Arts + Entertainment
Fruits of my labor: A conversation with Lucinda Williams
Lucinda. Before I even need to explain anything about people and things, time and place, you already know who I’m referring to. This is sacred musical ground, the same realm where, if you’re the cream of the crop, you only need to be known by one name, the same territory that Willie and Waylon, Dolly and Loretta reside. Simply put, Lucinda Williams is pure melodic gold.
Out on a limb: The Hip Snacks make WNC debut
With its latest album, “Out On A Limb,” Denver, Colorado-based rock-n-soul outfit The Hip Snacks are taking the leap into the national spotlight, a realm the group has quickly been pushing towards through powerful live performances and a keen musicianship guided by guitar prowess and towering vocals.
“The more shows I’ve done, the more comfortable I’ve been and it’s just so much fun now,” said lead singer Kara Durante.
Coming together: Festival season kicks off in WNC
As the weather gets nicer and spring slowly transitions to those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, a bevy of longtime and beloved festivals start to pop up in the picturesque mountain communities here in Western North Carolina.
These annual gatherings are a way to bring all of us together after an extended period of hunkering down during the winter months. Filled with locals and visitors alike, all those present partake in numerous activities and avenues to support those in your town.
Intricate influences: Carolina Detour to play Merlefest
When she was just in elementary school, fiddler/vocalist Lake Carver graced the cover of the Down the Road magazine, an annual publication put together through a partnership between The Smoky Mountain News and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area based in Asheville.
And much like her current life, Carver was heavily invested in the music scene in her native Wilkes County, finding herself headlong in local jams, all while soaking in as much knowledge and technical ability as possible.
Hot Picks
1. Steve Sutton Fest will take place May 8-9 in the Stuart Auditorium at the Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center.
2.The 23rd annual Whole Bloomin’ Thing Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville.
3. Carolina Quiroga will join the “Conversations with Storytellers’ series at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.
4. Music By The River (Cherokee) on the Kanunohi Park Stage will feature Lori & The Freightshakers (classic rock/country gold) with Robert Wolfe at 6 p.m. May 8-9.
5. Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host Tugalo Holler (bluegrass/gospel) at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9.
Making a meal of daily life
“Some historians would say that ‘thinkers’ are behind the ideas and mythologies people live by. I think it also goes back to maize, reindeer, squash, sweet potatoes, and rice.”
— Gary Snyder
If you ever wanted to know what it would be like to live a self-sufficient lifestyle and largely off-the-grid, then “Lambs in Winter” (Bright Leaf Press, 2024, 215 pages) by Alexis Lathem might be the book for you, especially if you are a woman.
‘Mother’s Day Gemboree’
The “Mother’s Day Gemboree” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 8-9 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin.
Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations and more.
Donald Davis to spin yarns
Legendary North Carolina storyteller Donald Davis will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Monday, May 18, at the Wells Event Center in Waynesville.
Growing up in Waynesville, Davis has fond memories of spending time with his relatives and running around the hills of Western North Carolina.
‘Community Contra Dance’ in Franklin
A “Community Contra Dance” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.
Contra dance is a form of social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved, so it shares many of the same movements. As always, no partner is necessary, generations mix. All are welcome, including beginners. No dance experience or fancy clothing are necessary. Those who would like to come out just to listen to the music are welcome, too.
