A FREE Daily Visitor Guide for the North Carolina Mountains and 50+ NC Mountain Cities: August 2014

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Swanannoa Gathering for Mandolin, Banjo and Fiddle Begins Today

Date: August 3 - 9, 2014 : Swanannoa Gathering - Mando and Banjo Week and Fiddle Week Classes in two of the instruments that are at the core of several of the most popular folk genres, including bluegrass, old-time, Irish and Scottish, as well as some of the more adventurous blendings of traditional and jazz flavors known variously as ‘newgrass’ or ‘new acoustic’ music. Fiddle Week at the Swannanoa Gathering celebrates the universality of the fiddle with classes in traditional and contemporary styles ranging from Irish to Mexican, from Cajun to blues.

Public Concerts:

Monday, August 4, 2014: Fiddle/Mando & Banjo Concert I

Featuring Mike Marshall, Darol Anger, Liz Knowles, Jeremy Kittel, Matt Flinner, Caterina Lichtenberg, Anne Lederman, Lisa Gutkin, David Surette and, Juan Rivera, in concert at Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC. Showtime: 7:30 pm.
General admission tickets: $20, under 12 $10. Box Office: (828) 771-3024.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014: Fiddle/Mando & Banjo Concert II

Featuring Michael Doucet, Joe Craven, Bruce Molsky, Barbara Lamb, Bob Carlin, Kevin Kehrberg, Michael Ismerio, Julia Weatherford, Steve Baughman, Natalya Weinstein, Adam Tanner, in concert at Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC. Showtime: 7:30 pm.
General admission tickets: $20, under 12 $10. Box Office: (828) 771-3024.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014: Fiddle/Mando & Banjo Concert III

Featuring Tony Trischka, Woody Paul, Alan Munde, Emory Lester, John Reischman,
Don Stiernberg, Mark Johnson, Ned Luberecki, Andy Stein, Tony Marcus, Ed Dodson in concert at Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC. Showtime: 7:30 pm.
General admission tickets: $20, under 12 $10. Box Office: (828) 771-3024.

Swanannoa is a suburb of Asheville NC.

Friday, August 1, 2014

FREE Concerts Tonight in the Mountains

July 31 - August 2, Asheville NC: 87th Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival The nation’s longest running folk festival. The 87th annual edition of this three-day event showcases the best of the region’s old-time and bluegrass musicians, mountain dance groups, cloggers, and ballad singers. Shows begin at 7:00 PM nightly at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville.

August 1, 2014, Sylva NC Concerts on the Creek - Whitewater Bluegrass Live concerts held every Friday night between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. The free outdoor performances take place at the Bridge Park Pavilion beside Scott Creek in downtown Sylva on Fridays from 7:30-9:30 PM. All shows are family-friendly, drawing diverse audiences comprised of locals and visitors alike.

August 1, 2014, Hendersonville NC: Music on Main Street: Blind Lemon Phillips and a Car Show. The 14th annual Music On Main Street concert series will be held every Friday evening from June through August. Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from jazz, pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music. Bring a chair and enjoy the music from 7 PM - 9 PM. Admission is FREE.

What to do this weekend in the Mountains

Date:      July 31 - August 2, 2014
NC City: ASHEVILLEEvent:    87th Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival The nation’s longest running folk festival. The 87th annual edition of this three-day event showcases the best of the region’s old-time and bluegrass musicians, mountain dance groups, cloggers, and ballad singers. Shows begin at 7:00 PM nightly at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville. Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      July 31 - August 3, 2014
NC City: BLOWING ROCKEvent:    8th Annual Art & Antiques Show at The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum This sale and show offers heirloom-quality antique silver, furniture, pottery, jewelry, clocks, crystal and more. Vendors from across the East Coast bring a variety of items. Preview Party 7/31 from 6:30 PM - 8 PM, $40 per person (including wine and hors d'oeurves). Tickets are $10 and good for the entire show. Get event links and details HERE..

Date:      July 31 - August 2, 2014 and August 7 - 9, 2014
NC City: HENDERSONVILLEEvent:    Flat Rock Playhouse Music on the Rock Series: Music of the Sixties. The turbulent 60s featured the Counterculture, Anti-War and Civil Rights Movements that revolutionized society and the music of the time. Experience the evolution of pop music through the decade with a unique Music on the Rock tribute concert that brings the music of the 60s to life. Get event links and details HERE.

Date:     August 1. 15, 29, 2014
NC City: CHIMNEY ROCKEvent:    Wild Mushroom Walks in Chimney State Rock Park Mushrooms can be found popping up all over Chimney Rock in the summer and early fall, especially after rainfall. Enjoy a casual Friday hike seeking a variety of fascinating fungi along the Four Seasons or Great Woodland Adventure trail. Meet by Grady's Animal Discovery Den in the Meadows - limited to 20 participants, first come basis.    Get event links and details HERE.

Brevard Music Center FINAL Weekend of performances:
August 1, 2014 Brevard Music Center Performance: New Music 12:30 PM FREE event.
August 1, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: Piccolo Opera 4:30 PM FREE event.
August 1, 2014   Brevard Music Center Performance: The Pre-concert 6:30 PM Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty. FREE event.
August 1, 2014 Brevard Music Center Performance: Saint Saëns Organ Symphony 7:30 PM Brevard Concert Orchestra with Ken Lam, conductor and Noah Bendix-Balgley, violin. KHACHATURIAN Violin Concerto in D minor; SAINT-SAËNS Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78, "Organ". $15 - $45
August 2, 2014 Brevard Music Center Performance: Brevard Symphonic Winds 10:30 AM FREE event.
August 2, 2014 Brevard Music Center Performance: Sweeney Todd 2 PM Sondheim's dark tale of violence, revenge, and pies has remained popular since its Broadway debut in 1979. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score, Sweeney Todd sets the compelling story of the title character's obsessive search for revenge against Sondheim's characteristically complex and angular score. Join us as we close our 2014 opera season with this truly memorable performance. Tickets $40.
August 2, 2014 Brevard Music Center Performance: Pre-concert 6:30 PM Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty. FREE event.
August 2, 2014 Brevard Music Center Performance: Brahms 1 7:30 PM Brevard Sinfonia with JoAnn Falletta, conductor and Norman Krieger, piano. DZUBAY Snake Alley; MOZART Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491; BRAHMS Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68. Tickets $15 - $45.
August 3, 2014 Brevard Music Center Performance: Pre-concert Talk 2 PM An informal talk one hour before curtain, conducted by a member of the artist faculty. . FREE event.
August 3, 2014 Brevard Music Center Performance: Season Finale: Pictures at an Exhibition 3 PM Brevard Music Center Orchestra with JoAnn Falletta, conductor and Conrad Tao, piano. TCHEREPNIN La Princesse Lointaine, Op.4; RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18' MUSSORGSKY Pictures at an Exhibition. Tickets $15 - $50.
Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August 1 - 2, 2014
NC City: BURNSVILLE
Event:    Mount Mitchell Craft Fair Hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors will participate in the 56th Annual Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair. The event takes place on the Town Square and surrounding streets. Handcrafters from all over the United States come to sell their wares including baskets, candles, kettle corn, pottery, stained glass, and so much more. The event is free to the public with entertainment throughout the day. Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August    1 - 2, 2014
NC City: JEFFERSON
Events: Old Time Bluegrass Fiddlers Convention This bluegrass and old-time music competition is typical of the many fiddlers conventions. There will be lots of jamming and socializing among the musicians‚ and visitors are welcome to listen. This event is sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council‚ and advance tickets are available from the Ashe County Arts Center or at the gate the days of the performances. The events will be held in the Ashe County Park. Camping is available on a first come basis.   Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August    1 - 3
NC City: ASHEVILLE
Event:    Annual Asheville Antiques Show and Sale Reputable dealers from several states will offer for sale a wide variety of antiques that will appeal to everyone from the beginning collector to the well seasoned investor. The dealers were selected for this show based on their knowledge, professionalism and overall integrity. Find antique furniture in styles ranging from American country to English formal, hand painted porcelains, art glass, cut glass and pottery. Idecker Books will have an amazing display of very fine and rare old books. Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August    1 - 3, 2014
NC City: BRYSON CITY
Event:    Dinosaur Train™ at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad This event is based on the popular PBS-Kid television series, created by Jim Henson. This adventure filled train ride is packed full with music, stories, entertainment, and activities. PLUS all children will receive their very own Nature Trackers Club guidebook and membership card. Kids will have the opportunity to meet the popular T.rex, Buddy.    Get event links and details HERE.

Date:    August 2, 2014
NC City: CHEROKEE
Event:    Talking Trees Children's Trout Tournament This free children’s fishing event is held in August and is great for families. The event lasts two days. On day 1 people pre-register and enjoy a day full of fun with attractions at the fairgrounds, and are eligible for prizes at the end of the day. On Saturday participants fish for four hours after a free breakfast and lunch. There will also be $20,000 worth of prizes given away to registered children. On Saturday the kids may enjoy listening to music, meeting celebrity guests, live animal exhibits, free food, and more.    Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August 2 - 3, 2014
NC City: ASHEVILLE
Event:    Annual Village Art and Craft Fair Held on the grounds of All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village this year's Fair, the 41st, will include 118 exhibitors. Enjoy high quality art and crafts including ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry and more. Hours are Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM and Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM. Get event links and details HERE.

Date:      August 3 - 9, 2014
NC City: ASHEVILLE
Event:    Swanannoa Gathering - Mando and Banjo Week and Fiddle Week Classes in two of the instruments that are at the core of several of the most popular folk genres, including bluegrass, old-time, Irish and Scottish, as well as some of the more adventurous blendings of traditional and jazz flavors known variously as ‘newgrass’ or ‘new acoustic’ music. Fiddle Week at the Swannanoa Gathering celebrates the universality of the fiddle with classes in traditional and contemporary styles ranging from Irish to Mexican, from Cajun to blues.
Get event links and details HERE.

Find more NC Mountains Weekend Events HERE

The Blue Ridge Parkway at 469 miles long is the nation's longest scenic rural parkway. Now 70 years old it is administered by the National Park Service and host to approximately 20 million visits annually. It connects the Shenandoah Valley National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Along the route are opportunities for lodging, dining, camping, hiking and simply enjoying breathtaking views from easily accessible overlooks and picnic areas. For additional information visit :The Blueridge Parkway Association

The River Arts District is open year around with the opportunity to meet artists in their studios. Schedules are available online. This unique area along the French Broad River is home to more than 165 artists with working studios located in 18 turn-of-the-century industrial buildings. The artists of the River Arts District welcome you into their studios to talk with them, see their latest artwork, watch demonstrations, and experience for yourself the magic hidden inside the time-worn factories and warehouses along the French Broad River.

Chimney Rock Park is named for a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The now state owned park encompasses 1,000 acres offers the best of the mountains in one place with spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more. Chimney Rock NC

The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has provided funding for almost 1500 state and nationally designated byway projects in 48 states. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.

Tsali Recreation Area is an outdoors lover's paradise. Probably the most popular features of Tsali Recreation Area are the 39 miles of trails suited for mountain bikers and horse-back riders, as well as hikers. The 4-loop system offers a variety of landscapes. You can climb 1-foot wide rugged paths or travel flat, well-beaten roads. The four trails--Right, Left, Mouse Branch, and Thompson Loops--meander through mixed pine and hardwoods on a peninsula stretching into Fontana Lake. Near Bryson City NC and Robbinsville NC.