Riddlefest 2011 - February 19th - Burnsville Town Center

Faithful Expressions: Mountain Roots of Spiritual and Gospel Music

Hometown legend Lesley Riddle was the genius behind much of the Carter family's repertoire of old blues, gospel and railroad tunes. This festival celebrates the roots of this music that had its genesis in the remote hollows of the southern Appalachians.

The following workshops are free and open to the public. There is a $10 charge for the evening concert.

• 10 am – noon - Shaped-note Singing and Southern Sacred Music, led by musician and performer, Laura Boosinger

• 1:00-2:30 - Spiritual Roots of Black Gospel Music, led by Tony McNeill, faculty member at Appalachian State University, with examples performed by members of the ASU Gospel Choir, which he conducts.

• 3:00-4:30 - Origins of Southern Gospel Music, led by Dan Boner and Lee Bidgood, faculty members at ETSU. This workshop will examine the evolution of traditional sacred Appalachian music into today’s gospel quartet. Musical examples will be performed by students from ETSU’s unique Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Program.

An evening concert, beginning at 7 p.m., will feature the same performers, including Laura Boosinger, Tony McNeill and the ASU Gospel Choir, and the ETSU Old Time Pride Band and Bluegrass Pride Band.

$10 tickets for the concert may be purchased at the door or in advance at the Burnsville Town Center (828-682-7209).

For more information: The Traditional Voices Group The Lesley Riddle Story

Around the corner from the Town Center is the Town Square office of The Cove at Celo Mountain. Let us take you to Tanglewood Hollow where the beautiful Cove at Celo Mountain is located. Spend time hiking the three miles of manicured trails which wind along Ayles Creek, waterfalls, and trout ponds. Stop off in one of our lean-to's to read, play your own music, or enjoy photography. You will want to see our newest Cabin at Celo, just completed, and Brookhaven, the spec home with upper and lower decks and a screened porch overlooking Ayles Creek. Walk up to the 30' cascading waterfall just up from the home and then end your visit at one of the 4 outdoor parks with cooking areas, fire pits, and handcrafted furniture. The natural beauty of this Blue Ridge area of the ancient Appalachians is even more celebrated than our soul-stirring music. Come enjoy the best of both this weekend. The mountains are calling.