Community Calendar

The Pigeon River Messengers band presents
“A Dark Turn of Mind” An evening of Appalachian music, murder ballads, and mysterious tales. Locally sourced spooky crafts fair. Crafters spooky gift basket raffle with proceeds to be donated to a family in need.
Winter Coat drive from 5-9 PM donations to be donated to Mitchell & Yancey county hurricane/flood victims.

Experience the first performance of Tryon Fine Arts Center’s new World Music Series with The Kenya Cultural Quintet. The ensemble will perform in the TFAC Pavilion on Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 pm.

Much as contemporary American music reflects a wide range of genres and artistic styles, drawn from throughout the world, Kenya’s rich choral tradition highlights the humanity and cultural treasures of the country’s diverse, multi-ethnic society.

Singing (either solo or as part of an ensemble) is an integral part of family, school, community and spiritual life throughout Eastern and Central Africa.

Accomplished performers, teachers, composers and arrangers in their own right, members of The Kenya Cultural Quintet have come together to share their talents and to build strong alliances with colleagues and music lovers internationally.

With a repertoire of songs spanning the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial periods, the all-star ensemble takes enthusiastic audiences on a multilayered auditory journey through East African history, culture and society.

Renowned music educator and former President of UNESCO’s International Music Council, Dr. Emily Akuno will be joining the group during their time in Tryon. She added,“…The Kenya Cultural Quintet visit brings to the audience and community a cultural, intellectual and spiritual experience that will give them a taste of Africa.”

The 48th annual Mountain Makins Festival will be celebrated October 26-27 at Rose Center in Morristown.

Mountain Makins is a weekend folk life festival celebrating the traditions of Appalachia. The festival honors the rich traditions of the past, and supports modern interpretations of those traditions. More than just a fine art and craft show, visitors to the family-friendly event enjoy a variety of activities including two stages of mountain music, storytelling, prize-winning dancers, regional authors, children’s activities, and abundant good food.

Two stages of music both Saturday and Sunday feature Americana, bluegrass, and Old Time groups. 50 juried crafters from all over Tennessee and surrounding states bring handmade pottery, woodworking, fiber art, candles, home and holiday décor, soaps and lotions, and much more. 20 demonstrators show traditional handiwork and other elements of Appalachian folklife such as blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, apple butter making, and wood turning. The Showcase of Crafts features the best work of the artists. Preview Party on Friday evening features entertainment, food and advance purchase of the crafts.

The festival is housed in and around Rose Center, an 1892 school building, now a cultural arts center and historical museum. All proceeds support Rose Center and its many arts, historical and educational programs.

Hours for the festival are 10-5 Saturday and 11-5 Sunday. Tickets are $10 adults, $1 children 12 and under are free for those under 6. The Preview Party is Friday, October 25 from 6:30-9pm. Tickets for this event are $35 each and must be purchased in advance.

Rose Center is located at 442 W 2nd North St in Morristown. More information is available at 423-581-4330 or www.rosecenter.org.