of June at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 828.524.3600.
The exhibit ‘Inspiration: The Creative Muse at Work’ will run through June 26 at the Haywood County Arts Council in downtown Waynesville. The showcase will feature works from our current retail artists: Diannah Beauregard, Linda Blount, Barbara Brook, Bonnie Calhoun, Susan Remi Dawkins (pictured), Allison Gernandt, Gayle Haynie, Jude Lobe, Jennifer Sharkey, Debbie Skelly, and Cheryl Summey. www.haywoodarts.org.
• The “Thursday Painters” group will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays at The
Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Free and open to the public. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. Participants are responsible for their own project and a ALSO: bag lunch. For more information, call The Uptown Gallery at 828.349.4607 or contact Pat Mennenger at pm14034@yahoo.com. See more about
Macon County Art Association at www.franklinuptowngallery.com and like, follow and share the Uptown Gallery on
Facebook. • The Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will be offering a free craft for adults. The library’s adult services staff will walk you through simple instructions to start creating an Americana star. The star craft will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 19. All crafts are limited, so call 828.488.3030 to reserve your spot. www.facebook.com/mariannablacklibrary. gram between the Haywood County Public Library system and the HCAC, is currently showcasing works by artist Cayce Moyer at the Canton Library. Working in traditional and mixed media, Moyer blends the worlds of high-brow and low-brow work. Classically trained at Savannah College of Art and Design, her portfolio includes drawing, painting, sculpture, illustration, graphic design, murals, and set prop painting for theatre and TV.
• Farmer’s Market (with artisans) will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and
Saturdays through October at 117 Island
Street in Bryson City. Stop by the old barn by the river for local, homegrown produce, as well as baked goods, jellies and preserves, authentic crafts, and more. Food truck, picnic tables and a strolling musician. Leashed pets are welcome. Outdoor event. Current
Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed and enforced. 828.488.7857.
QuickDraw, a local art initiative that funds art supplies in rural Western North Carolina schools, is selling art for education online now through June 30. The fundraiser presents art to buy or bid on, and a giveaway basket opportunity for donors.
QuickDraw’s mission is to keep focus on art education’s importance in the face of shrinking school budgets. Proceeds fund art education in Haywood County through teacher classroom supply grants and student scholarships.
Artists step up for education and present their work in an online art market and art auction that runs now through June 30. Artists donate 50 percent or more of the sale to QuickDraw to support art education through funding for teacher supply grants and student scholarships.
QuickDraw’s sale is live for shoppers and donors through June 30. The online art market and art auction can be accessed at: wnc-quick-draw.myshopify.com.
Fifty regional artists are represented in the sale and the auction. One-of-a-kind art includes fine art paintings, jewelry, fine craft decor and fashion pieces by local artisans, premium bamboo fly rods for fishing enthusiasts and rod collectors.
The auction features collectible work by prominent artists including Luke Allsbrook, Jenny Buckner, Nina Howard,
Allen Davis, Joyce Schlapkohl, Grace Cathey, Erin Tapley, Margaret Roberts and the late Nick DePaolo.
Local businesses contributed to stock a thank-you basket for donations. Donors can contribute online, or in person at Bosu’s Wine Store at 138 Miller Street in Waynesville.
For more information, visit www.quickdrawofwnc.com or call 828.734.5747.
A work by Jacqui Fehl.
Want to paint, sip craft beer?
The “WNC Paint Night” will return to local breweries in Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties.
With step-by-step instructions, you will paint yourself a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This is pure fun to do while you sip on something tasty at the brewery.
Events will be held at the following locations: Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) from 6 to 8 p.m. June 24, July 22, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9; and Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) from 6 to 8 p.m. June 23, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 17 and Dec. 22; BearWaters Brewing (Canton) from 6 to 8 p.m. June 25, July 8, Aug. 5, Sept. 2 and 30, Nov. 12 and Dec. 23.
Space is limited. Reserve your seat by texting Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. To learn more, visit the Facebook page @paintwnc or Instagram @wnc_paint_events.
Botanical art workshop
Norma Hendrix, retired art professor at Western Carolina University and founder/director of the internationally recognized arts organization Cullowhee Arts, will lead a two-day botanical art workshop June 14–15 at Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton.
Participants will learn to make graphite rubbings, embellished with collage. This workshop is for any level, including beginner.
The art of frottage, or “rubbings,” is a printmaking process done without the need of a printing press. Using simple graphite sticks, an accurate impression of plant material is “rubbed,” onto vellum paper.
These rubbings become the basis of further creative exploration using collage materials, watercolors, and dry media, such as art graf chunks, and colored pencils.
“Lake Logan Conference Center is the ideal location for a botanical workshop,” Hendrix said. “Here, students and I will have access to acres of unspoiled wilderness, filled with compelling botanical specimens. I know first-hand the supreme beauty of its campus and how its environment naturally unlocks the creative spirit.”
Overnight single, double occupancy and commuter options are available. For more information, click on www.lakelogan.org/event/ botanical-art-workshop or call 828.646.0095 for more information.
HART’s first outdoor show
The Haywood Arts Regional Theatre will present “Billy Goat Gruff” as their first outdoor musical June 18 through July 4.
Audiences are invited to bring a blanket or chair, relax in the summer sun, and enjoy this one act musical featuring that Appalachian sound we all love.
“Billy Goat Gruff” tells a tale of adventure, believing in yourself, and not judging others. Actors play instruments, create sound effects and scenery, and sing soaring melodies that fill the HART outdoor amphitheater.
Amongst the band of actors you’ll hear fiddle, stand-up bass, auto-harp, ukulele, djembe and HART will have the composer of “Billy Goat Gruff,” Ben Mackel, on guitar. “Billy Goat Gruff” is suitable for all ages and would be a great first show for your grandkids or a lovely afternoon outside with your sweetheart.
“Billy Goat Gruff” will have matinee performances at 10 a.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays.
While you are encouraged to bring a blanket or picnic, HART will have chairs available and will be offering their usual concessions. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and will only be sold at the door for all outdoor performances.
Check HART’s Facebook or Instagram for updates if you are worried about rain cancellations. Groups of 10 or more get $2 off per ticket, so bring the whole family or friend group. www.harttheatre.org.
Presented by “Kids at HART,” a production of “Sister Act Jr.” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. June 12 and 19, and at 2 p.m. June 13 and 20 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
The musical tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a high-spirited aspiring singer, who witnesses a murder and is forced to enter the Queen of Angels convent under witness protection.
Based on the hit film of the same name, “Sister Act Jr.” features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, a book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, and additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. This fabulous cast includes: Morgan Allen, Akilah Black, Henry Blackburn, James Cloninger, Robin Cloninger, Ruby Cloninger, Lia Collier, Kayenta Cruz, Melodie Erickson, Chelcy Frost, Drake Frost, Naomi Gevjan, Rob Gevjan, Tabitha Gevjan, Turner Henline, Erica Henry, Hannah Meigs, Logan Norman, Josie Ostendorff, Jada Roundy, Savanna Shaw and Abby Welchel.
For more information, contact the box office at 828.456.6322 or click on www.harttheatre.org.
The “Unto These Hills” stage production will be held at 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday through Aug. 14 at the Mountainside Theater in Cherokee. There will also be a 10:30 a.m. show on Saturday, June 26, and all Saturdays in July.
This decades-old acclaimed outdoor drama traces the Cherokee people through the eons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day, where the Cherokee people, much like their newly re-scripted drama, continue to rewrite their place in the world — a place based on traditional Cherokee values and modern sensibilities.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click on www.cherokeehistorical.org.
On the table
Taste of Scotland returns
The Taste of Scotland celebration of the Ceilidh will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at The Rathskeller in Franklin.
A Ceilidh is a social gathering, which will feature Scottish and Irish music and singing. Scottish hand food will be provided by Rockin’ Rollie Pollie and Scottish beverages will be available from The Rathskeller.
The public is invited to join the TOS society for this special occasion. All are welcome to attend. • The “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train” will be dinner and take advantage of late-hour held from 7 to 9 p.m. on select dates at the shopping. www.mountainlovers.com. ALSO: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first-class car. Craft beer pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on www.gsmr.com. • “Dillsboro After Five” will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in downtown Dillsboro. Start with a visit to the
Jackson County Farmers Market located in the Innovation Station parking lot. Stay for • There will be a free wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075.
• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing
Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky
Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first-class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.
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Seldom Scene.
Bluegrass icons in Highlands
One of the most beloved and innovative acts in the history of bluegrass music, Seldom Scene will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 18, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.
Since forming nearly 50 years ago, the group has brought both freewheeling joy and immaculate musicianship to their take on bluegrass, offering up spirited interpretations of songs from limitless genres.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on www.highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 10 p.m. every Thursday.
Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 or www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• BearWaters Brewing (Maggie Valley) will host Bohemian Jean (folk/soul) from 7 to 9 p.m., June 12.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host karaoke at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, trivia at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Billingsley (jam/rock) June 12 and Positive Mental Attitude (rock/roots) June 19. All shows begin at 9 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or www.boojumbrewing.com.
• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host a special dinner show with Nathan
Hefner (piano/vocals) June 10, Cynthia
McDermott (mandolin/vocals) June 12 and
Kevin Lorenz (guitar) June 19. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.
ALSO:
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.369.4080 or www.coweeschool.org.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host semiregular live music on the weekends.
Humps & The Blackouts.
Brunch with the Blackouts
Popular psychobilly act Humps & The Blackouts will hit the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 13, at The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill in Waynesville. The East Tennessee band of bandits is wellregarded for its mix of honky-tonk, bluegrass and alt-country stylings. As well, The Water’n Hole will be serving brunch starting at noon and will do so for each Sunday moving forward.
The show is free and open to the public. 828.456.4750. • Elevated Mountain Distilling Company will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.734.1084 or www.elevatedmountain.com.
• Friday Night Live (Highlands) will be held at the Town Square from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with
Frank & Allie (Appalachian folk) June 11 and
Johnny Webb Band June 18. Free and open to the public. www.highlandschamber.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host
Gypsy & Me June 11, Sugah & The Cubes
June 12, Joey Fortner (Americana/folk) June 18, Bob Keel June 19 and Zip Robertson 3 p.m. June 20. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.
• The Haywood County Courthouse (Waynesville) will host the Haywood
Community Band on the front lawn at 2 p.m.
July 3 during the Stars & Stripes Celebration.
Free and open to the public.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host
Shaine Weston Lyles June 13 and Cam Cokas
June 20. All events are free and begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.innovation-brewing.com.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host Bird In
Hand (Americana/indie) w/Rye Baby (Americana/indie) at 7 p.m. July 4. Free and open to the public. www.innovation-brewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host karaoke 7 p.m. June 11, Roscoe’s Road Show (folk/blues) June 12 and The High
Strangeness (rock) June 19. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.342.5133 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Eric
Alan Barker (classic rock) June 11 and Natti
Love Joys (reggae/soul) June 18. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or www.mtnlayersbeer.com.
• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host a “Jazz
Night” from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends.
Free and open to the public. 828.641.9797 or www.nantahalabrewing.com. • “Pickin’ on the Square” (Franklin) will host
Tugelo Holler (jamgrass) June 12 and
Michael Reno Harrell (singer-songwriter)
June 19. All shows start at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Located on Main Street. www.franklin-chamber.com.
• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com
• Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) will be held at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with Crowe Brothers (bluegrass/Americana) June 12 and
Americana Jones June 19. Free and open to the public. www.highlandschamber.org.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing
Arts (Franklin) will host Mark Lowry w/Endless Highway at 7:30 p.m. June 18.
Tickets start at $25 per person. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to www.greatmountainmusic.com.
• Southern Porch (Canton) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.492.8009 or www.southern-porch.com.
• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) “An
Appalachian Evening” series will host Frank & Allie June 12 and Buncombe Turnpike June 19. The three shows are free and open to the public. A special online performance by The
Kruger Brothers will be June 26. Ticketed shows will include The Jeff Little Trio July 10 ($25), Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road July 17 ($15) and Darin & Brooke Aldridge July 24 ($25). 828.479.3364 or www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.743.3000 or www.theuglydogpub.com.
• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.526.8364 or www.theuglydogpub.com.
• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host
Crossfire June 12. All shows begin at 8 p.m.
Free and open to the public. 828.538.2488.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host
Scoundrel’s Lounge 3 p.m July 25. 828.926.7440 or www.valley-tavern.com.
• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host karaoke on Thursday nights, Humps &
The Blackouts June 13 and Scoundrel’s
Lounge June 20. All shows begin at 3 p.m. 828.456.4750 or www.facebook.com/waternhole.bar.
