This past spring, guitarist Seth Taylor and his band, longtime bluegrass staple Mountain Heart, once again took the stage under the bright lights at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. 

In an effort to preserve and perpetuate the heritage arts and lore of the Great Smoky Mountains and greater Southern Appalachia, the Smoky Mountain Heritage Center has now come to fruition at the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley.

A series of community programs celebrating the natural and cultural history of the Cosby area will be offered Fridays June 23 through July 14 at the Cosby Campground Amphitheater in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

ArborEvenings is back at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville, offering opportunity to spend Thursday and Friday evenings strolling through the gardens through Sept. 22.

On May 12, North Carolina-based musician Libby Rodenbough released her sophomore solo album, Between the Blades, via Sleepy Cat Records.

By Sabrina Matheny • Rumble Contributor | We all have music that inspires us or gives us a time and place to reconcile our feelings around our pain. I am usually transported back in time through lyrics that speak my heart’s language granting me grace as I feel my sadness. When I heard Ashokan Farewell, I was driven to my knees. This instrumental piece tells the story of the soul’s journey on earth.

This was a fine morning in the coffee shop.

By Daley Hooten • Rumble Contributor | On Tuesday, the 1st of November, I was fortunate enough to see Marcus Mumford, lead singer of the band ‘Mumford and Sons,’ perform at the Thomas Wolfe Theater for his tour following the release of his solo album “(Self-Titled).” This was an intimate show consisting of crowd conversations, quiet acoustic songs, and laughter.

By Daley Hooten • Rumble Contributor | Going to a concert with my friends was the best way to end the summer. Last Saturday, the local venue Rabbit Rabbit hosted Thundercat, a musician that merges R&B with progressive funk and electronic jazz. Going into the concert, I was pretty familiar with his music but not completely immersed in his discography. After the show, I was completely blown away and impressed with the performance and character of Thundercat.

A celebration of life music festival is being held in memory of Kristian “Blaze” Keith on Aug. 28, at the Waynesville American Legion.