EAGLES. BIRDIES. AIRPLANES. SALOON: continued from previous page

You can’t throw a rock and Executive Assistant Ashley Honeycutt, Technical Director/Head Engineer Phil not hit something musical in Gorey plus a full support crew, Saloon Studios Live has turned it up to 11 and is churning out exceptional live music events showcasing big stars of yesterday, Ashe County today and tomorrow. There’s an air of The Coolest Corner of North Carolina! quiet anticipation within the whole team. And all will attribute that enthusiasm West Jefferson Backstreet Concerts to Mike and Laura Jones. They seem to have nurtured an atmosphere of mutually Discover treats Lansing Blues Festival supportive creative freedom that brings Todd Summer Concert Series out the best in everyone and inspires an unencumbered vision for the possibilities for your Music On The Green ahead. ears, eyes, and soul Christmas In July Saloon Studios Live may not have the Old Time Fiddlers Convention rep of Motown, Apple or Muscle Shoals around every yet…but give them time. Once the New River Blues Festival word gets out across the music industry, mountain Phipps Store Friday Night Jam who knows? And their full special event potential is yet to be realized. As their & Saloon Cantina Concert & Saloon Crowd Concert Crowd Saloon Studio SaloonA Video Studio Livestreaming A Video Livestreaming Dave Mason Dave Mason Peter Rivera Peter Rivera Donovan Murray Donovan In Video Murray Production In Video Production Saloon Studios curve. team agrees, “We’re just getting started.” For more information and upcoming music events, visit www.SaloonStudiosLive.com Or…visit in person! WhereWhere Legends Legends Play Play & Stars & Stars Are AreBorn: Born: Saloon Saloon Studios Studios Live Live By Steve York By Steve York ashechamber.com

ove over Motown! Watch out the great legendary musicians in concert black jack tables, long rustic audience can have the most intimate get real-time, in-person appreciation of those concerts via our Saloon Studios Westworld! West Jefferson, over the years. But he found the actual with saddle bar stools, barmaids, roulette musical experience possible. and a chance to socialize directly with Live YouTube channel. And, by the way, NorthM Carolina has a new wild west concert experience to be sorely lacking. wheel, walk-around balcony with pool Following a few private events in their fans. And the audience gets that we recently produced an incredible music music attraction. And it’s ready to rock the Let’s face it…most live concerts table, lots of authentic artifacts 2017, Saloon Studios Live officially rare opportunity to meet the real people video for the Appalachian Celtic Tribal world of live music concerts, livestream happen in giant venues with thousands and an elevated stage where traveling opened to the public in May, 2018 with behind the great music they came to hear. Rock band from Gatlinburg, Tennessee music performances and western themed of screaming fans. Just to get there, you minstrels and showfolks sing, dance, tell Dave Mason and Steve Cropper. Since Frankly, once you’ve had that experience, called Tuatha Dea. The video for their BANKING ON Reprinted from CML Autumn 2018 issue. attractions. struggle with heavy traffic, crowded stories and entertain a small, spellbound then, performers for 2018 will have you may never want to hassle with song, “Get Along Home,” was shot © 2018 Carolina Mountain Life Magazine, Inc, Linville NC USA It’s called Saloon Studios Live! parking, long walks and even longer lines. audience. Got that picture in mind? included Rick Derringer, Peter Rivera stadium concerts again,” Mike adds. entirely on site here. You can check it out All Rights Reserved. It’s what you get when you cross an And despite expensive tickets, you’re so Well, Mike and Laura have brought (Rare Earth lead), Foghat, internationally “Artists get to enjoy a creative getaway on their website, www.tuathadea.net,” 1860s western town with a professional far back that all you can see are blurry that picture to life. Some 18 years after renowned Celtic bagpiper Eric Rigler, here in this quiet, beautiful mountain adds Donovan. TRADITION recording studio located inside a full- two-inch stick figures on a distant stage. settling down on their 180-acre mountain and Southern Rock superstars Molly setting to write, practice, produce and Along with public music performances sized, Dodge City-type saloon featuring What’s more, unless you have VIP seats spread just off Hwy 221 in West Jefferson, Hatchet—all part of their Legends Series. perform, using our equipment without and audio/video production, Saloon (YOUR MONEY + OUR KNOWLEDGE) legendary bands and rising stars on with backstage passes, there’s no actual Saloon Studios Live was born. The Their Rising Stars Series has begun with the hassle of hauling their own if they Studios is also available for corporate DISCOVER EXCELLENCE ELEVATED. stage live and in concert. But that’s only face time with the performers. Sure…the Joneses have created an authentic old one of country music’s hottest Nashville choose,” notes Entertainment Director retreats, organizational outings, private Nothing compares to the quietness of a cool evening spent gazing out across the a snapshot. This is something you simply concert was great. But, the experience? western town with a giant saloon hall recording artists and Lincolnton, NC Donovan Murray. “Thanks to Mike and parties and advertising or promotional Highlands Union Bank is dedicated to providing our have to see and experience! Now, let’s get back to our story. and a big stage, all outfitted with state- native, Kelby Costner. a recommendation from Dave Mason, videos. For out-ot-town concert ticket majestic mountain landscape, set aglow by golden rays peering down upon the High Country customers with the most knowledgable And, thanks to the vision of Mike Imagine you stepped through a time portal of-the art audio-video recording studios And the best part? “Everyone gets the we had a consultant from Sweetwater holders, there are 30 to 40 beds located signature Jack Nicklaus golf course. Elk River members enjoy many activities such and Laura Jones, inspiration from Mike’s and found yourself stepping back more plus top-of-the-line stage lighting, full VIP treatment here,” notes Laura. “The working with us to assure we can offer within five miles, so ample overnight and staff and best products around! as an equestrian center, fly fishing, tennis and social events. The private airport gifted guitar-playing nephew and the than 150 years. Suddenly you’re standing instrumentation and sound equipment. audience can relax at one of the tables the best recording and sound engineering weekend lodging options are available. urging of legendary musician, Dave in a Westworld type set with a wide dirt In this setting they invite legendary or get up and dance, and it’s all within a system anywhere. The saloon acoustics Plus, there are plenty of restaurants sets Elk River in a class of its own. But what makes Elk River truly special is the Mason—you CAN experience it—both and gravel street flanked on both sides rock bands, solo musicians and rising few feet of a live stage performance. To are phenomenal, and we have complete around West Jefferson for almost any kind www.hubank.com “Elk River is an warm camaraderie our members enjoy with each other every day. Elk River is now live and livestream. But first, a little with hitching posts, a quaint mercantile stars to perform live concerts which are complete that VIP treatment, after the music video production capabilities plus of dining. There’s also a fully equipped exceptional golf course. accepting requests for an exclusive opportunity to enjoy all the club has to offer in backstory: Since early childhood, Mike store, clothier, barber shop and bathhouse, livestreamed over the internet! And, show performers come down from the a full backline of music instrumentation serving kitchen in the Cantina when food But the best work was Banner Elk, N.C. has always loved classic westerns like The blacksmith, local bank, the sheriff ’s office the best part…instead of suffering with stage to mingle with the audience for an available for performing and recording. catering is needed for onsite events. accomplished by nature Outlaw Josey Wales, Rooster Cogburn and jailhouse, the undertaker’s dreaded overcrowded stadium venues, musicians hour or so,” adds Laura. Our front-of-house Studio A offers Today, with the strong team support long before I got there.” Learn more about our Discovery Visit and all that Elk River has to offer. and Gunsmoke. Laura has, too. Mike’s parlor, a cantina and, of course, in the and their fans are up close and personal “That’s part of our deal with the superior sound and four remote cameras of Donovan Murray, Hospitality and other passion has been music, especially center of it all, a grand saloon hall. Yes, in a limited 100-seat western saloon bands, and the musicians love it as much to assure us great live stage concerts in the - JACK [email protected] (828) 898-9773 rock music. He’s known and seen some of that iconic giant saloon, complete with hall where both the performers and the as the audience,” says Mike. “Performers Saloon, plus enable seamless livestreaming continued on next page NICKLAUS DISCOVERELKRIVERCLUBNC.COM As a 501(c)(7) private, member-owned club, Elk River Club membership is limited & by invitation only. 48 — Autumn 2018 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Autumn 2018 — 49 50 — Autumn 2018 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE CMLautumn2018.inddlive! 48 9/4/18CMLautumn2018.indd 8:09 PM 49 9/4/18 8:10 PM CMLautumn2018.indd 50 9/4/18 8:17 PM