MerleFest Blog
My first MerleFest 2010–one spectacular musical extravaganza: folk, roots, Americana, bluegrass, country, something for everyone. I have so many favorites, I think I’ll just post names and websites. You may decide on your own.
North Carolina, be proud as MerleFest surely represents.
These are the group I actually heard:
Balsam Range
This North Carolina based group brings bluegrass, gospel and country all infused with their beautiful harmonies.
Belleville Outfit
Belleville outfit combines inventive blend of Western Swing, jazz, country, and pop.
The Duhks
Lead Singer is simply awesome.
Rhonda Vincent and The Rage
Taj Mahal
Donna the Buffalo
The Waybacks
Cadillac Sky
The SteelDrivers
This is full throttle contemporary bluegrass, packed with various other elements of country, pop, and soul.
The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
Joey + Rory
Funny and cheeky lyrics.
Dailey and Vincent
Dierks Bentley
Yes, the music is really good, yadda, yadda, yadda. It's just that Dierks is so darn cute.
Sam Bush
Little Feat
Red Molly
The Wilders
Greencards
Scythian
Rousing and raucous, Scythian plays kicked-up Celtic and world music with hints of Gypsy and Klezmer, all infused with a touch of punk-rock sensibility. Take a pair of classically trained dueling fiddlers, toss in a rhythm guitar and the occasional funky accordion, then power it with the driving rhythm of a jazz percussionist, and you've got the ingredients for a show you won't soon forget. Their high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music has one goal in mind; to get people on their feet and dancing. Their repertoire ranges from traditional and contemporary Celtic and folk music to the alluring and dramatic strains of Gypsy and Eastern European tunes, and then crosses back over the border to pick up some good old-fashioned bluegrass licks.
Scythian’s perfomance in the Dance Tent resulted in a RAVE! It was something.
Doc Watson (with Richard Watson, Sam Bush, T. Michael Coleman, Mitch Greenhill, and Jeff Little) Doc Watson was presented an honorary doctorate degree from the Berklee School of Music at MerleFest and he played Elvis.
Steve Martin with The Steep Canyon Rangers
Elvis Costello and The Sugarcanes
Elvis Costello
The Lee Boys and The Travelin’ McCoury’s
Playing together these two groups make one whoppin' big sound.
W. P. A.
WPA is about as close as you'll come to an Americana supergroup. Luke Bulla, Sean Watkins, Greg Liesz, Glen Phillips, and occasionally Benmont Tensch, Sara Watkins, and other guests. Superb musical skill with thoughtful, intuitive songwriting by Phillips and Sean Watkins.
The Avett Brothers
Midnight Jam with Zac Brown
Great songs have allowed Zac Brown Band to rise to the top of the country music world, but it is the amazing live performances and incredible instrumentals that set apart the six man band from the rest of Nashville.
Zac’s sense of humor is an important part of the music and he brought it to the Midnight Jam. I can’t tell you how much fun it was to hear various folk from various groups play and sing together. It was
Larkin Poe
Larkin Poe stared as the The Lovell Sisters, consisting of three sisters and three additional players. Fans of the sister band may be sad to see them go, it’s not as sad as it may seem at first. The oldest sister, Jessica, is attending college now and was recently engaged, leaving little time for traveling with the band. The two younger sisters however, Megan and Rebecca, will continue to perform as Larkin Poe.
Elvis Costello is such a fan he said, "These sisters stole the show, last year."
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
225ºF Encaustic Encounters
225ºF Encaustic Encounters, Boone, NC(all photos: Troy Tuttle)
I have been writing for months about the 225ºF Encaustic Encounters show at the Turchin Center for Visual Arts located on the Appalachian State University campus; well it opened on Friday, November 6, 2009. The attendance, approximately 1700, astounded all artists present.
This show is quite stunning in the Turchin’s cathedral-like space. If you have not had the opportunity to see a large encaustic installation I urge you to make a trip to Boone, NC. You will be greatly rewarded by a jaw dropping show. The show will close on Feb 6, 2010.
Interview with Anna Parker-Barnett of Gallery Minerva, Asheville, NC
I sat down with Anna Parker-Barnett to seek her thoughts on Asheville and its art scene. Here’s what she had to say:
Farmer: “Anna, having recently made the move myself, I’m curious about how you decided to settle in Asheville?”
Parker-Barnett: “Our family made a decision to move to Asheville because it has a year round population, physical beauty and great schools. I was traveling to Los Cabos, Mexico from Hickory and felt we needed to settle into one place as our children neared high school age.”
Farmer: What? Los Cabos?Parker-Barnett: “Yes, I had a furniture, rug, lamp, gallery and design business, The Baja Design Center, that served the Canadian and American market in that area. The Art gallery became the Parker Collection which I sold in 2004.”
“When we made the move to Asheville I decided to focus solely on fine art. In Asheville I have found the warmth, acceptance and support to flourish.” Parker-Barnett goes on to say, “Ashevillians embrace newcomers and have great regard for their regional artists.”
Of her early influences, Parker-Barnett reflects, “My childhood is steeped in the memories of my mother’s design flair; she was young and experimental. Life was like being inside a Steve St. Claire painting; she was very daring with her design sense."
Our discussion touched on some of economic considerations in the local art world we specifically talked about the ECONOMIC IMPACT of the PROFESSIONAL CRAFT INDUSTRY in WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA study. This study has revealed our craft industry as a significant economic engine with an estimated $207,000,000 annual economic impact. “While the economic impact of fine art has not been specifically studied we can surmise that the fine art impact, with so many more outlets, easily surpasses this $207 million figure.” Parker-Barnett further asserts, “So far none of the Asheville galleries have closed during the recent economic downturn.”
When asked what she sees in our arts future, Parker-Barnett passionately reveals her desire to see a visual arts center in Asheville. “Asheville has a sophisticated population who will support a visual arts center downtown. Plus, we have a significant pool of artists right here in WNC. Our artists are highly innovative and creative. The artists strive to be accessible--take the River Arts District and the Downtown Art Walk as examples. A visual arts center would bring more of the artists to downtown, they would then draw more visitors to the Asheville area.”
“We could start by integrating a city guide of galleries that highlights the three main gallery districts, Historic Downtown Asheville, River Arts District and Biltmore Village.”
Farmer: “Is Asheville on the right track?”
Parker-Barnett: “Asheville is moving along with good direction. We offer great variety to art lovers.”
Farmer: “What are your thoughts on running a successful gallery?”
Parker-Barnett: “It is sheer magic when you witness someone’s connection with a painting turn into a need. This keeps me motivated.”
Farmer: “What qualities do you admire or look for in an artist?”
Parker-Barnett: “Confidence without ego, comfort with what they say, professionalism and flexibility--being open to suggestion.”
Farmer: “I’ve been wondering, why the name Minerva?’
Parker-Barnett: “I wanted the gallery to stand on its own, I didn’t want it to be all about me and Minerva is the goddess of wisdom and the arts.”
Free Planet Radio, Jan 30, 2010
"World Music Supergroup" in concert at the Arts Center. Saturday January 30th, at 8:00 pm. Tickets $10 and available by phone (828)649-1301 or online at http://www.madisoncountyarts.com/mcac/
Free Planet Radio, based in Asheville, NC is becoming one of the most exciting partnerships in world music today. Their world-jazz-classical fusion is a trans-cultural canvas that is at times deeply reflective and at other times rhythmically mind-bending.
This ensemble is composed of River Guerguerian, Armenian-Egyptian born in Canada, an award-winning multi-percussionist / composer whose lyrical percussion style earned him a long-standing tenure with Turkish flutist virtuoso Omar Faruk Tekbilek; Eliot Wadopian, a two-time Grammy-award winner, proficient on string and electric basses, a 17 year member of the Paul Winter Consort. He’s also worked with Hal Galper, Glen Velez, and Eugene Friesen; Chris Rosser, an accomplished pianist, composer / producer, renown for his outstanding performances on a variety of indigenous stringed instruments. He studied under the master Ali Akbar Khan.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Fall in Love with Asheville Artists
While the fall leaf change might have been less than spectacular, the art scene in Asheville is full of visual delight. So get out and have a look.
Grant Penny at Asheville Area Arts Council
Graphics Designer, Grant Penny showed exquisitely sparse cut paper collage work at the Asheville Area Arts Council last month. You may still see the work at www.grantpenny.com.
This work is beautiful crafted using handmade Lakota paper to reveal negative spaces; I was completely smitten with his Botanical Silhouettes.
Get in touch with Grant and welcome him to the Asheville Art Scene.
Kathryn Kolb @ The Haen Gallery
Hands down some of the most beautiful photography I have seen. Kolb’s close in framing, composition, distribution of shape and soft focus yields amazing imagery. Her work is not Photoshop manipulated; she waits for the shot. We, the viewers, are greatly rewarded by her patience.
Taiyo la Paix and Heather Allen-Swarttouw at Blue Spiral
Taiyo la Paix brings his full lipped, full hipped and fully freckled anime heroine Twinkle to our full attention. She’s timid, she’s bold, she’s sassy and she’s insecure. Twinkle, what shall we do?
Lots of subtext here, you’ll enjoy deciphering this work.
Heather Allen-Swarttouw’s wonderful boats called to me. The vessels are haunting and sleek, some studded with nails and some filled with glass; each suggests a struggle.
Tuchin Center for Visual Arts
Opening on Friday, Nov 6 is 225ºF Encaustic Encounters. Fourteen artists (including yours truly) who work in wax are featured in this 100+ piece exhibition of encaustic paintings. It's well worth a trip to Boone, NC to see this show. Viewing this much encaustic work in one show is a unique opportunity; you will be surprised by the diversity.
The show runs through Feb 6, 2010.
Carolina Landscapes: Wendy Whitson, Karen Weihs, and Mary Farmer
The Design Gallery will open Carolina Landscapes on Nov 20, 2009. The artists will be on hand to share their Appalachian inspirations. This show will run through Jan 2, 1010.
Grant Penny at Asheville Area Arts Council
Graphics Designer, Grant Penny showed exquisitely sparse cut paper collage work at the Asheville Area Arts Council last month. You may still see the work at www.grantpenny.com.
This work is beautiful crafted using handmade Lakota paper to reveal negative spaces; I was completely smitten with his Botanical Silhouettes.
Get in touch with Grant and welcome him to the Asheville Art Scene.
Kathryn Kolb @ The Haen Gallery
Hands down some of the most beautiful photography I have seen. Kolb’s close in framing, composition, distribution of shape and soft focus yields amazing imagery. Her work is not Photoshop manipulated; she waits for the shot. We, the viewers, are greatly rewarded by her patience.
Taiyo la Paix and Heather Allen-Swarttouw at Blue Spiral
Taiyo la Paix brings his full lipped, full hipped and fully freckled anime heroine Twinkle to our full attention. She’s timid, she’s bold, she’s sassy and she’s insecure. Twinkle, what shall we do?
Lots of subtext here, you’ll enjoy deciphering this work.
Heather Allen-Swarttouw’s wonderful boats called to me. The vessels are haunting and sleek, some studded with nails and some filled with glass; each suggests a struggle.
Tuchin Center for Visual Arts
Opening on Friday, Nov 6 is 225ºF Encaustic Encounters. Fourteen artists (including yours truly) who work in wax are featured in this 100+ piece exhibition of encaustic paintings. It's well worth a trip to Boone, NC to see this show. Viewing this much encaustic work in one show is a unique opportunity; you will be surprised by the diversity.
The show runs through Feb 6, 2010.
Carolina Landscapes: Wendy Whitson, Karen Weihs, and Mary Farmer
The Design Gallery will open Carolina Landscapes on Nov 20, 2009. The artists will be on hand to share their Appalachian inspirations. This show will run through Jan 2, 1010.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Healthy Hedonism
Healthy hedonisim, what's the point? The point is a wonderful meal at Cafe Azalea on Tunnel Road. Here's what I had: Chipotle turkey meatloaf- portabella gravy and olive oil sweet potatoes for $9.99. It was just delicious. The service was delightful, our waiter was knowledgeable and helped my dairy and gluten intolerant lunchmate with her selection. We left with big smiles.
Keep this in mind for lovely fall dining, Cafe Azalea has a nice patio for dining. They also feature local artists. The show changes every two months with an opening recpetion of their yummy apps and local brews. Get on board with this fun event.
While closed on Monday, they serve Sat & Sun brunch.
Keep this in mind for lovely fall dining, Cafe Azalea has a nice patio for dining. They also feature local artists. The show changes every two months with an opening recpetion of their yummy apps and local brews. Get on board with this fun event.
While closed on Monday, they serve Sat & Sun brunch.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sips and Strokes, Birmngham Museum and Gallery Tour, Marcia Wood Gallery Opening
Sips and Strokes
Last fall, Audrey Helm Walter of Cheryl Smith Associates in Hendersonville asked me to be the lead artist for the June meeting of ASID, I agreed and went about my usual business of making art. Then, mid-May, the call came-- it was time for the event!
“Oh no”, I thought, “What will I do?” I’m pretty sure Audrey felt some apprehension as well. I know she was uneasy by my "do not worry we will make this happen attitude", you know, “these are creative people–they will get it”.
The evening was truly fun, I enjoyed the creative energy brought in by each and every participant, Audrey deserves special thanks for her great organizational abilities, our friends at Living Design for the fantastic space, and ASID members for their great enthusiasm.
And to punctuate my point, here’s an email from a happy participant:
Thanks for doing it. I had a terrible day at work that day and the last thing I wanted to do was be around people & "try to paint". But I am so glad I went. I hadn't painted since college and it was such a refreshing outlet for my frustrations that day. Thank you so much for giving us all a reason to be creative. And thanks to Audrey for getting us all together and all the hard work you put into making it happen. It paid off!
Plus, we were noted in the local newsletter:
Divine Living: A Great Experience
Artist Mary Farmer & Designers Painted It Up in Showroom
A "Sips and Strokes" event, hosted by the beautiful furniture showroom, Divine Living, in the Biltmore Square Mall, was the scene recently of a group of interior designers experimenting with brush and palette. Under the supervision of the highly accomplished artist, Mary Farmer, designers discovered another side of themselves in the field of art beyond specifying art for clients' interiors.
While playfully slapping paint on their canvases, a few designers announced that producing extraordinary art, compared to Ms. Farmer's exquisite canvases on hand, was a little more of a challenge than they previously imagined. A new level of appreciation of the talent and skills it takes to produce fine art was the outcome.
This ASID June 25th event, arranged by the new ASID Northwest Design Community co-chairs--- Audrey Helms Walter, Allied ASID, and Talli Allen-Roberts, ASID, included a tour of Divine Living's inspiring line of furniture and accessories. A visit to Divine Living's extensive fabric samples department was well worth the trip, all by itself.
Phyllis Roberts, their gracious host at Divine Living, stated that she welcomed all interior designers and decorators use of the fabric samples department and the furniture showroom to assist their respective clients. Ms. Roberts may be reached at:
Divine Living
Phyllis Roberts
828.670.7737
EMAIL: divineliving@charter.net
Information submitted by:
Audrey Helms Walter, Allied ASID
PH: 828.697.2012
Email: audrey@cherylsmithassociates.com
Summer Guest House
June 26 - August 1, 2009
Summer Guest House is an eclectic gathering of artists mixing it up at a summer happening. Marcia Wood Gallery artists have invited regional artists as their guests to exhibit work in this delightful visual conflation.
Guest Artists are Betsy Cain, Lisa Clague, Lorie Corbus, Mary Farmer, Julio Garcia, Scott Griffin, Rocky Horton, Lance Ledbetter, Mia Merlin, Mary O'Horo, Shana Robbins, Rocio Rodriguez, Ben Steele, Summer Wheat and Cosmo Whyte.
Host Artists are Frances Barth, Amber Boardman, Philip Carpenter, Monica Cook, Mary Engel, Jason Fulford, Marcus Kenney, Alan Loehle, Joanne Mattera, Chris Scarborough and Pamela Sunstrum.
It was such an honor to have been hosted by Joanne Mattera; many thanks, dear friend.
The June 26 opening was held in conjunction with the Castleberry Hill Artstroll, what a nice evening for Atlantans to get out and enjoy art. It was a lot of fun and I caught up with so many of my Atlanta friends. My warmest and special thanks to everyone who came out.
.
Birmngham, Alabama Art Visit
The whole FaceBook connection thing finally has paid off! I met Karen Jacobs, artist and good soul on FB and we made a date to meet at the Birmingham Museum of Art. I have to report that I haven’t set foot in the Bham museum in many, many moons.
If you, like me, have not visited in while, it’s time to make a stop at the Birmingham Museum of Art—it has changed! The collection is pretty substantial with an interesting mix, admission is free, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I had a most interesting conversation with one of the docents while waiting for Karen (turns out she was already there and we were waiting at different entrances). Oh well, I digress…..
The Museum offers 6 collection support groups:
The Friends of American Art, The Asian Art Society, The Photography Guild, The Sankofa Society: Friends of African-American and African Art,The Collectors Circle for Contemporary Art, and The European Art Society. These groups foster growth and development for the museum and for collectors. Special events are scheduled through out the year for each support group, I urge you to check this out. What a great way to connect to your community and to learn more about art and its place in our society.
Birmingham Museum of Art is also looking into expanding; they are bursting at the seams and are in dire need of more space. There is talk of taking over Boutwell Auditorium and restoring its original façade. This would be a great addition to Birmingham’s cultural scene. Personally, I’m of the opinion that Birmingham has great potential in post recession days ahead. Tuck this little plum away.
Here’s a nice gallery outing:
Clay Scot Artworks, Loretta Goodwin Gallery, Matt Jones Gallery, Bare Hands Gallery, Maralyn Wilson, Naked Art, Littlehouse and Monty Stabler.
Birmingham galleries host a myriad of artists, styles, and inventory. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the diversity.
I was unable to visit Bare Hands and Clay Scott as they were both closed on Tues. I did receive a phone call from Phillip Powell of Clay Scot offering to open the gallery for me, I’m so sorry I missed it. Hey Phillip, I’m sorry about those nose prints on your windows.
Last fall, Audrey Helm Walter of Cheryl Smith Associates in Hendersonville asked me to be the lead artist for the June meeting of ASID, I agreed and went about my usual business of making art. Then, mid-May, the call came-- it was time for the event!
“Oh no”, I thought, “What will I do?” I’m pretty sure Audrey felt some apprehension as well. I know she was uneasy by my "do not worry we will make this happen attitude", you know, “these are creative people–they will get it”.
The evening was truly fun, I enjoyed the creative energy brought in by each and every participant, Audrey deserves special thanks for her great organizational abilities, our friends at Living Design for the fantastic space, and ASID members for their great enthusiasm.
And to punctuate my point, here’s an email from a happy participant:
Thanks for doing it. I had a terrible day at work that day and the last thing I wanted to do was be around people & "try to paint". But I am so glad I went. I hadn't painted since college and it was such a refreshing outlet for my frustrations that day. Thank you so much for giving us all a reason to be creative. And thanks to Audrey for getting us all together and all the hard work you put into making it happen. It paid off!
Plus, we were noted in the local newsletter:
Divine Living: A Great Experience
Artist Mary Farmer & Designers Painted It Up in Showroom
A "Sips and Strokes" event, hosted by the beautiful furniture showroom, Divine Living, in the Biltmore Square Mall, was the scene recently of a group of interior designers experimenting with brush and palette. Under the supervision of the highly accomplished artist, Mary Farmer, designers discovered another side of themselves in the field of art beyond specifying art for clients' interiors.
While playfully slapping paint on their canvases, a few designers announced that producing extraordinary art, compared to Ms. Farmer's exquisite canvases on hand, was a little more of a challenge than they previously imagined. A new level of appreciation of the talent and skills it takes to produce fine art was the outcome.
This ASID June 25th event, arranged by the new ASID Northwest Design Community co-chairs--- Audrey Helms Walter, Allied ASID, and Talli Allen-Roberts, ASID, included a tour of Divine Living's inspiring line of furniture and accessories. A visit to Divine Living's extensive fabric samples department was well worth the trip, all by itself.
Phyllis Roberts, their gracious host at Divine Living, stated that she welcomed all interior designers and decorators use of the fabric samples department and the furniture showroom to assist their respective clients. Ms. Roberts may be reached at:
Divine Living
Phyllis Roberts
828.670.7737
EMAIL: divineliving@charter.net
Information submitted by:
Audrey Helms Walter, Allied ASID
PH: 828.697.2012
Email: audrey@cherylsmithassociates.com
Summer Guest House
June 26 - August 1, 2009
Summer Guest House is an eclectic gathering of artists mixing it up at a summer happening. Marcia Wood Gallery artists have invited regional artists as their guests to exhibit work in this delightful visual conflation.
Guest Artists are Betsy Cain, Lisa Clague, Lorie Corbus, Mary Farmer, Julio Garcia, Scott Griffin, Rocky Horton, Lance Ledbetter, Mia Merlin, Mary O'Horo, Shana Robbins, Rocio Rodriguez, Ben Steele, Summer Wheat and Cosmo Whyte.
Host Artists are Frances Barth, Amber Boardman, Philip Carpenter, Monica Cook, Mary Engel, Jason Fulford, Marcus Kenney, Alan Loehle, Joanne Mattera, Chris Scarborough and Pamela Sunstrum.
It was such an honor to have been hosted by Joanne Mattera; many thanks, dear friend.
The June 26 opening was held in conjunction with the Castleberry Hill Artstroll, what a nice evening for Atlantans to get out and enjoy art. It was a lot of fun and I caught up with so many of my Atlanta friends. My warmest and special thanks to everyone who came out.
.
Birmngham, Alabama Art Visit
The whole FaceBook connection thing finally has paid off! I met Karen Jacobs, artist and good soul on FB and we made a date to meet at the Birmingham Museum of Art. I have to report that I haven’t set foot in the Bham museum in many, many moons.
If you, like me, have not visited in while, it’s time to make a stop at the Birmingham Museum of Art—it has changed! The collection is pretty substantial with an interesting mix, admission is free, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I had a most interesting conversation with one of the docents while waiting for Karen (turns out she was already there and we were waiting at different entrances). Oh well, I digress…..
The Museum offers 6 collection support groups:
The Friends of American Art, The Asian Art Society, The Photography Guild, The Sankofa Society: Friends of African-American and African Art,The Collectors Circle for Contemporary Art, and The European Art Society. These groups foster growth and development for the museum and for collectors. Special events are scheduled through out the year for each support group, I urge you to check this out. What a great way to connect to your community and to learn more about art and its place in our society.
Birmingham Museum of Art is also looking into expanding; they are bursting at the seams and are in dire need of more space. There is talk of taking over Boutwell Auditorium and restoring its original façade. This would be a great addition to Birmingham’s cultural scene. Personally, I’m of the opinion that Birmingham has great potential in post recession days ahead. Tuck this little plum away.
Here’s a nice gallery outing:
Clay Scot Artworks, Loretta Goodwin Gallery, Matt Jones Gallery, Bare Hands Gallery, Maralyn Wilson, Naked Art, Littlehouse and Monty Stabler.
Birmingham galleries host a myriad of artists, styles, and inventory. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the diversity.
I was unable to visit Bare Hands and Clay Scott as they were both closed on Tues. I did receive a phone call from Phillip Powell of Clay Scot offering to open the gallery for me, I’m so sorry I missed it. Hey Phillip, I’m sorry about those nose prints on your windows.
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