FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge is thrilled to present the "Blue Ridge Jamboree: ON THE RISE" showcase of the region's top artists ages 25 and younger on March 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Asheville.

ON THE RISE is hosted by acclaimed musician and storyteller Josh Goforth, a three-time “Fiddler of the Festival” at Fiddler's Grove who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, the Lincoln Center, as well as Carnegie Hall. He currently is on faculty at the Academy for the Arts in Asheville and performs all over the world.

Featured performers include multi-talented Dollywood and Nashville performer Addie Levy, joined by her singer-songwriter husband Eric Pratt; Appalachian Roots, which has opened for Steep Canyon Rangers and Old Crowe Medicine Show; the sibling old-time and bluegrass band Newfound Gap, led by 15-year-old sensation Bayla Davis; and Hightop Mountain Harmony.

“Our mission is to celebrate the ecological beauty and cultural vitality of this Blue Region region we’re all fortunate to call home,” said executive director Julie Whalen. “Part of that involves inspiring our next generation to be caretakers of that heritage. We’re delighted that so many talented young musicians auditioned to be part of this special event.”

Tickets are just $15 at blueridgejamboree.com. All proceeds will support FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge’s Lynn Davis Scholarship program, which provides $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors to pursue college degrees, such as environmental science and cultural studies, that will enhance the Blue Ridge region.

FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge works to enhance the ecological beauty, cultural vitality, and quality of life in communities throughout the Blue Ridge region of North Carolina and Virginia. More information at blueridgefriends.org.