Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

The Feed & Seed

This week on Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails, host Laura Boosinger visits the Feed and Seed in Fletcher, North Carolina, a former general store that's become a beloved gathering place for bluegrass music. Founder and pastor Philip Trees shares how the historic building was transformed into a church on Sundays and a free music venue on Friday nights. Known as the "Little Ryman of the Blue Ridge," the Feed and Seed brings together local musicians, nationally known performers, and audiences who share a love of traditional mountain music.
Harper Van Hoy’s Fiddler's Grove

Laura Boosinger digs into the history of Harper Van Hoy’s Fiddler's Grove, where the Ole Time Fiddlers’ Bluegrass Festival got started in 1970. This episode features music by Fiddlin’ Will Byard Ray, Ora Watson, and David Holt.

Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival at 99 Years Old

Laura highlights the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival as it approaches its 99th year, starting with its founder Bascom Lamar Lunsford. It features music from Lunsford, as well as Madison county ballad singer Dellie Norton, and the Luke Smathers band.
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

America 250 and Her Songs

As we celebrate America 250, Laura Boosinger looks back at tunes or songs that we associate with that era.
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

"Soldier's Joy"

Laura Boosinger dives into the history of the fiddle tune classic "Soldier's Joy."
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

The Pioneering Men of the Banjo

Laura Boosinger continues her dive into the pioneers of banjo in North Carolina. This time focusing on the men who still influence banjo players today.
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

Pioneering Women of the Banjo

Laura Boosinger highlights pioneering women of the banjo in this episode of Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails podcast.
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

Steep Canyon Rangers Celebrate 25 years

Jaclyn Anthony

Laura Boosinger features the Steep Canyon Rangers as they celebrate 25 years.
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

The Birth of the Banjo: Part Two

For Laura Boosinger's second installment on the birth of the Banjo she continues her conversation with banjoist, producer, and author Bob Carlin.
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

The Birth of the Banjo

Laura Boosinger talks with banjoist, producer, and author Bob Carlin on the origins of the banjo, from its origins in West Africa to the instrument we know today.
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

Music From the Land of Sky: The 1925 Asheville Sessions (Part Two)

In this episode, we dive into the backgrounds of some participants from the original sessions. It was reported that out of 300 applications, only 25 musicians were chosen for the original Asheville Sessions. Listen to learn about two of those musicians: James Dedrick Harris (fiddle) and Ernest Helton (banjo).
Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails

The Helene Guitar: Luthiers and LEAF Unite

Three luthiers have collaborated to create a guitar, which will be raffled off through LEAF Global Arts at the annual LEAF Festival, taking place from October 16 to 19, 2025. The guitar was crafted from wood harvested from trees that fell during Hurricane Helene.The luthiers:Jayne HendersonKyle Landers Judson RiviereAll proceeds will support the Local Artist ReLEAF Fund, aiding Western North Carolina artists impacted by Hurricane Helene. Learn more at LEAF.org.