North Carolina’s roots music stock has yielded bumper crops for generations, from Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson to the Avett Brothers and Rhiannon Giddens. Soaring popularity is tied to streaming, yet live performance remains the best way to experience the music in all its variations. Come hear what’s in the air at fall festivals showcasing native NC Grammy winners (Del McCoury, Steep Canyon Rangers) and breakthrough stars (Chatham Rabbits, Watchhouse), plus national touring acts (Rhonda Vincent, Greensky Bluegrass).
Pickin’ & Grinnin’
FALL’S TOP NC ROOTS FESTIVALS
Mountain Song Festival, Sept 5-6, Brevard The Steep Canyon Rangers, who call Brevard home, host the festivities in an open-air auditorium at the edge of Pisgah National Forest Performers include Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Peter Rowan, and Rangers co-founder Woody Platt with wife Shannon Whitworth.
NC Folk Festival, Sept. 12-14, Greensboro. A product of Greensboro’s gig as National Folk
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Festival host, the free downtown event embraces tradition and bold new beats from NC and afar. Settle in with Dawn Landes & Friends and the Chatham Rabbits, the delightful guitar-banjo duo who live on a 65-acre family farm nearby, and enjoy other treats: Sammy Rae and the Friends, Arrested Development and ¡Tumbao!
Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, Oct. 2-5, Pittsboro Hosted by Donna the Buffalo, the
twice-a-year festival is known for its neohippie, family-friendly vibe and musical range. Ample on-site camping (tent, vehicle, RV) adds to the fun For an idea of the TBA lineup, check out previous spring and fall editions.
Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival, Oct 3-4, Raleigh Recasting a decade-old bluegrass festival, this new event broadens its approach to include authentic gospel, ballad singing and other roots music