JULY 2024
Tonja Smith
July 27
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Tonja Smith will be signing and selling copies of her books “The Adventures of Bailey, Bleecker, and Banjo: Linville Gorge” and “I Believe I Can,” books 1 & 2 of The Painted Series.
About The Painted Series:
Vibrant, careful strokes of the paint brush combined with simple, repetitive phrases to encourage precocious children doing what they do best – discovering and embracing the world around them, without fear – Tonja captures the heart of the child in her paintings and phrases. The true beauty of the story is that it is also a message that the inner child of every adult needs to hear as well. Tonja reminds us all to continue to be the brave, awe-filled, and persistent people we were as children. The books, and the artwork, are sure to become a treasure for your family.
Rock Creek Ramblers
July 27
2 PM – 4 PM
The Rock Creek Ramblers are a bluegrass/gospel group from Buladean, NC. While the group is new to the Orchard, they are not new to the area. They regularly perform at local churches, festivals, and community events. This group of young musicians is keeping mountain music alive and well.
William Ritter
July 28
2 PM – 4 PM
William plays banjo, fiddle, guitar, and other “string-ed things.” He is particularly interested in old mountain folkways, foodways, humor—eager to swap lies, half-truths, tales, and seeds. William serves as music director for the Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention. William is the founder and owner of Song-to-Seed, which offers programs featuring Appalachian Heirloom Seeds, heirloom songs, and other traditional folkways and foodways.
AUGUST 2024
Good Ol’ Boys
August 3
2 PM – 4 PM
Good Ol’ Boys, from Morganton, is a four-piece long time,
ol’ time music, Orchard favorite. They play and the audience dances. Great time for all.
Randy Flack
August 4
2 PM – 4 PM
A native of Western North Carolina, Randy’s been writing and performing since his early teens. His songs and stories reflect his small-town, Appalachian roots. Whether playing original songs, or those you know and love, Randy has the unique ability to entertain any audience in any venue.
Special Evening Fundraiser
Featuring Terry McKinney
Join us for a special evening of “fun”draising in support of our beloved Orchard Music Program with accomplished local musician, Terry McKinney.
Terry McKinney is a long-time Orchard friend, supporter, and well-known local musician. As an extraordinary singer and songwriter specializing in traditional country music, we look forward to both original songs and popular hits. We’re excited to welcome Terry to the Orchard’s pavilion stage.
The Orchard Music Program offers live, traditional music each weekend from June to October in support of our nonprofit mission to preserve the history, heritage and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our hope is to educate the public about the Appalachian experience so that these important traditions may be carried forward with future generations.
Slight Departure
August 10
2 PM – 4 PM
Slight Departure is a Folk, Americana, and Old Time quintet.
Five-part harmonies and acoustic instruments indigenous
to NC make this group a must-see act.
The Dollar Brothers
August 11
2 PM – 4 PM
The Dollar Brothers provide a high-energy, family-oriented bluegrass stage show. A traditional bluegrass band from Watauga and Ashe County, they’ve been performing Bluegrass for over 25 years, sharing the stage with such luminaries as Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse, The Seldom Scene, Doyle Lawson, The Osborne Brothers, and many others.
Split Rail Bluegrass
August 17
2 PM – 4 PM
When you see the Split Rail show, you’ll get a dose of several types of Bluegrass and a selection of music that’s sure to please no matter what your preference. You’ll also get a dose of gospel and a great mixture of the 1960’s-70’ and 80’s “new classic grass.” Split Rail is a band from South Carolina that loves performing and always has the dance floor full of smiles.
Seth & Sara
August 18
2 PM – 4 PM
With Seth praised on his mesmerizing vocals, guitar, and an ever-evolving suitcase kick, Sara lays down percussion with delicate vocals accompanying their cowboy-inspired tunes. Together, over the past five years, they have traveled to 49 states and all across western Canada, sharing their music,
their stories, and making countless memories and
friends along the way.
The Orchard Book Club
August 21
11 AM
This month’s book is “The Mystery Next Door” and we are excited to welcome the author, Michael Rodney Moore, to our meeting.
Rewind Goodtimz Band
August 24
2 PM – 4 PM
The Rewind Goodtimz Band, an awesome mix of seasoned WNC musicians, returns for more great dance and clap til you drop music. You won’t want to leave the dance floor.
Carolina Bluegrass Style
August 25
2 PM – 4 PM
We’re excited to welcome Carolina Bluegrass Style back to the Orchard for their second performance of the season. Their Bluegrass mix includes classics like Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Rocky Top, and Dueling Banjos and classic country from artists such as George Strait, Hank Williams, George Jones, and more. You will not want to miss their return to the Orchard!
Michael C. Hardy
August 31
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Well-known local author and historian Michael C. Hardy will join us to sign his book Hidden History of the Toe River Valley.
Ruglifters Trio
August 31
2 PM – 4 PM
The Ruglifters play Southern Old Time music, the traditional songs and fiddle tunes of the Appalachian Mountains.In this beautiful Orchard at Altapass setting, you will hear the
Ruglifters in an early traditional setting with fiddle, banjo, guitar, and vocals from the days when folks would roll back the rug in the living room and dance to the music making of friends
and relatives.
September 2024
Special Evening Fundraiser
Featuring Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, & William Ritter
Join us for a special evening of “fun”draising in support of our beloved Orchard Music Program with accomplished local musicians, Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, and William Ritter.
Come and enjoy the history and culture of the region through traditional mountain ballads and stories as you take in the breathtaking views of Altapass.
The Orchard Music Program offers live, traditional music each weekend from June to October in support of our nonprofit mission to preserve the history, heritage and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our hope is to educate the public about the Appalachian experience so that these important traditions may be carried forward with future generations.