Wed 20 Aug 2008
Posted by Meg under Art , Vacation
Most people use their vacation time in the summer. They go to the beach, overseas, to amusement parks, on cruises — I go to music festivals. There’s a festival coming up in a few weeks that I’m really excited about.
Hosted by the Steep Canyon Rangers, one of the finest young acts in bluegrass, the Mountain Song Festival at Brevard Music Center in North Carolina is worth traveling for. The one-day event is Saturday, September 13, 2008 in Brevard, North Carolina. The seating area at the stage is covered to protect up to 1800 listeners from the elements, so you’re sure to have a blast rain or shine.
One thing that sets this show aside from others is that it is a benefit concert. I spoke with Steep Canyon’s Woody Platt about the event.
Woody Platt -- photo courtesy www.mountainsongfestival.com
Three years ago, Platt’s mother was the board president of the Transylvania County Boys and Girls Club. She suggested that Woody try to put together a benefit concert for the organization, and the Mountain Song Fest was born. According to Platt, the festival has enjoyed tremendous success since its beginning and has so far raised over $63,000 for the Boys and Girls Club. “Steep Canyon Rangers are the host band and kick the show off every year — we constantly promote the event while we are out on the road. There is a real sense of ownership and pride felt by the Rangers when it comes to Mountain Song,” he says. “Brevard is a great community and the Boys and Girls Club plays a wonderful role — we are proud to help them reach their goals.”
In addition to two sets from the Rangers, this year’s lineup includes performances from bluegrass standouts Cherryholmes, Tim O’Brien, and Sam Bush. The site opens and noon, music starts at 2pm, and Sam Bush closes the fest in the 8:30-10pm time slot. In addition to the great music, visitors will enjoy displays from local craftsmen, non-profit organizations, a kids’ play area, and of course, great food. Woody recommends the BBQ.
What a gorgeous venue! Photo courtesy www.mountainsongfestival.com
You can’t stay overnight onsite, but there are lots of B&B’s in the area, or you can camp at the lovely Pisgah National Forest. For other accommodation information for this area, start here.
Tickets for the Mountain Song Fest are $35 in advance or $40 at the gate. You’ll be supporting a great cause, and it’s the best one-day lineup I’ve seen in the entire summer festival season. Come say hi if you’re there! I’ll be the one crying when it’s over.