Blue Ridge Music Trails of NC

Experience a variety of North Carolina mountain live music and dance traditions including bluegrass, old-time, blues and clogging in and near Asheville. Thanks to the Blue Ridge Music Trails of NC project, you can easily find events and places to go throughout the year. Often you get up close to musicians at impromptu jam sessions or concerts. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes, as locals love to teach their moves. Appalachian mountain music includes many instruments, styles and sounds. There are many opportunities to enjoy for free! Photo above: Shindig on the Green

The traditional Blue Ridge Mountain music in North Carolina that has evolved over two centuries has influenced many other American music styles. The Blue Ridge Music Trails showcase and promote traditional music in all of Western North Carolina, a program of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council.

Go to the Blue Ridge Music Trails website for a calendar of live music and dance events. Below are just a few of the possibilities.

Blue Ridge Music Trails Weekly Music Sampler

Sundays

• The Orchard at Altapass (1025 Orchard Rd, Spruce Pine) - Mountain Music (May-October)
• Mountain Gateway Museum (24 Water St, Old Fort)- Old Fort Afternoon Jams w/ Bluegrass, Old-Time, Gospel (year round)

Mondays

• Oskar Blues Brewery (342 Mountain Industrial Dr, Brevard) - Mountain Music (year round)
• Hendersonville Visitor Center (201 South Main St, Hendersonville) - Monday Night Street Dance (mid-July - mid-August)

Tuesdays

• Isis Restaurant & Music Hall (743 Haywood Rd, Asheville) - Bluegrass Jam (year round)

Wednesdays

• Jack of the Wood (95 Patton Ave, Asheville) - Old-Time Mountain Music Jam (Wed-Sat, year round)
• Funkatorium (147 Coxe Ave, Asheville) - John Hartford Bluegrass Jam (year round)

Thursdays

• Zuma Coffee (7 North Main, Marshall) - Bluegrass Jam (year round)
• Silvermont Mansion (364 E Main St, Brevard) - Mountain Music Jam (year round)

Fridays

• Fletcher Feed & Seed (3715 Hendersonville Rd, Fletcher) - Bluegrass, Gospel, Country w/ Dancing (year round)
• The Depot (282 South Main St, Marshall) - Old-Time, Bluegrass, Country w/ Dancing (year round)
• Woody’s Original Mountain Music (3354 Highway 70 West, Marion) - Bluegrass Jam (year round)
• Groovin' on the Green (35 US-64, Cashiers) - Variety (May-August)
• Waynesville Mountain Street Dances at the Courthouse (285 N Main) on four summer nights
• Concerts on the Creek (Bridge Park:76 Railroad Ave) (Memorial Day - Labor Day Weekend)

Saturdays

• Killough’s Music & Loan (104 South Main St, Marion) - Saturday Morning Jam w/ Bluegrass, Gospel & Old-Time (year round)
• Fletcher Feed & Seed (3715 Hendersonville Rd, Fletcher) - Bluegrass Gospel & Country (year round)
• Historic Rickman Store (251 Cowee Creek Rd, Franklin) - Bluegrass Jam (Late Spring-December)

Dancing & mountain music on spring, summer and fall Saturday nights at Stompin' Ground.

Go to the Blue Ridge Music Trails website for details and a complete calendar.  

Just 20 miles east of Forest City is the Earl Scruggs Center, which celebrates the life and legacy of legendary banjo master Earl Scruggs. The center features exhibits, music, history and cultural traditions of the American South.