Friday Night Out

During the summer months, the John Campbell Folk School in Brasstown holds free concerts in their open barn.  They feature some local performers as well as booking many musicians from surrounding states. Last night we sat and enjoyed Curly Miller and his wife, Carol Ann Rose, as they performed their own style of great Hillbilly Fiddle music. Their banjos are 100 years old!!!

Curly Miller and Carole Anne Rose play "Extreme" pumped-up rowdy Old Time fiddle and clawhammer banjo, Hillbilly Fiddle Rags, Classic Banjo duets, Celtic, World, and historic music, featuring the duo's unique combination of talents.

The barn was full last night, even though the temperature was still high 80's at 7 PM.  Some listeners sat on the hay bales but most brought their own folding chairs and cold water. You couldn't help but tap your feet and pat your knees to the energetic beat of their music.  I noticed a few women were knitting while they listened to the performance.

inside the open barn

This morning I got on their homepage to read more about Curly and Carol.  They live on a beautiful 40-acre farm located at the headwaters of Sweden creek in the Ozark Mountains of northwestern Arkansas.  They grow certified organic log-grown shitake mushrooms and other edible herbs and flowers.  She is also a programmer and systems analyst and bought the old farmstead back in 1986.  They are truly amazing and talented people.  Check out their link to read about their homestead and their music. Fascinating.

www.theold78s.com/swedencreekfarm/   

A truly relaxing and enjoyable evening.  On June 17 we'll return to the barn for The Blessed Blend, (Native American & Celtic music) our local Native American couple who share their love of drums, flute, dance, language and song and dance.