Bluegrass and the mountains of NC go hand in hand like bread and butter. There are many jams and festivals held throughout the Carolinas. The Bluegrass Circuit winds its way through the east coast and over to the mountains and beyond. From the many mountaineers who caused toes to tap on the front porches of homes, to today’s festivals with thousands of people who might travel from all over the world, Bluegrass Music has won a place in the annals of history. Here are a few festivals and jams to visit during your stay in the N.C. Mountains.
Upcoming Bluegrass Events of Interest
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Meadowlark Motel Jams Every Saturday Night
The Meadowlark Motel is a center of live music, including bluegrass, in Maggie Valley, NC. Every Saturday night there is a live music jam led by Artist-in-Residence Mike Ogletree, former drummer for super band Simple Minds, who is exploring the Scottish Roots found in Bluegrass Music. Click here to find out more. Meadowlark Motel is also perfectly positioned as a home base to explore all these festivals and jams listed below..
Bluegrass Hillbilly Jam in Maggie Valley, N.C.
The Hillbilly Jam takes place at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3357 Soco Road in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. The date for 2018 is July 27th – 28th, 10am to 10pm. In addition to Heritage Bluegrass, the music includes Rock-n-Roll and Country. Stop by the Arts and Crafts exhibits, laugh at the ‘Moonshiners’ from the TV show, or visit the Car and Truck Show. Throughout the event, you’ll be treated to delicious food from various vendors, including everything from barbecue and burgers to old standards like hot dogs for the kids. This is one of the biggest events in Maggie Valley and is held annually in the summer. Hill Country Band and Unbridled Strings Band are among bands presenting.
Bluegrass First Class
Held annually in Asheville, North Carolina, in February, at the Crowne Plaza Resort, Bluegrass First Class is headlined by Rhonda Vincent and the Rage for 2018, along with Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out. All of the groups featured are famous and the entire resort is reserved for this three-day festival.
http://bluegrassfirstclass.com/
Balsam Range Art of Music Festival
Held in Waynesville, North Carolina, at the Lake Junaluska Center, the Balsam Range Art of Music Festival takes place annually in December. For 2017, the date is December 1-2nd. The 2017 lineup of musicians includes: Balsam Range, Mike Snider, Bryan Sutton’s All-Star Band, Darrell Scott, Flat Lonesome and more. This two-day festival offers Bluegrass Workshops on Saturday afternoons, where you can learn from the professionals like Flatt Lonesome, Darrell Scott and Balsam Ridge with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra.
https://www.balsamrangeartofmusicfestival.com/
Carolina in the Fall Music and Food Festival
Held in downtown Wilkesboro, this festival offers food and Bluegrass Music for two days in mid-September. The 2017 lineup included Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder and was hosted by the Kruger Brothers. Every year, there is a well-known lineup of famous Bluegrass bands on four stages, so don’t miss this festival.
