Ballad concert and discussion on ballad traditions by Donna Ray Norton & Melanie Rice Penland.
Mountain Music Traditions
Donna Ray Norton
Donna Ray, an 8th generation ballad singer, who grew up in Sodom NC, talks about her family background and ballad singing.
Dom Flemons
Dom Flemons, known as the American Songster and musician, talks about how he has spent a good deal of his career advocating for traditional music in different ways.
David Holt
David Holt, singer, songwriter, and storyteller talks about his passion for music, “I wanted to play the music. I loved the sound of the music and I know I didn’t want to do anything else.”
Cece Conway
Cece Conway, a Professor of English and Folklore at Appalachian State University, talks about the African Roots of the Banjo and the history of black musicians.
Cal Calhoun
Cal Calhoun, Co-founder and emcee of The Carolina Barn Dance in Spruce Pine talks about his time at the Panama Canal and the success of the Carolina Theater.
Brett Riggs
Brett Riggs, Sequoyah professor of Cherokee Studies here at Western Carolina University, talks about the intersection of Cherokee heritage, history, culture, and string band music, both are lifelong interests.
Bobby McMillon
Bobby McMillon of Yancy County shares the story of his ancestors and the history of Ballard singing.
Bo Taylor
Bo Taylor, former director of the Museum of the Cherokee People, talks about his Cherokee culture, the music, the dance, and why it is important to remember the traditions.
Anna Rollins
Anna Rollins, who works at Mountain Music, discusses what it means to her and the community.
Amythyst Kiah
Amythyst Kiah, an American singer-songwriter and a student of Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music, shares her musical journey, her passion for old-time music, and the history around it.
Bo Taylor Cherokee Presentation
James “Bo” Taylor Cherokee dancer and storyteller, introduces the audience to Cherokee dancing, powwow dancing, dance songs, and discussion of Cherokee history, culture, and stereotypes.