MARCH 1-13... “Lyrical Light and Color” exhibit, Gallery of the Ashe Arts Center No. 198 March/April/May 2020 6... Mark Nizer, 7:30 pm, Ashe Civic Center The Gallery & Gallery Shop 7... WKSK’s Old Time and Bluegrass Show featuring Surefire, 303 School Avenue “a little after 11am,” Ashe Civic Center Downtown West Jefferson 9... Ashe Community Singers rehearsals start, 7pm, WJUMC Monday – Friday 9am– 5pm 10... Ashe County Arts Council meets, 6:30 pm, Ashe Arts Center Saturday 10am – 4pm beginning April 4 12... Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild meets, 2pm, ASA 14... Blue Ridge Art Clan meets, 1pm, Florence ThomasArt School 18-31... “Young At Art” exhibit, Ashe Arts Center Publication of the Ashe County Arts Council 20... Artists’ reception for “Young At Art” exhibit, 5-7pm, Ashe Arts Center MAY ARTS/DATES 21... 6th Annual Florence Flapjack Fundraiser, 8:30-11am, Florence School 1-31... “Random” exhibit, Ashe Arts Center 22... Hayes Chamber Artists in concert, 2 pm, Ashe Arts Center 1... Artists’ Reception for “Random” exhibit, Ashe Arts Center 25... Friends of the Library meeting, 11am, Ashe County Library 2... Wildflowers - The Women of Country Music with Katie Deal, 7:30 pm, WILDFLOWERS: 27-29... Ashe County Little Theatre presents Who’s on First?, 7:30 pm Fri-Sat, Ashe Civic Center 2pm Sun., Ashe Civic Center 7... Junior Appalachian Musicians End of Year concert, 6pm, Civic Center 30-31... Auditions for ACLT’s The Robber Bridegroom, 6:30 pm, Civic Center THE WOMEN OF COUNTRY MUSIC 9... Stomp & Brew Festival, noon-4pm, West Jefferson APRIL 12... Ashe County Arts Council meets, 6:30 pm, Ashe Arts Center WITH KATIE DEAL 1-25... “Young At Art” exhibit, Ashe Arts Center 14... Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild meets, 2pm, ASA 4... Spring Fest, 9am - 2pm, West Jefferson Early Learning Center 16... Marathon Jam, 11am-11pm, Ashe Arts Center 5... Hayes Chamber Artists in concert, 2 pm, Ashe Arts Center 22... Ashe Community Singers Concert, 7:30 pm, Ashe Civic Center Katie Deal honors legends such as Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton,Tam- 6... Ashe County Little Theatre Quarterly meeting, 5:30, Ashe Civic Center 23... Blue Ridge Art Clan meets, 9:30 am, Florence Thomas Art School 9... Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild meets, 2pm, ASA 23... Night of the Spoken Word, 7:30 pm, Ashe Arts Center my Wynette, Reba McEntire, Crystal Gayle and many more in this evening of 27... Friends of the Library meeting, 11am, Ashe County Library 10... Two Faces in the Shadows dramatic dialogue, 7pm, Bethany United country music. Join Katie as she explores the significance of groundbreaking Methodist Church, West Jefferson 11... WKSK’s Old Time and Bluegrass Show featuring The Sugarloaf hits like It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels, 9 to 5, Harper Valley Ramblers, “a little after 11am,” Ashe Civic Center 14... Ashe County Arts Council meets, 6:30 pm, Ashe Arts Center PTA and Stand By Your Man. WILDFLOWERS: THE WOMEN OF COUN- 16... David Holt & Josh Goforth, 7:30 pm, Ashe Civic Center 17-18... ARTifacts Preview Party and Yard Sale, W.J. Early Learning Center TRY MUSIC celebrates the genre’s pioneering women, their musical styles and STAFF: Jeff Fissel, Executive Director 17-19... Ola Belle Reed Song Writer’s Retreat, Ashe Civic Center Linda Dreyer, Director of Operations their personal stories. From Kitty Wells to Shania Twain, this concert delivers 18.. Wordkeepers Salon, 2-4pm, Ashe Arts Center 18... Five Songwriters in concert, 7:30pm, Ashe Civic Center Rebecca Williams, Program Director a beautiful musical bouquet. 19... Ola Belle Reed Song Writer’s Retreat concert, 2pm, Ashe Civic Center Web site: www.ashecountyarts.org E-mail: [email protected] 21... Tannahill Weavers in concert, 7:30 pm, Ashe Civic Center 303 School Avenue, West Jefferson, NC 28694 22... Friends of the Library meeting, 11am, Ashe County Library 336.846-2787 Join us on Saturday, May 2, at 7:30 pm at the Ashe Civic Center. Tickets are $22 25... Blue Ridge Art Clan meets, 9:30 am, Mt. Jefferson Presbyterian Church for adults and $5 for students. Go to ashecountyarts.org to reserve your seats or call 336-846-2787. This is one you don’t want to miss!

THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS

“...an especially eloquent mixture of the old and the new...” NEW YORK TIMES

Now in their 52nd year, the Tannahill Weavers are one of Scot- land’s premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old

and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic Ashe Arts Center. Arts Ashe people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their ex-

Gallery of the the of Gallery uberant and humorous performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can’t get better...yet

March 13 in the the in 13 March

runs through through runs continue to do just that.

by Susan Jespersen Jespersen Susan by

the solo exhibition exhibition solo the

AND COLOR, COLOR, AND The Ashe County Arts Council is excited to announceThe Tannahill Weavers as an additional concert to the

LYRICAL LIGHT LIGHT LYRICAL 2020 spring lineup. The concert is on Tuesday, April 21 at the Ashe Civic Center at 7:30 pm.

CHARLOTTE NC CHARLOTTE

PERMIT # 3609 # PERMIT Tickets are $22 for adults and $5 for students. Reserved seats are available in advance at ashecountyarts.org

PAID or by calling 336-846-2787.

West Jefferson, NC 28694 NC Jefferson, West

U.S. POSTAGE U.S.

303 School Avenue School 303 Sponsor for this concert is The Tartan Woolly. Please stop by their store in downtown

NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT Ashe County Arts Council Arts County Ashe West Jefferson and thank them for helping bring this group to the Civic Center stage! MARCH SCHOOL ARTS PROGRAMMING A FEAST FOR THE ARTS The 2020 Feast for the Arts Dessert and Auc- The Arts Council’s sponsorship of cultural programs in tion Gala is scheduled for Saturday, June 13th MARK NIZER 4D… a new dimension in entertainment Ashe County schools continues to enhance students’ and the Arts Council is looking for hosts and education through the arts. During March, nine guests. This is a chance for you to show off Mark Nizer changes the way people view the world, literally - 4D glasses are worn during programs will be offered and are sponsored jointly by your hosting skills by inviting friends and this performance for maximum effect! The impossible is possible; the improbable is proba- the Ashe County Arts Council and local schools. family to join you in celebrating the arts. ble. World champion juggler, award-winning comedian and inventor Mark Nizer brings his Mark Nizer live 4D show to the stage; juggling laser beams and just about any new invention he can A Feast for the Arts is a festive, fun way to support the Ashe County Arts Coun- Sciencesplosion cil. It consists of great dining experiences, an auction to bid on an array of art, imagine. Nizer’s expertly-crafted entertainment showcase with outrageous comedy will March 5 & 6, ACHS events, and adventures, and a gourmet dessert gala you won’t soon forget. It’s a leave you and your family amazed. time of raising funds in support of arts programming for our community and schools. Barter Theatre Players Showtime is 7:30 pm at the Ashe Civic Center Friday, March 6. Reserved seating tickets are available at ashecountyarts.org or The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Your event can be a dinner, brunch, picnic, or cocktail party – however you like by calling the Arts Council, 336.846-2787. Ticket prices are $22 for adults and $5 for students. March 5 & 19, ACHS and ACMS to entertain! You help us raise funds by collecting a minimum $40 donation to the Arts Council from each of your guests. You can host your event anytime in Mark will also be presenting “Sciencesplosion” at Ashe County High School as part of the Arts Council’s school programming. the weeks preceding the Dessert Gala or, as many do, hold your event on the Fun With Energy With Jeff Boyer evening of June 13th. Laws of nature around us March 9 & 10, all 3 Elementary Schools You and your guests will join others at the Dessert Gala starting at 8 p.m. that evening at the Ashe Arts Center in downtown West Jefferson. A sumptuous se- ASHE CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY lection of desserts and beverages donated by some of the High Country’s leading ASU Young People’s Theatre restaurants will be on hand to continue the celebration. An auction is a part of Interactive Pinocchio the Gala evening. The final two chamber music concerts March 19, 24, 26, all 3 Elementary Schools sponsored by the Ashe Chamber Music Proceeds from A Feast for the Arts support gallery exhibits, concerts, festivals, school programs, public art, gallery crawls, and all the other programs you have Society and presented by the Ashe Watch our young people blossom and grow as they come to love. This is an event not to be missed. You’ll have fun, you’ll give your County Arts Council are scheduled for experience the arts! Positive ways to express them- guests an unforgettable evening, and you’ll be providing something of true value selves, creative problem solving, preserving our Surefire to the Arts Council. 2pm Sunday, March 22 and Sunday, traditions, and team building life skills are all If you are interested in hosting or attending a dinner, or would like to learn more The popular WKSK Gary Poe April 5. by-products of active participation in the arts. about Feast, please call the Arts Council at 336.846-2787. Radio Show returns to the stage of the Ashe Civic Center “live” In March the Hayes Faculty Ensemble on Saturday, March 7 with ASHE COMMUNITY SINGERS Surefire Bluegrass Band and features pianist Bair Shagdaron, violist A springtime community chorus is forming under the sponsorship of the Arts Council. Ashe then again on April 11 with Erik Koontz, and clarinetist Soo Goh. Community Singers will begin rehearsals on Monday evening, March 9 under the direction of Bob The Sugarloaf Ramblers. They are all members of the faculty of the Hayes School of Music at Zahner. Accompanist for the chorus is Sylvia Zahner. Rehearsals are Monday evenings at 7:00 pm at West Jefferson Methodist Church. The broadcast begins Appalachian State University. “a little after 11” with the best in bluegrass and old time Ashe Community Singers is open to everyone who loves choral music and who wants to partici- music. Admission is free! What The April concert will feature cellist Ellie pate with a large group of singers; auditions are not required. The repertoire will be a mix of clas- a great way to spend a Saturday Wee and pianist Barry Salwen. Wee is sical, contemporary, Broadway, and popular music; there will be something for everyone! There is morning! a $25 fee to defray the cost of the music. The concert will be presented at 7:30 pm on Friday, May on the faculty of the Hayes School of 22 the Ashe Civic Center and offered free to the public. Music and Salwen is at UNC Wilmington. They will be playing a program that The Ashe Community Singers receives support from the Grassroots Arts Program Grant of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. To reserve your music or for more informa- includes works by Schumann, Bach, and tion, go to ashecountyarts.org or call 336-846-2787. Rachmaninoff. FUND DRIVE Sugarloaf Ramblers Tickets are $18 for adults and $5 for stu- Thanks, arts friends! Your support of our 2019-20 Fund Drive has been terrific! If you haven’t already done so, please take dents. The Ashe Arts Center is located this opportunity to contribute to the ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL in support of school and community arts pro- at 303 School Avenue in West Jefferson. gramming. These contributions are an investment in the arts future of Ashe County. Contributions may be mailed to 303 Barry Salwen and Ellie Wee For information, please contact the Arts School Avenue, West Jefferson, North Carolina 28694. Thanks for your support! Council at 336-846-2787. Please take this opportunity to contribute to the Ashe County Arts Council. o Donor $10-49 Name Phone o Friend $50-299 o Address Patron $300-399 o Attention Woodturners! Amount Pledged Payment Enclosed Benefactor $400-599 Are you currently a woodturner or interested in becoming a woodturner? We are trying to see if there is interest o Sponsor $600-999 among woodturners in the High Country to meet periodically. The meetings would be to meet other turners, share o Special $1000-2499 Send your tax-deductible contribution to 303 School Avenue, West Jefferson, NC 28694. ideas, see other turner’s work, improve skill levels, teach others, etc.If you are interested in meeting other o Angel $2500-4999 woodturners please contact Phil Wylie at [email protected] or call 336-877-1509. ONLINE DONATIONS may be made at www.ashecountyarts.org o Archangel $5000-up! MAY SPRING FEST 2020 Night RANDOM May 23, Art is Super! of the 2020 The May exhibit at the Gallery of the Ashe Spring Fest is here again – and this is the 35th year of celebrating art Spoken 7:30 for Ashe County’s young people! The festive event is scheduled from Word Arts Center promises 9am until 2pm Saturday, April 4 at the Early Learning Center in West pm to be one of the most Jefferson. The Ashe County Arts Council is the sponsor. creative and diverse The theme this year is ART is Super! Hands on activities will allow the children and youth the opportunity to this year! Artists were use their imaginations as they participate in over three dozen art projects including superhero capes, superhero encouraged to “think West Jefferson’s Rainbow Row An evening of poetry and prose read- by Scott Ballard armbands, web weaving, photo booth, face painting and more! There will be a nominal charge of $5 to silkscreen ings by some of Ashe County’s favorite outside the box” and a T-shirt with the festival logo. All other activities are free. writers will be held Saturday, May create works of painting, photos, fibers, and mixed media of any Exhibits will highlight student artwork, and local artists will provide demonstrations in a variety of art forms. 23. The Night of the Spoken Word subject – anything goes – it’s totally Random! Roving entertainment will be offered throughout the day by the Balloon Lady, Magic by Professor Whizzpop, will feature local writers sharing their and the Interactive Theatre of Jef. The talents of Ashe County’s young people will be highlighted with JAM Students, and the dancing feet from April’s School of Dance, Fleet Feet Cloggers, and Dancin’ Debbie’s. favorite selections of original poetry or RANDOM opens April 29 and continues through June 6. The prose with the audience. Ashe County opening reception will be held from 5–7 pm on Friday, May 1. Pizza, subs, cookies, fruit, and drinks will be available for hungry folks in the lobby. Spring Fest is funded in has an abundance of creative writers, Participating artists include Scott Ballard, Irene Bebber, Margaret part by a Grassroots Arts Program Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Blansett, Doug Butler, Marion Cloaninger, Theresa Early Curd, Natural and Cultural Resources, and is sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council. Spring Fest 2020 promises and the Arts Council is pleased to offer a fun day of celebrating the arts. It will entertain you and open your eyes with new them a forum to display their talents. Evalynn Halsey, Susan Jespersen, Leesa Kessell, Kathy Leahey, experiences in the arts. Mark your calendars for a SUPER day of art on April 4. The readings begin at 7:30 pm at the Mike Leonard, Patricia Leonard, Monica Linville, Sequoyah Special thanks to LifeStore Bank & Insurance for their sponsorship of Spring Fest 2020. Ashe Arts Center. Refreshments will Magroski, Katti McGee, Pat Morrison, Lou Nachman, Scot Pope, be available and admission is by dona- Adrienne Sherrow, Colette Shomaker, Linda Dease Smith, Ann tions. For more information, call the Spragens, LaMae Strange, Susan Van Wyk, Carolyn Weckstrom, DAVID HOLT & JOSH GOFORTH Arts Council at 336.846-2787. Dawn Wicklow, Roger Williams, and others. Ashe County Four-time Grammy Award winner Little Theatre STUDIO TOUR – Save the Date! David Holt and rising acoustic music presents star and Grammy nominee, Josh Go- It’s coming up this summer! Mark your calendars for the forth join together to bring to life the Ashe County Studio Tour, August 1-2. joy and spirit of old time mountain Plan your weekend around the Studio Tour! music and stories. Between them they combine the virtuosic sounds of guitar, More details to come in the next issue of Arts/Dates. banjo, fiddle, slide guitar, mandolin, and a world of exciting rhythm instru- MARATHON JAM 2020 ments from hambone (body slapping) Calling acoustic musicians! The fifth annual Ashe County Marathon Jam, sponsored by the New River rhythms, to spoons, stump-fiddle, Chapter of the Military Officers Association, will take place on Saturday, May 16th from 11am to 11pm rhythm bones, jaw harp, and even paper bag. It is a program of songs, at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson. stories and amazing musicianship that will appeal to all ages. March 27-29, 2020 Musicians will play or “jam” for 12 hours. Money is pledged to sponsor a musician either on an Concert time is 7:30 pm at the Ashe Civic Center on Thursday, April 16. hourly basis or for the entire event. Every dollar is donated to Fisher Houses at Ft. Bragg and Camp ASHE CIVIC CENTER LeJeune. (Fisher Houses are the military equivalent of Ronald Ticket prices are $22 for adults and $5 for students. McDonald houses for the civilian population.) Additionally, Reserved seating tickets are available at ashecountyarts. Friday and Saturday - 7:30 pm local veterans will be honored individually, their stories told, org or by calling the Arts Council, 336.846-2787. Sunday - 2:00 pm and then wrapped in patriotic quilts made by the Piecemakers Adults: $18 Students: $5 Quilt Guild of Ashe County. Call the Arts Council for more Thanks to show sponsor 580 WKSK The Farm! Tickets available online at information. Come as a participant or just to listen! #wkskthefarm ashecountylittletheatre.org OLA BELLE REED CALLING THE SONG WRITER’S RETREAT YOUNG AT ART The Arts Council’s annual The Ashe County Arts Council is pleased to present a 2020 exhibit of student artwork, YOUNG AT ART, will be held weekend retreat of songwriting, making music, and cel- April 18 - June 20 March 18 through April 25 in ebrating the work of Ola Belle Reed with the Ola Belle the Gallery of the Ashe Arts Reed Song Writer’s Retreat. The workshops will be Center. This exhibit is open held at the Ashe Civic Center Friday, April 17 through Wordkeepers Salon returns to the Ashe Arts to all youth in Ashe County Sunday, April 19. The Retreat is is open to songwriters of all genres and styles, and all accompaniment Center on April 18 beginning at 4pm with ages five to 18. It is non-com- instruments are welcomed. petitive, and each student may bring at least one work of art. Work writers sharing their latest prose and poetry must be wired and ready to hang, and three-dimensional work must works in five-minute open microphone time be easily installed. The goals of the Retreat are: slots. • to honor Ola Belle Reed as a songwriter, storyteller and humanist who used her craft and art to build Works should be delivered to the Arts Center from 9am until 5pm community and love, Wordkeepers is free and open to the public; Monday, March 16. Start now saving that favorite piece of art and • to connect traditional music and story to contemporary songwriting that builds on that tradition, prepare it for the exhibit! Information and application forms are avail- refreshments are provided. Writers interested • to use Ola Belle’s songs and life as a springboard for teaching songwriting with intention. That able through the schools or at the Arts Center. means your songwriting not only does something for you, but it does something for others. in reading from their work should email Diana Renfro at [email protected] to secure The opening reception for the artists will be held from 5 to 7pm on their first-come, first-served spot on the bill, Friday, March 20. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the show, Instructors Cathy Fink, Alice Gerrard, Marcy Marxer, Tom Paxton, and Jon Weisberger bring a wealth of meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and support our young people. experience in performing, teaching, and songwriting. This team will come together for a concert at 7:30 pm and to receive guidelines for reading. Many of the works are for sale. For more information or an applica- Saturday evening, April 18 at the Ashe Civic Center. General admission tickets are $16. tion form, call the Arts Center at 336.846-2787. A Sunday afternoon concert that features the songwriting material of the retreat participants will begin at ARTifacts Yard Sale & Preview Party 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 19 also at the Civic Center. Admission to the concert is free. The Ashe County Arts Council’s super-duper yard sale, ARTifacts, returns Workshop space is limited to thirty participants; early registration is encouraged. Fee for the weekend is Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18. ARTifacts is a fund-raiser for commu- $300 for adults and $150 for youth participants; a limited number of partial scholarships are available. nity and school programs sponsored by the Arts Council. West Jefferson Early Contact the Ashe County Arts Council to reserve your space; credit cards are accepted. Visit Learning Center is the site of the sale. ashecountyarts.org or call 336.846-2787 for more information, to register, or for tickets to the concert. Donated items of all descriptions are welcome and may be delivered to the Learning Center Gym from 9am until 5pm from April 15 through April 17. The Ola Belle Reed Song Writer’s Retreat is made possible with support from Come Hear NC, a campaign celebrating North Carolina’s rich musical heritage. Learn more at ComeHearNC.com. Furniture, household goods, books, toys, clothing, paintings, and knick- knacks in good condition will be available. You know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s 5 Songwriters in Concert Bluegrass Royalty to Grammy Winners Celebrate the Year of Music in North Carolina treasure!” This year’s sale promises to be the biggest and best ever!

Join singer-songwriter-instrumentalists Cathy Fink, Alice Gerrard, Marcy Marxer, Tom Paxton and Jon Weisberger for an incredible evening Add Friday evening, April 17 to your calendar for the fun Preview Party and Sale beginning at 7pm. For of music on Saturday, April 18 at the Ashe Civic Center. The instructor team for the Ola Belle Reed Song Writer’s Retreat will come together a $5 admission fee, early bird shoppers can gain entry to the sale and get first shot at purchasing the yard for a concert in the round beginning at 7:30. sale items. A Silent Auction will again be featured with some of the “primo” goods waiting to be bid Cathy Fink is the Artistic Director for the Retreat, a Grammy Award winner and internationally known singer-songwriter and instrumentalist; upon. Refreshments will be available. Regular sale hours on Saturday, April 18 are from 8am until 2pm. Alice Gerrard toured extensively with Ola Belle Reed and is in the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame; Marcy Marxer Shop with the Arts Council, get great bargains and support the arts–all in one stop! Call the Arts Council is a Grammy award winner and John Lennon Songwriting Contest Winner; Tom Paxton earned three Lifetime Achievement Awards from the at 336.846-2787 for more information or to donate items. BBC, Recording Academy, and ASCAP; Jon Weisberger is IBMA’s first Songwriter of the Year and an adjunct professor at ETSU. What a line-up of great talent all on one stage! Thank you! Thanks to all of our hard working committee members, our movers and shakers and folks who do General admission tickets are $16 for adults, $5 for students and are available at the door or in advance at ashecountyarts.org or by calling the things for us on a daily basis. Thank you from the Arts Council! Arts Council at 336-846-2787. Bill and Donna Apple, Wesley Barker, Tab Bell, Peggy and Jerry Brandt, Joy Campbell, Theresa Early Curd, Amber Dillingham, Jeff and Linda Dreyer, Dave and Lynne Eastburn, Melissa Fields, Evalynn Halsey, Kathy Howell, Dana Johnson, Diane and Wayne Johnson, Sharon Kasel, John MacConnell, John and Jane Maddocks, Michael Malloy, Becky Marsten, Larry Massey, Edie Miller, Susan and Steve Miller, Judy Morris, Dani Mory, Barb Naser, Ed and Ellie Perzel, Scot Pope, Traylor and Diane Renfro, Barbara Sears, John and Lucy Smyre, Leila Spriggs, Pam Tapp, Tom Truxal and Susan Jespersen, June Weaver, Jim Cathy Fink Alice Gerrard Marcy Marxer Tom Paxton Jon Weisberger Williams, and the ACHS Beta Club volunteers.