Sam Johnson: bamboo fly rods. Sam Johnson of Dahlonega, GA, will lead Fair visitors through the process of creating bamboo fly rods. He has been a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild since 2011.
John Richards: mixed media assemblage. From his vast supply of bottle caps, can lids, spark plugs, collage papers, chipboards, wood scraps, plastic toys, clay shards, used brushes and other found objects, John Richards of Burnsville, NC, will demonstrate his process of creating mixed media sculpture. John has been a member of the SHCG since 2005.Elaine Olinger: fiber demonstrations. Elaine Olinger of Rogersville, TN, will demonstrate dyeing yarns and fabric using natural dyes and resist techniques. She will also be spinning wool and fiber blends with the spinning wheel. Elaine has been a member of the SHCG since 1988.
Arts for Life: children’s activities. Arts For Life is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and young adults facing serious illnesses. They have been invited to share their mission with fair-goers while providing an opportunity for kids (and adults) to experience hands-on craft activites.
Hear Music of the Mountains:
Friday, July 19
11AM – Chompin at the Bit String Band. A group of spirited young pickers continuing the strong music traditions of Brasstown, NC.
1 PM – Carol Rifkin and Paul’s Creek. Paul’s Creek plays original and traditional mountain music, their fine harmonies blending in an old timey style heavily influenced by the elders of the region, family, friends and diverse interests.
3 PM – Timberline. Smooth folk harmonies characterize this band featuring guitarist Gene Holdway, a travelling bluegrass troubadour with 30 years experience.
Saturday, July 20:
11AM– Southern Crescent Bluegrass. Asheville area musicians, led by Tommy Thompson, specializing in traditional bluegrass standards.
1 PM – Split Rail. Split Rail provides a great continuity of sound that can only be achieved from years of playing together. Strong vocal harmony is their trademark.
3 PM – Moore Brothers Band. Led by a duo of young brothers from Hickory, NC, this band plays bluegrass and gospel.
Sunday, July 21:
11AM – Hot Duck Soup. Kazoos, slide whistles, banjos, guitars, ukes, an antique cornet, washtub bass, and the Cacophonium! Hot Duck Soup plays old tunes like you’ve never heard ‘em played.
1 PM – Buncombe Turnpike. Featuring songwriter, playwright and longtime bandleader Tom Godleski, Buncombe Turnpike boasts original songs and the banjo picking of teenage sensation Seth Rhinehart.
3 PM – Whitetop Mountaineers. Martha Spencer and Jackson Cunningham perform the beautiful and unique sounds of traditional Southwest Virginia oldtime music.
