Christmas in July 2022

34th Annual

Christmas in July 2022

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION TO

AFTERNOON KICKOFF

JULY 1 &

ALL DAY

JULY 2 Downtown West Jefferson

Music, Crafts, Food, Children's Activities, Local Farmer’s Market, Christmas Trees and MUCH MORE!

Page 2 • Mountain Times Publications CHRISTMAS

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Christmas in July is back

BY NATHAN HAM

that register to appear at the festival. These vendors offer a wide variety of local he streets in crafts, woodworking items, downtown West jewelry, clothes and much Jefferson were more. Food vendors will strangely empty have many different items around Independence Day to prepare ranging from for the last two years. Times homemade ice cream and have changed though as the other dessert items like Christmas in July festival is funnel cakes and snow back after being canceled in cones to hotdogs, gyros and 2020 and 2021 due to the cheesesteaks.

COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival has gone The festival will also be through a number of changback on South Jefferson Avenue after spending es over the years. In 2004, more than a decade on the Christmas in July transiBackstreet. tioned from a three-day The opening ceremony event on Friday, Saturday will mark the official beginand Sunday to a two-day ning of the festival at 5 p.m. event with all musical peron Friday, July 1 with three formances and vendor sales musical performances to ending on Saturday evening. follow. Saturday will feature A couple of years later, the a full day of music and crafts festival moved from South from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with Jefferson Avenue to the more than 100 craft, food Backstreet. and nonprofit vendors lining In addition to the food and the streets of West Jefferson. crafts available for purchase, This year will mark the nonprofit vendors have 34th Christmas in July found out that Christmas in event. The first festival dates July is a great place to get all the way back to 1987 the word out about many when the event was created of the projects that each as a way to promote the pop- organization has going on ular and growing Christmas and have been able to raise tree industry in Ashe Coun- money to help their operaty. While some of the histor- tions continue to succeed.

This year there are 29 nonical events associated with Christmas in July won’t be profit vendors participating taking place this year such in Christmas in July. as the Civil War reenactThe Christmas in July Fesment or the Christmas Tree tival is a 501c (3) nonprofit showcase event featuring organization with a board local tree farmers, the return of directors and commitfrom a two-year absence will tee members that are are surely bring a large crowd unpaid volunteers who back to West Jefferson. work tirelessly throughout The number of vendors the year to host a fun, safe, has continued to remain family-friendly event for the high over the years with entire community and those typically more than 100 visiting Ashe County.

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KD ZOTTER / COPYRIGHT IMAGE

Wednesday, June 29, 2022 CHRISTMAS

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 3

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Page 4 • Mountain Times Publications CHRISTMAS

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Farmers’ market will be open regular hours during Christmas in July

BY NATHAN HAM

T

he Ashe County Farmers’ Market will be open and ready for the big crowds that will show up for Christmas in July in downtown West Jefferson.

The market will be open for its normal hours on Saturday, July 2, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The 2022 farmers’ market season will continue from now through Oct. 29. There will also be special holiday market hours on Nov. 19, 25, 26 and Dec. 3.

The Ashe County Farmers’ Market is easily accessible on the Backstreet across from First Baptist Church and features a covered shelter in case rain should be in the forecast. The market also has free wifi, two restrooms and a wide variety of products to browse from more than 40 local vendors.

Just a small sample of the products available at the farmers’ market include fruits and vegetables, fresh baked goods, dog treats, maple products and honey. In addition, local craftspeople will sell pottery, woodwork, fiber arts, soaps and candles. Stop by the Ashe County Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. during Christmas in July.

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A large variety of food and crafts from local growers and artisans will be available during regular market hours.

House decor such as handcrafted baskets and soaps are always popular items for farmers’ market attendees to take home.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022 CHRISTMAS

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 5

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Christmas in July food vendors

BY NATHAN HAM

A

wide variety of foods will be available this year at Christmas in July with two different locations to find whatever it is you’re craving. The area between the Hobby barn and High Country Realty will be where the food court is located this year and there will also be food vendors near Town Hall and Mo’s Boots.

There are three new specialty food vendors that can Philly Cheesesteaks are a popular choice among festival attendees. be found among the other craft vendors this year.

Charlotte Jerky will feature fresh, high-quality jerky of all types and flavors.

Poppies will have homemade organic popsicles and Rising Smoke will be sure to get your tastebuds tingling with a wide assortment of hot sauces.

Fresh food being prepared on the grill during the 2018 Christmas in July festival.

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Food and Drink Vendors • Billy’s Concessions – Hot dogs, corn dogs, hamburgers, BBQ, Mayberry Pork Chops, funnel cakes, nachos, fries, frozen drinks, iced tea, lemonade, water, Dr. Pepper soft drinks • Carolina Tea Company – Iced tea, lemonade, fruit punch • Dixieland Kettle Corn – Kettle corn, frozen drinks • Hawaiian Shaved Ice – BBQ, sausage and country ham biscuits, fried pastries, snow cones, lemonade • JM Changs – Chinese food, chicken on a stick, lemonade SEE FOOD ON PAGE 7

Many different types of subs, sandwiches and side items will be available.

Sweet treats like these funnel cakes will be a popular snack at Christmas in July.

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An ice cold lemonade will certainly quench your thirst on a warm July day.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022 CHRISTMAS

Chicken and beef on a stick are another classic cuisine that can be found at Christmas in July.

FOOD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

• Kyle’s Concessions – Polish sausage, Philly cheesesteak,

bloomin’ onion, fries, water, Dr. Pepper soft drinks • Paris Festival – Funnel cakes, pastries • Party in a Pita – Greek food, fries, iced tea, lemonade

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 7

Food vendors this year will be located at a special food court area in between the Hobby Barn and High Country Realty and near WJ Town Hall and Mo’s Boots.

• Poppin’ John’s Homemade Ice Cream – Ice cream • Steak Boys Inc. — Hamburgers, gyros, chicken and beef on a stick, Polish and Italian

sausage, Philly cheesesteak, fries, frozen drinks, iced team, lemonade, water, Dr. Pepper soft drinks • Tiki Grill – Hot dogs, corn dogs, gyros, Polish and Italian

sausage, fried chicken, Philly Cheesesteak, bloomin’ onion, nachos, fries, funnel cakes, frozen drinks, iced tea, lemonade, water and Dr. Pepper soft drinks.

ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

Live Music

ED MILLER - SONGS OF SCOTLAND JULY 6 • 7:30 pm • Ashe Arts Center

CLINT ROBERTS

JULY 9 • 7:30 pm • Ashe Civic Center

ASHE COUNTY BLUEGRASS & OLD TIME

FIDDLERS CONVENTION

JULY 22-23 • ASHE PARK Jamming, competitions, cash prizes, bands, food & fun!

Gallery Crawl

DOWNTOWN WEST JEFFERSON

2ND FRIDAYS JUNE - OCTOBER 5 PM - 7 PM

www.AsheCountyArts.org 2ND FRIDAYS • 5 PM - 7 PM 336-846-2787

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Page 8 • Mountain Times Publications CHRISTMAS

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Christmas in July offers fun for all ages

BY NATHAN HAM

W

hile the adults in the crowd may be excited for the crafts and numerous vendors that will be on hand at Christmas in July, the youngsters in town will still have plenty of areas to enjoy.

The Ashe County Arts Council will be offering several free children’s activities on Saturday at the end of Main Street near the Ashe Arts Center.

Some of the activities will include face painting, button making, a musical

PHOTO BY BONNIE BURTON

The InterACTive Theater of Jef will be performing on the street throughout the day on SEE AGES ON PAGE 9 Saturday.

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Face painting is just one of the many children’s activities planned for Christmas in July.

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Ranger Joe Shimel will be stilt walking through the streets of West Jefferson.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022 CHRISTMAS

Professor Whizzpop will provide fun entertainment for kids of all ages.

AGES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

instrument petting zoo and chalk

the walk.

Along with the special kids area near the arts center, street performers will be entertaining

IN JULY

PHOTO BY BONNIE BURTON

Mountain Times Publications • Page 9

PHOTO BY MARTIN SEELIG

It wouldn’t be Christmas in July without a guest appearance from Santa Claus.

folks of all ages throughout the day on Saturday.

Santa Claus will make an appearance as well as two stilt

walkers, Ranger Joe Shimel and Mark Lippard. Tom Hughes will show off his favorite magic tricks and balloon sculptures.

Jef, a popular interactive artist, will be miming, juggling and performing street theater.

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Page 10 • Mountain Times Publications CHRISTMAS

IN JULY

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Christmas in July street closures

BY NATHAN HAM

T

he Christmas in July festival is returning to South Jefferson Avenue in 2022 with new and updated road closures for this year’s festival.

South Jefferson Avenue will be closed for vehicle traffic at the intersection of E. Second Street and just past Hice Avenue.

Vehicle traffic will be able to turn onto Long Street and then the Backstreet to detour through town or access parking locations.

Ashe Street and State Street will be closed at their intersections with Back Street, as will E. Main Street and E. First Avenue.

Third Avenue will be closed at the intersection of E. Second Street for the festival.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022 CHRISTMAS

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 11

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Page 12 • Mountain Times Publications CHRISTMAS

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Christmas in July hosting more than 90 vendors in 2022

BY NATHAN HAM

T

he return of Christmas in July to the streets of West Jefferson will see just over 90 craft vendors and non-profit organizations that will be set up for a fun weekend in the High Country.

There are 29 non-profit vendors and 63 craft vendors scheduled to appear.

Craft vendors Name and booth number Adoughables – 3 Amy Bumgardner Jewelry – 98 Bates Leather – 114 FILE PHOTO BH Livingood Photography Pttery will be one of the many local crafts to enjoy.

– 78 Bloomin’ Plates – 98 Blue Ridge Wood Crafters – 91 and 92 Blue Ridge Barkery – 94 Bow Wow Pet Ware – 21 Britt Leather – 1 and 2

By God’s Grace – 59 Campus Scenes – 18 Cary Pottery – 85 Charlotte Jerky – 7 Clay Hope Jewelry – 13 and 14 Crafting Sisters – 93 Creative Paths – 66 FILE PHOTO‌ ETC’s Tie Dye – 27 and 28 Clothing items will be some of the vendor items available for purchase.

Geo to Gems Jewelry – 34 The Burr Next – 83 Gold Beach Glass – 43 Pursonalities Plus – 63 Long Family Farm – 36 The Crazy Bow Lady – 19 Houcks Woodwork – 29 Rising Smoke Sauceworks Made by Mimi – 37 Throw & Sew – 125 Inside Looking Out – 11 – 71 McComic Kraft Worx – 64 Turned Bowls – 17 J&J Crafts – 122 Salem’s Grace – 39 McLeod Handicrafts – 111 Vista Tranquila Publishers J&J Enterprises High Sazzy Woodcrafts – 12 Menya’s – 116 – 70 Country Creations – 76 and Scruffy Boo Scraps – 62 Mountain Pride Crafts – 5 West End Wreaths – 15 77 Silas Creek Outdoors – 126 and 6 Woodcrafts by Hedrick – 117 JC’s Earthgems – 110 Smokin’ Hot Brass – 40 MR Manufacturing – 57 Just Genna Designs – 95 Southern Comfort Swings – NoodleCakes – 124 and 96 Oil of Joy Apothecary – 60 112 and 113 Nonprofit vendors Leaf on the Wind WoodSteve Korloski Sculpture Old Julian Pottery – 8 – 84 Olivia’s Forest – 24 turning – 38 Name and booth number Stitches by Denise – 20 Patty’s Little Pot Shop – 89 Leslie Flekenstein – 61 ACTA – 44 and 45 Strings Attached – 72 and Poppies – 90 Little Piney Woodworks – 42 Ashe County Arts Council 73 Pottery by Suz – 119 Live Edge Tables and More – Main and 6th Street Take Heart Company – 41 Prnom & Arlie Keith – 69 – 109 Ashe County Democratic

Jewelry and accessories.

Woodwork items.

Party – 9 and 10 Ashe County Habitat for Humanity – 33 Ashe County Historical Society – 86 Ashe County Republican Party – 80 and 81 Ashe County Rescue Squad – 67 Ashe County Shrine Club – 30 and 31 Ashe Youth Football – 56 Badges of Ashe – 22 Blue Star Mothers – 35 ECKANKAR – 4 Emmanuel Baptist Church – 26 Florence Thomas Art School – 79 Generations Ashe – 115 Gideon’s International

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– 65 Girl Scouts Carolinas – 123 High Country Marine Corp – 82 Hope Thru A Vision – 68 John Birch Society – 32 Imagination Ashe – 118 Mountain High Basketmakers Guild – 25 Museum of Ashe County History – 87 NC Medicaid Enrollment – 88 Pond Mountain VFD – 16 Riverview Lions Club – 74 and 75 SNIPS of Watauga Humane Society – 127 and 128 The Motherboard – 23 VFW 2946 – 99 and 100

Wednesday, June 29, 2022 CHRISTMAS

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 13

Taylon Hope, Rock Bottom Bluegrass Band highlight entertainment

BY NATHAN HAM

T

his summer brings the return of Christmas in July to West Jefferson after two years of cancelations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival is coming back in a big way with a terrific lineup of bands and musicians on Friday and Saturday.

All musical performances will take place on the same stage as there is just one Main Stage this year.

Friday’s Music Rock Bottom Bluegrass Band — 5:30-

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Rock Bottom Bluegrass Band

6:45 p.m.

With an emphasis on vocal harmonies, Rock

Bottom plays a variety of old standards, progressive bluegrass, bluegrass gospel

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and original material. The band consists of Dale Roten on banjo and vocals, John

Roten on mandolin and vocals, Butch Barker on guitar and vocals, Loyd Richardson on bass and vocals, and Mack Powers on resonator guitar. John, Dale, Loyd and Butch take turns on lead vocals. Loyd handles most of the tenor singing, with help from John, while baritone vocals are shared

by Dale and Butch. Occasionally, Mack adds a bass line. The vocal blends provide the band with a unique sound and wide range of musical possibilities.

Tray Wellington Band — 7-8:15 p.m.

Growing up on Flint Hill Rd., musician Trajan “Tray” Wellington was destined to be attracted to the 5-string banjo. Tray’s love for music

bloomed at an early age while he listened to his grandpa play diverse styles of music. He didn’t start playing stringed instruments until he received his first electric guitar at age 13.

Soon, he became interested in learning how to flat pick guitar, which led him to hear the banjo for the first time. His interest piqued, he began practicing, and his playing and musicianship have since flourished.

From learning traditional bluegrass to studying diverse genres such as jazz, progressive bluegrass, blues, rock, and more, Tray has gone on to play with some of the most accomSEE ENTERTAINMENT ON PAGE 14

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ENTERTAINMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

plished musicians in the world.

Before reaching the age of 21, he has received a number of awards and accolades, including two awards from IBMA — 2019 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year 2019 Momentum Band of the Year (with Cane Mill Road).

Lucky Strikes — 8:3010 p.m.

The Lucky Strikes Orchestra performs a variety of Motown, Beach, and Classic Rock-n-Roll 50s-80s, as well as Swing and Jazz Standards. For over a decade, The Lucky Strikes have delighted and entertained audiences in western North Carolina with their special brand of fun, upbeat, danceable music and humor.

From Motown, Beach and Swing, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road to Classic Rock-n-Roll 50s-80s, their timeless playlist appeals to the young and the young at heart. original works that combine bluegrass,, ole-time and Americana. Their original sounds and Saturday’s Music dynamic stage presence have Liam Purcell and Cane Mill landed them main stage slots at festivals across the country.

Road — 9-10:15 a.m.

Named Momentum Band of the Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Year by International Bluegrass Road will be the opening act for Music Association, IBMA in 2019 the entertainment on Saturday Liam Purcell & cane Mill Road at Christmas In July. Growing have been recognized as one of up just down the road from Doc the fastest growing bands in the Watson, Liam Purcell leads Cane industry. Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road. They play the tradiMill Road’s latest release “Roots” tional bluegrass music and write

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debuted as No. 6 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Charts joining their three previous albums for a total of 12 weeks in the Top 10.

Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road have appeared on national TV shows including a PBS appearance with David Holt’s State of Music and Woodsong’s Ole-Time Radio Hour. Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road have performed on stage at Merlefest, Grey Fox, The Berklee Performance Center and Wide Open Bluegrass.

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Eric Hardin, Josh Scott and Steve Lewis — 10:3011:15 a.m.

Wayne Henderson & Friends — 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Wayne Henderson is from nearby Rugby, Virginia and is known worldwide for not only his music but also his reputation for building multiple stringed instruments that has people joining a waiting list for months and even years to have one of Henderson’s

custom-built instruments. He has made acoustic guitars for many famous musicians, including Eric Clapton and Doc Watson.

Jeff Little Trio — 12:452 p.m.

Jeff Little / Piano – Vocals – Harmonica Jeff Little is an award-winning musician from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

With few exceptions the piano does not play a prominent part in Americana or Appalachian music and is rarely the lead instrument.

But Jeff Little is an exception and a remarkable one. Jeff has not only been recognized as a critically acclaimed musician but also a true music innovator. Jeff as well as his trio stay busy traveling the country performing concerts with an energy and dedication to their music that is evident at every show. Performances include The Smithsonian Institution, The National Folk Festival, American Piano Masters, The Barns of Wolf Trap and many theaters, performing arts centers and festivals. Jeff has been featured on National Public Radio and PBS many times and has also taken his music around the world for the US Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs performing in Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Oman, France and Tanzania. In 2014 Jeff was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of

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Fame. In addition, Jeff is Artist in Residence for the Popular Music Program at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. Steve Lewis / Acoustic Guitar – Five String Banjo — Vocals Steve Lewis is an award — winning guitar and banjo player from Todd NC and is one of the most respected acoustic musicians in the country. Steve is well known for his flat picking on guitar and his mastery of the five — string banjo. Steve has won many championships for his guitar and banjo playing. Some of the prestigious events include the Walnut Valley Nationals, Merlefest, the Galax Old Time Fiddlers Convention, Renofest and the Wayne Henderson Guitar Competition. Steve is also a two-time national champion on the banjo. He remains an in-demand guitar and banjo teacher and is dedicated to shar-

Mountain Times Publications • Page 15

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Jeff Little Trio

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ing his love of music with the next generation.

Luke Little / Mandolin Luke Little is a young and talented mandolin player whose musicianship and style expand well beyond his years. Luke’s performances include the National Folk Festival, PBS Song of the Mountains, The Richmond Folk Festival and The Moss Center for the Performing Arts at Virginia Tech.

Taylon Hope — 2:153:30 p.m.

Taylon Hope is a singer, songwriter, musician from West Jefferson, NC, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and now makes her home in Music City, Nashville, TN. She began singing at the young age of four years old and music has been her passion ever since. She loves singing and performing and making a difference to others through her music. Her musical influences include Dolly Parton, Vince

Gill, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, among others. Taylon has a love for both traditional and modern Country Music and has a great appreciation for all kinds of music.

In 2014, Taylon Hope released her first EP titled, “What This World Needs”, which was produced by Multi-Awarding Winning Inspirational Country Artist, Tommy Brandt. The title track broke the Top 30 on The Power Source Inspirational Country Chart.

In 2016, she began working with Grammy Nominated Producer, Kent Wells, who is also Dolly Parton’s producer and band leader. In December of 2016, Taylon released her second CD, “Showin’ My Roots” to much success. Taylon co-wrote all of the songs on the project and the title track broke the Top 100 on Music Row. She was featured in both Billboard Magazine and Music Row Magazine.

Taylon Hope

She released her first Christmas EP, “Carolina Christmas”, which was also produced by Kent Wells, in December of 2017. The project includes two original songs co-written by Taylon, along with familiar Christmas Classics.

Taylon Hope has been blessed to perform at many wonderful venues in different areas of the country. She has had the opportunity to open shows for Shenandoah, T. Graham Brown, Suzy Bogguss, Adam Crabb, and recently in Kansas she opened up for Ned LeDoux, son of Chris LeDoux. She has performed at the legendary Bluebird Cafe, The Listening Room, The Schermerhorn Symphony Center, The Texas Troubadour Theatre, The Nashville Palace, John A’s, and Puckett’s, all in Nashville, TN. She has also performed at The Lyric Theatre in Lexington, KY, MerleFest in Wilkesboro, NC and is a regular guest and performer at WBTV Channel 3

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in Charlotte, NC. Taylon Hope is a signed artists for Dolly Parton’s DreamMore Resort and performs at her resort throughout the year. In the Summer of 2017, she completed a Summer Tour with Boot Barn and she continues to perform in their stores throughout the South.

Taylon Hope performed as an invited guest at the CRS Radio Seminar and at CMA Fest last year in downtown Nashville, TN. Taylon loves giving back through her music and is an on-going performer at the Ronald McDonald house and is scheduled to begin working at St. Jude’s hospital with the children’s unit.

Taylon Hope has been a guest on three occasions this past year on WSM Radio, the broadcast home of The Grand Ole Opry.

Taylon continues to do on-going writer’s nights in downtown Nashville, TN. The Special Occasion Band — 3:45-5 p.m.

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