Upcoming Events at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

August 18, 2016 at 6 PM - Junaluska, the African American Neighborhood in Boone. Dr. Susan E. Keefe will present a talk at BRAHM on the history of the Junaluska community. Junaluska is a small

neighborhood two blocks north of King Street, Boone’s main street. African Americans have called Junaluska home since the middle of the 19th century.

One of the few black congregations of Mennonite Brethren in the United States is located in Junaluska. The community has seen considerable progress over the course of the last century and retains a remarkable spirit of resilience despite gentrification in the area and the out-migration of many younger residents.

The TAC Talk will highlight BRAHM’s exhibition, A Town within a Town: History of the Junaluska Community, on view from August 6, 2016 through March 11, 2017.

August 23, 2017 at 6 PM - Movies at the Museum: Desperate Man Blues. Directed by Ed Gillan, Desperate Man Blues tells the story of self-proclaimed king of record collectors Joseph E. Bussard, Jr. of Frederick, Maryland. Joe has amassed probably the greatest collection of 78 rpm recordings of country, blues, jazz, Cajun, and gospel music in the world. He has spent most of his waking hours in pursuit of old 78s. To call it a hobby would be an insult: It’s his life.

The film will be followed by a discussion with Marshall Wyatt, founder of Old Hat Records in Raleigh NC. In 2003, Old Hat released Down in the Basement, a compilation created from Bussard’s huge collection.

After the film and discussion, wander over to one of the wonderful participating restaurants for dinner, drinks, and conversation. Present your film ticket for 10% off your meal! *Discount is good for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights after the screening.

August 28, 2016 at 5:30 PM - Summer Concert Series: Lorena Guillen Tango Ensemble. The Lorena Guillen Tango Ensemble will present two of its original pieces: “A Future of Tango” and its latest project ‘The Other Side of My Heart,” based on the real stories of Latino women that immigrated to North Carolina. For the rest of the program, the ensemble will invite the audience to a tour of some tango standards executed in crafted and original arrangements.