In celebration of the North Carolina Arts Council’s 50th anniversary, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is partnering with 13 JAM programs in western North Carolina to present showcase concerts of outstanding current and past students as well as instructors.
The Junior Appalachian Musicians programs teaches young people to play old-time traditional music and regional bluegrass music from local musicians steeped in the tradition of the area.
“This is one of our most exciting programs because it allows us to sustain the diverse traditional arts that are valued in our communities,” said Wayne Martin, executive director of the N.C. Arts Council. “When we inspire future generations to learn about their artistic heritage we are celebrating and strengthening the unique character of our state.”
The Ashe Civic Center will play host to the first JAM showcase on Saturday, March 17 at 2:00pm. The JAM programs that will be featured will be from Allegheny, Ashe, Caldwell, Surry, and Watauga Counties.
Ashe County performers include Madison Shepherd, Ashe JAM Club Band with Samuel Toolis, Brittany Osborne, and Emily Long.
Groups from other counties include the Tator Hill Mashers, Strictly Strings, Blackberry JAM and more!
“Music is a living tradition in the mountains of North Carolina,” said Angie Chandler, executive director of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. “Our support of JAM is one ways that we foster the passing of traditions from one generation to the next.” This event is FREE and open to the public.
When: Saturday, March 17, 2018
Time: 2:00 – 4:00pm
Where: Ashe Civic Center
962 Mount Jefferson Road
Cost: FREE
For more information, visit: http://ashecountyarts.org/events/jamming-across-the-blue-ridge/
