30 minute read
Jackson County author wins French literary award
Over the hills and far away
Jackson County author wins French literary award
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
For someone who rarely comes down from his mountaintop cabin in the backwoods of Western North Carolina, writer David Joy will put aside his eternal quest for solitude and silence for one thing only — France.
“You know, I tend to not travel anywhere. I don’t go on vacation. I don’t come off this mountain unless I have to,” Joy said. “But, France is the one exception. I’ll go anytime they ask. I’ve been twice [in 2022]. In all, I’ve spent about a month over there this year.”
This past week, Joy found himself at a wellregarded book festival outside of Paris. And it was there he was honored with the “Prix SaintMaur En Poche,” which is the award for “Best Foreign Novel of the Year.” It’s a recognition he received for “When These Mountains Burn,” a whirlwind work of grit, darkness and chaos on the fringes of society — all signature traits of the heart of Joy’s growing catalog.
“It was an incredible honor, in that you’re traveling halfway around the world to meet readers who are just genuinely excited to have you and speak with you about your work,” Joy said. “I’ve been blessed to build a very faithful readership over there. And it’s just always really rewarding to know that people get what you’re trying to do, that they value your work — that’s not something I’ve ever really felt at home.”
ature and culture is so fascinating to these folks an ocean away?
David Joy: First and foremost, there’s just a very rich tradition of literature and art [in France]. It’s essential to them, culturally. But, on top of that, they’ve always been really interested in America. And I think they’ve grown tired of the typical New York City portrayal of America that has filled popular cinema and literature for decades.
They want stories set outside of that place, and so the American South and Appalachia are places that intrigue them. Plus, we’ve just always had a lot of really great writers coming out of those places. So, there’s that.
But, I think they also have a willingness as readers to go to darker places. They don’t need feel-good books or happy endings. For writers like me that’s helpful, in that those aren’t the types of books I’m writing. I think the places I want to go with a story are places that scare a lot of American readers. We tend to not deal well with uncomfortability.
The French, on the other hand, seem to be a people who love engaging with difficult ideas and stories. They like being challenged by something new.
SMN: For someone like yourself who enjoys peace and privacy at home and deep in the woods, what is it about France that makes it so easy and enjoyable for you to regularly leave Western North Carolina and head over there?
DJ: The big thing is that they just appreciate my work. They get what I’m trying to do and they’re genuinely excited to see me and talk with me about my work. You know, I can have an event here at home and there might be four or five people show up, and [yet] there’s never a bookstore I go to [over] there [in France] where it’s not packed to the gills.
I go to festivals [in France] and there’s not time to eat because I’m signing books from the moment I sit down until the time they close the doors. I mean, how could you not relish in that? Everything I’ve ever wanted to feel as an artist I get to experience there — it’s honestly overwhelming.
SMN: As a writer and a human being, that is it about the French people and culture that remains very close to your heart?
DJ: I think there are a couple things that really stand out, and one is their passion for literature and art. They are genuinely excited to talk about books. And they want books that challenge them, that take them into new places with new people and new ideas. They read a pile more books than us anyways, but they tend to be much more courageous readers than Americans.
Like I said earlier, they don’t need a happy ending. But, I absolutely love their willingness to engage in difficult conversations. You can be sitting at a table and they’ll be yelling at each other, fiercely debating some topic. And when they walk away at the end of the night they haven’t lost one speck of respect for the other person. They have a capacity for discourse and dialogue that sadly we’ve lost in this country — I love that.
SMN: As someone now embraced by the French, what moment sticks out and is forever chiseled on the walls of your memory?
DJ: It’s honestly hard to say. There was a really incredible meal in Pau with an independent bookstore owner, whose family has owned that store since the early 1700s; a hike through the mountains outside Lourdes, where I found a French version of jewelweed, touch-me-nots, and it just felt like home; caught a 100-pound wels catfish that was a little over five feet long on the Tarn in Albi. [One time], I spoke to a crowd of about 500 in this lavish hall in Lyon, the walls lined with gold, the ceiling painted, chandeliers sparkling everywhere. Lots of food, lots of wine, lots of countryside. Smiles, laughter, conversation.
I’ve loved all of it, and it’s all meant the world to me. It never escapes me how fortunate I am to have built a readership there. If you can’t be loved and celebrated at home, there’s not a place in the world better than France.
— David Joy
Editor’s Note: David Joy is the author of “When These Mountains Burn” (winner of the 2020 Dashiell Hammett Award), “The Line That Held Us” (winner of the 2018 Southern Book Prize), “The Weight of This World,” and “Where All Light Tends to Go” (Edgar finalist for Best First Novel).
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
Cataloochee Divide Trail.
(photo: Garret K. Woodward)
Distance makes the heart grow stranger when the stars go out of view
Tucked in the corner booth at a dive bar in Maggie Valley on Monday afternoon, I slid across the vinyl seating across from the young couple. They’d already ordered a couple drinks, mozzarella sticks and some fried grouper bites. Some Lynyrd Skynyrd song was blasting from the front bar.
I ordered a Budweiser draft, soon pulling out a piece of blank paper and pen. The purpose of the rendezvous was to go through and finalize the order of events for the couple’s wedding just down the road from the bar this Saturday. Friends and loved one arriving from all corners of the country, descending upon Haywood County to celebrate the nuptials of this particular branch of their family tree.
My role in all of this? Wedding officiant. About a year ago, in the midst of the pandemic, we were all having some tailgate beers in the parking lot of the newspaper one Friday after work. Soon, the conversation hovered over the topic of their wedding. It was mentioned that they’d yet to find an officiant.
“Well, if y’all ever need an officiant, I’m your dude. I’ve done a few weddings over the years” I suggested in a simple matter-of-fact tone, the subject of conversation eventually transitioning into another topic.
And it wasn’t much longer after that interaction when the bride-to-be (who works in our office) approached me and asked if I was serious about being an officiant. Of course, I replied. To which, she and her fiancé had talked it over and felt I’d be the ideal candidate for the gig. Sold. Count me in. What time and where? I’ll be there.
For someone like myself, a 37-year-old bachelor (never married, no kids), I still find myself fascinated and mesmerized by the power and allure of a wedding. The setting and the people. The vibrant nature of the swirling souls all milling about, those in attendance crossing paths with beloved familiar faces not seen in many moons. The memories made that will be forever cherished in the hearts of those who never forgot.
Thus, I’m an eternal hopeless romantic still chasing after that horizon of whatever femme fatale may be standing out there — somewhere, anywhere. It’s not that I’m constantly wandering and pondering the idea of marriage or even the notion of a lifelong companion. It’s just remained elusive, where, for many years now, I’ve been roaming the road of life at my own pace and in
HOT PICKS
1Popular regional rock/reggae act Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin.
2Concerts on the Creek will continue with The JackTown Ramblers from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 8, at Bridge Park in Sylva.
3Poet and naturalist Brent Martin will present his new book, “George Masa's Wild Vision,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.
4Americana/folk duo Bird in Hand will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, July 8, at Mountain Layers Brewing Company in Bryson City.
5There will be a special stage production of “The Music Man” at 7:30 p.m. July 8-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and at 2 p.m. July 10, 17, 24 and 31 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. my own time, observing the beauty around me as the world flies by with a reckless abandon.
And while sitting on the vinyl seating in that dive bar booth, I listened intently to the couple speak at length about how they met and how, well, everything led to the events of this upcoming weekend. Journalistic curiosity got the best of me as I asked questions about the who, what, where, when, why and how of their budding romance, onward to a life soon to be spent together.
It was inspiring to hear their story and to first-hand see the admiration and solidarity each had for the other. Even my sometimes jaded, cynical heart softened a little bit, which is a feeling I’ve been experiencing again lately, this idea of maybe giving a partnership or relationship (or whatever it may be) another shot in the great unknowns of the cosmos.
For several years now, I have purposely avoided the dating scene in this area. Sure, if someone of interest would cross my path, then perhaps I’d make it a point to meet up and see where it goes. But, for the most part, I’ve been more focused on enjoying the life that I’m trying to create and build for myself, with whatever “companion” being a complement to that emerging existence (and vice versa).
But, during the shutdown and pandemic, like many of us out there reading this, I found myself having to sit still and be left alone with my thoughts. No distractions of people, places and things to derail my intent. Living by myself (and having a career that involves being pretty much alone most of the time), I took that downtime and really tried to come to some conclusions about the “Where to from here?” of my mid-30s onward.
Earlier on Monday, before I ventured to the dive bar in Maggie Valley, I went for a jog/hike up the Cataloochee Divide Trail. About a mile and a half in, there’s a clearing on the ridge that overlooks Cataloochee Valley. That’s where I usually stop and take a moment to breathe deeply and exhale any and all worry in my daily life.
I’ve run that section of trail dozens of times. Every single trek is as different and unique as the next, whether it’s what’s going on in my mind or the weather, the changing of the seasons/vegetation or just how my physical body feels when disappearing into the depths of Mother Nature like baseball players in Iowa cornfields.
This most recent excursion, I threw on running shoes and took off down the Cataloochee Divide, only to immediately be hit with heavy raindrops from above. An afternoon storm was rolling in fast over the valley, the edge of the front now high above my running route. No matter, push ahead and embrace the rollicking freedom of self, all while splashing through mud puddles — happy and carefree.
Hit the ridge, look out over the vast mountains to the west. Smile in gratitude, only to turn around and bound back down the trail to the truck. Muddy running shoes and wet clothes. And it is in these moments when the heart it light, optimistic and, most of all, open and vulnerable to whatever lies just around the corner.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
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Tyler Ramsey. (photo: Bill Reynolds)
Orchard Coffee welcomes Tyler Ramsey
Acclaimed singer-songwriter and former member of Americana/indie juggernaut Band of Horses, Tyler Ramsey will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, July 15, at Orchard Coffee in downtown Waynesville.
Tickets are $25 per person and are available for purchase at the shop. There are a limited number of tickets. This show will sell out. 828.246.9264 or orchardcoffeeroasters.com.
PMA returns to Lazy Hiker
Popular regional rock/reggae act Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin.
“Our music is full of inspiration from these mountains. Water, mountain landscapes, nature, trails. They all take part in the inspiration process for us. We are proud to call Sylva home and our sound could not be what it is without this town,” said guitarist Miller Watson. “It’s also really cool to see the similarities in bluegrass music and reggae and how they took shape from the development of African banjo. It’s also nice to bring a touch of reggae to these mountains.”
Free and open to the public. facebook.com/pmamusic.
Americana, folk at Mountain Layers
Jackson County Americana/folk duo Bird in Hand will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, July 8, at Mountain Layers Brewing Company in Bryson City.
The road less traveled has always been the way for husband-and-wife duo Bird in
Hand. Bryan and Megan Thurman call the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina home and the region is directly reflected in their music. Bird in Hand is upbeat and new while still rooted in the traditions of American folk.
The two have played all over the Appalachian region, as well as across the country, and share an onstage chemistry that demands attention. They need to be seen live to understand the meaning of “Appalachian Thunder Folk.”
You can find their debut EP, “Due North,” online at birdinhandmusic.com. The show is free and open to the public. mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
Bird in Hand.
Chamber music returns to Waynesville
The Chamber Music Society of the Carolinas (CMSC), formerly the Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival, returns to Waynesville after a two-year absence.
Concerts will be held at 4 p.m. July 17 and 31 at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.
Works by Beethoven, Haydn, Dvorak, Mozart, Chopin and modern artists will all be featured. The society has been a premier chamber music festival in the Carolinas for 45 years. Internationally acclaimed musicians from all over the world have come to the mountains of North Carolina each year.
In past seasons, performers included the winner of the gold medal at the International Van Cliburn competition in Dallas, a silver medalist of the Tchaikovsky competition in Moscow, Grammy Award winners and Grammy-nominated ensembles.
Taking place in small venues, the festival creates an intimate interaction between performers and audiences. The Chamber Music Society of the Carolinas is a program of Warren Wilson College.
Season and individual tickets are available online or at the church. Students will be admitted with no charge. Single tickets will be $30, with tickets for both concerts $50.
For more information, click on cmscarolina.com, email chamber@warren-wilson.edu or call 828.400.6465.
Chatham Rabbits.
The “An Appalachian Evening” series will continue at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
The annual summer concert series offers an ever-changing schedule of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists. Rich in cultural heritage, the series continues to be a favorite with locals and visitors alike. All concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the air-conditioned Lynn L. Shields Auditorium.
Performers include Chatham Rabbits July 9, Appalachian Roadshow July 16, The Jeff Little Trio July 23, Aubrey Eisenman & The Clydes July 30, The Wildmans Aug. 6, Nu-Blu Aug. 13, Pretty Little Goat Aug. 20 and The Kruger Brothers Aug. 27 828.479.3364 or stecoahvalleycenter.com.
The JackTown Ramblers.
Concerts On The Creek
The 13th season of Concerts on the Creek will continue with The JackTown Ramblers from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 8, at Bridge Park in Sylva.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. Dogs must be on a leash. No alcohol, smoking or coolers are allowed in the park. Food trucks will also be available.
This week, Concerts on the Creek welcomes special guest Professor Whizzpop to entertain the children in attendance with bubbles, balloons, and magic.
These concerts are organized and produced by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Sylva and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department.
For more information, call the chamber at 828.586.2155, visit mountainlovers.com or Concerts On The Creek’s Facebook page.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 10 p.m. every Thursday.
Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 or balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host a semi-regular acoustic jam with the Main
Street NoTones from 7 to 9 p.m. on
Thursdays. Free and open to the public. blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host karaoke at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, trivia at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Sohchatoa July 9. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.
• Concerts On The Creek (Sylva) will host The
JackTown Ramblers (bluegrass/jazz) July 8 and Summit Church Band July 15 at Bridge
Park in Sylva. All shows begin at 7 p.m.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. 828.586.2155 or mountainlovers.com.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host Chatham Rabbits (Americana/folk) 5 p.m. July 16. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7.50 for children. 828.369.4080 or coweeschool.org/music.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Dave
Dexter 7 p.m. July 9. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 or curraheebrew.com.
• Fontana Village Resort Wildwood Grill will host Sister Ivy 6 p.m. July 9, Doug Wilhite 5 p.m. July 15 and Granny’s Mason Jar 6 p.m.
July 16. Free and open to the public. 800.849.2258 or fontanavillage.com.
• Friday Night Live (Highlands) will host The
Foxfire Boys (Americana) July 8 and Leadfoot
Lily (Americana) July 15 at Town Square on
Main Street. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host
Gin Mill Pickers July 8 (Americana), Aphelyon
July 9, Ross Hollow July 15 and Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) July 16. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or froglevelbrewing.com.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host an
Open Mic Night every Wednesday, The Wilder
Flower July 7 and Shain Lyles July 14. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host
“Music Bingo” w/Hibiscus Sunshine every
Wednesday, Shane Meade (soul/indie) July 8, Calico Bear 2 p.m. July 10 and Jason Lyles July 15. All events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host
Urban Soil (reggae/soul) July 8, Positive
Mental Attitude (reggae/soul) July 9 and
Breeze Cable (singer-songwriter) July 16. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Trivia
Night at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Old
Time Jam 6:30 p.m. every Thursday and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a Community Jam 6 p.m. July 7 and
Dusk Weaver (Americana/folk) 7 p.m. July 14.
Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 or fontanalib.org/brysoncity.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Open Mic Night w/Ivor Sparks every
Wednesday, Bird In Hand (Americana/folk)
July 8, Scott James Stambaugh (singersongwriter) July 9, Woolybooger (blues/folk) 5 p.m. July 10, Kate Thomas (singer-songwriter) July 15, Twelfth Fret (Americana) July 16 and Mountain Gypsy (Americana) 5 p.m.
July 17. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless • Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.641.9797 or nantahalabrewing.com.
• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala
Gorge) will host Brown Mountain Lightning
Bugs July 8, The Log Noggins (rock/indie)
July 9, Blue July 15 and Eddie Clayton July 16. All shows behind at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. noc.com.
• Orchard Coffee (Waynesville) will host Tyler
Ramsey (Americana/indie) at 8 p.m. July 15.
Tickets are $25 per person and are available for purchase at the shop. 828.246.9264 or orchardcoffeeroasters.com.
• Pickin’ In The Park (Canton) will host Steve
Jordan & Mountain Tradition July 8 and
Running Wolfe & J. Creek Cloggers July 15.
Shows are 6 to 9 p.m. at the Canton Rec
Park located at 77 Penland St. Free and open to the public. cantonnc.com.
• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host
Appalachian Smoke (country/bluegrass) July 9 and Friends (blues/country) July 23. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html.
• Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro (Dillsboro) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.586.1717 or facebook.com/quirkybirdstreehouse.
• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796.
• Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) will host
Back Porch Orchestra (blues/rock) July 9 and
The Wobblers (Americana/indie) July 16 at
Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street. All • The Scotsman (Waynesville) will host The
Carter Giegerich Trio (Celtic/bluegrass) from 2 to 5 p.m. every Sunday and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 or scotsmanpublic.com.
• SlopeSide Tavern (Sapphire) will host Skies
Of Avalon July 21. All shows begin at 6 p.m.
Free and open to the public. 828.743.8655 or slopesidetavern.com.
• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) “An
Appalachian Evening” live music series will include Chatham Rabbits July 9,
Appalachian Roadshow July 16, The Jeff
Little Trio July 23, Aubrey Eisenman & The
Clydes July 30, The Wildmans Aug. 6, Nu-Blu
Aug. 13, Pretty Little Goat Aug. 20 and The
Kruger Brothers Aug. 27. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.479.3364 or click on stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Jay
Dee Gee July 7, GenePool July 8, The UpBeats
July 9, Cliff Williamson July 13 and Tricia
Ann Band July 14. All shows begin at 8 p.m.
Free and open to the public. 828.538.2488.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host Keil
Nathan Smith (singer-songwriter) 6:30 p.m.
July 7, The Blake Ellege Band July 8, The
Early Worm Band 3 p.m. July 10, Bridget
Gossett (singer-songwriter) July 14, The
Loudes July 15 and Mile High (classic rock) 3 p.m. July 17. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 or valley-tavern.com.
• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m. 828.456.4750 or facebook.com/waternhole.bar.
• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.743.6000 or whitesidebrewing.com.
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arts & entertainment
Jenna Kranz.
Cooking class at Jackson library
Jenna Kranz from Uncomplicated Kitchen will host a special class on how to make “no cook” herb sauces at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Patrons will make and learn an affordable pesto, a zippy tzatziki, and ways to customize and adapt them to the herbs you have on hand. This program is in the Atrium and is free of charge. Sign-up is required as space is limited. “Uncomplicated Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Western North Carolina. We work to improve food security through educational outreach,” Kranz said. “Our mission is to teach community members how to plan meals, shop for ingredients, and cook healthy, simple and affordable recipes. We bridge the gap between the food people have access to and the tools and knowledge they have to prepare nutritious meals for themselves and their families.”
For more information and/or to register, call the library at 828.586.2016. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.
The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library (fontanalib.org).
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8 Locations Serving you in Western North Carolina
1700 Russ Avenue, Waynesville, NC · 452-2216 219 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC · 252-8234 1453 Sand Hill Road, Candler, NC · 667-7245 3270 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC · 684-9999 746 East Main Street, Franklin, NC · 524-4464 8005 NC Highway 141, Murphy, NC · 837-0460 30 Highway 107, Sylva, NC · 586-0425 3533 US 441 North, Whittier, NC · 497-6211
In partnership with the Japanese Outreach Initiative at Western Carolina University, the Marianna Black Library will be hosting a Japanese “Chopstick Challenge” from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, July 18, in the auditorium of the library in Bryson City.
Nanaka Okamura, JOI Coordinator, started Japanese Calligraphy at the age of six. She is a certified master of Japanese Chopsticks and will be leading this free workshop. Children are welcome to participate if they are old enough to sit calmly by themselves.
Okamura came to the US last July and has been teaching Japanese culture (such as Japanese Calligraphy, origami, seasonal events, manner, etc.) and the Japanese language to people in the community here in Western North Carolina.
Look for more events at the library through July and August. Space is limited. Please reserve your spot at https://forms.gle/KhwtvzkUVYUDc4R7A or contact the library at 828.488.3030.
Tues. · July 12 · 7 pm | Jackson Co. Library p Liar’s Bench i Gary CardenFriendsj p Liar’s Bench i Gary CardenFriendsj
Free
Join us for an evening of stories and songs, history and folklore from Western North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. Storyteller extraordinaire and mountain lore authority Gary Carden will present the story of the orphan trains.
Featuring: Randy Flack
SINGER/SONGWRITER Paul Iarussi
BALLADEER/GUITARIST Jon Zachary
COLLECTOR AND PERFORMER OF PECULIAR OLD SONGS special guest Neal Hutcheson
EMMY AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER AND AUTHOR OF “POPCORN SUTTON: MOONSHINER”
Front Street Arts & Crafts
The annual Front Street Arts & Crafts Show will showcase some of the finest regional artisans from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16, in downtown Dillsboro.
Dozens of booths will display and have for your perusal the handmade craftsmanship of regional fine artists and crafters intermingled with the sounds of family entertainment.
Vendors will line Front Street offering a choice of many handmade items, including soaps, baskets, pottery, jewelry, bird houses, and much more. There will also be a performance by the J. Creek Cloggers (11 a.m.), as well as live music from singer-songwriter Suzie Copeland (noon and 1 p.m.) and jazz/pop trio We Three Swing (2 p.m.).
The arts and crafts show is free and open to the public, with a small parking fee that includes a shuttle from Monteith Park directly to the festival itself. You can even bring your dog (on a leash).
For more information, call 828.506.8331 or click on visitdillsboro.com.
• “Peach Jam” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at Darnell Farms in
Bryson City. Food trucks, live music, vendors, bounce houses, kids activities, pie eating contests, and more. For more information, email hotheadevents@gmail.com.
• Professor Whizzpop will host an underwater exploration learning workshop with magical fun mixed in at 11 a.m. Monday, July 11, at the
Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.
Whizzpop travels all over the country delighting thousands of children with his delightful humor and magic alike. This is for all ages.
Come early to get a seat. Free and open to the public.
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s
Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. waynesvillewine.com.
• A free wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. every
Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075.
• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every
Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine
Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines.
Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains
Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first-class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. 800.872.4681 or gsmr.com.
ALSO:
• Southwestern Community College Swain
Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of adult workshops, including “Paddle
Fans” 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 8,
“Letterpress Printing” 1 to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, July 13, and “Cherokee
Language Printing” 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday,
July 14. southwesterncc.edu/ scc-locations/swain-center.
• “Drive-In Movie Night” will screen “Sing 2” at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at Darnell
Farms in Bryson City. Concessions available onsite. Free and open to the public. 828.488.2376 or darnellfarms.com.
• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson ALSO: City) will host an array of children’s workshops, including
“Printmaking for Kids” 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 11, “Model Railroading for Kids” 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, July 11,
“Mushroom House Kids Class” 2 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 15. southwesterncc.edu/scc-locations/ swain-center.
• Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) will host the following events onsite at the
Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown
Waynesville: an “Artist Interview Series” with HCAC members Nancy Gamon &
Dennis Corso 5 to 6 p.m. July 8, “Fused
Glass Flower Garden” class 5 to 7 p.m. July 15 and a “Garden Harvest Basket & Wine
Tasting” class 5 to 7 p.m. July 22. haywoodarts.org.
• “Art After Dark” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. each first Friday of the month (May-
December) in downtown Waynesville. Main
Proudly Home to Western North Carolina’s Grand Ballroom
Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors. Dates include Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. facebook.com/ galleriesofhaywoodcounty.
• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood
Street in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled.
Mountainmakersmarket.com.
• A “Foreign Film Series” will be held at the
Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.
Each month, on the second and fourth
Friday, two movies from around the globe will be shown. This program is in the
Community Room and is free of charge.
Masks are required in all Jackson County buildings. To find out what movie will be shown and/or for more information, please call the library at 828.586.2016. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the
Jackson County Public Library. The Jackson
County Public Library is a member of
Fontana Regional Library. To learn more, click on fontanalib.org.
• Farmer’s Market (with artisans) will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and
Saturdays through October at 117 Island
St. in Bryson City. Stop by the old barn by the river for local, homegrown produce, as well as baked goods, jellies and preserves, authentic crafts, and more. Food truck, picnic tables and live music. Leashed pets are welcome. Outdoor event. 828.488.7857.
HART presents ‘The Music Man’
There will be a special stage production of “The Music Man” at 7:30 p.m. July 8-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and at 2 p.m. July 10, 17, 24 and 31 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
The audience will be transported to River City, Iowa, where you’ll meet a slew of incredible characters, from a School Board turned Barbershop Quartet to the Gossiping Pick-aLittle Ladies to an All Boys Marching Band.
“The Music Man” would be nothing without the Music Man himself: Professor Harold Hill, played at HART by Dominic Michael Aquilino. Hill is a traveling salesman who promises to save your town from the big trouble it’s in by forming a Boys Marching Band.
The only trouble is, “Professor” Hill knows nothing about music and the local Librarian, Marian Paroo, played at HART by Emily Dake, has a library full of reference books and a great knowledge of music that could expose him. Add this town of quirky Iowans and you have a night full of entertainment and delight.
Tickets range from $14 to $36 per person. You can purchase tickets by clicking on harttheatre.org or calling HART’s Box Office at 828.456.6322.
• “Footloose: The Musical” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. July 8-9 at ALSO: the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in
Franklin. 866.273.4615 or smokymountainarts.com.
