Where We’ve Been

In 2024, we produced and hosted over 25 concerts and more than a dozen workshops—and loved every moment of it! Since moving to the farm during the pandemic in 2020, we’ve hosted more than 35 free concerts. Last year marked our first foray into ticketed events, and we were thrilled to see how warmly the community embraced it. We’ve proven to ourselves—and to others—that people are more than willing to make the journey to our rural destination for meaningful experiences: listening to incredible music, learning traditional arts and earthskills, and connecting deeply with the land, ourselves, and each other.

We were truly humbled to discover that people traveled from as far as San Francisco, Austin, Chicago, and NYC to see their favorite musicians perform in the intimate, beautiful setting of Rare Bird Farm. Some even assumed they could catch an Uber back to Asheville—luckily, they were able to catch a ride from other concert goers.

Of course, 2024 wasn’t without its challenges. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene was heartbreaking. While Rare Bird Farm was fortunate to sustain only minor damage—like the washing out of a walking bridge and our driveway—the impact on our beloved neighboring communities in Hot Springs, Marshall, Asheville, Black Mountain, and beyond was far greater. Helene also forced us to cancel two of our most anticipated events: the Rare Bird Inclusive Theatre Camp and Bandaloop Tiny Music Festival. Thankfully, both have been rescheduled for next year along with some other exciting inclusive arts programming that we can’t wait to announce in the coming months!

In the wake of Helene, we remain committed to supporting our community heal in the best way we know how: through the arts and music. Below are some projects we’re honored to collaborate on with our creative friends and neighbors.

Support Western North Carolina

Cat Clyde - Live from Rare Bird Farm
This special benefit album features Cat Clyde’s unforgettable performance at Rare Bird Farm in July, with 100% of the proceeds supporting Bounty & Soul in Asheville. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast or prefer digital formats, we’ve got you covered—the album includes a downloadable digital file. Plus, the link features a captivating video of Cat’s performance that you won’t want to miss.

The Resonance Sessions - Live from Marshall
The Resonance Sessions is a powerful collection of live recordings featuring 35 regional musicians, captured in the weathered shell of the Old Marshall Jail following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This album directly supports musicians in Western North Carolina impacted by the storms, with all proceeds going to the Madison County Arts Council for musician recovery grants and Rare Bird Cultural Arts artist residencies. For those without a record player, a digital file is available for download. The link also includes a stunning video trailer of these heartfelt live recordings.

ReString Appalachia
This incredible initiative by American Songcatcher brings together over 200 musicians, instrument makers, nonprofits, venues, visual artists, actors, and media outlets to help musicians affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The mission: to put quality instruments back into the hands of those who lost them, reigniting creativity and resilience across Appalachia.

Traveling Ballad Swap

The Nest of Singing Birds and the Old Marshall Jail, co-hosts of the only recurring traditional ballad swap in Southern Appalachia, are taking this cherished tradition on the road to raise awareness and support for Madison County, NC, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. For over two years, seventh and eighth-generation ballad singers—including NEA National Heritage Fellow Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, and Melanie Rice—have gathered at the Old Marshall Jail to preserve the songs and stories of their ancestors. In the wake of the storm, the Ballad Swap transformed into a symbol of resilience, holding its first post-flood event under string lights powered by generators, proving the enduring power of community and tradition.

Upcoming dates include a performance at Hed Hi Studio in Charleston, SC, on January 31st. Only 100 tickets available so act fast!

From Artist-in-Residence to Vital Team Member

In the spring of 2024, we received an inspiring message from Libby Rodenbough. She wanted to intern at Rare Bird Farm, reconnect with her mother’s Madison County heritage, and collaborate with local musicians. It was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up—and what a journey it’s been since!

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Raleigh-Durham, NC, Libby is an exceptional artist and a true “musician’s musician.” While many know her as the soulful vocalist and captivating fiddler of Mipso, her talents extend far beyond. Libby is a powerful solo artist in her own right and a gifted multi-instrumentalist, seamlessly weaving creativity and care into every project she touches. She’s also been part of incredible bands like Fust, Sluice, and Magic Al, to name just a few.

But Libby’s brilliance doesn’t stop with her music. She’s wise beyond her years, an extraordinary communicator, insatiably curious, and a genuinely inspiring human being. Libby makes hard things look easy and we feel incredibly fortunate to have her officially join the Rare Bird Cultural Arts team. We’re excited for all the creativity, collaboration, and connection she’ll continue to bring.

Where we’re headed

Rare Bird Farm has always been the heart of our creative and connective programming. In the fall of 2024, this vision took flight with the launch of Rare Bird Cultural Arts, now operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The farm will continue its commitment to historical building preservation through Rare Bird Reclaimed, while also focusing on cultivating the land with regenerative practices and planting fruit trees, berries, corn, wheat, willow and medicinal herbs. We’ll continue crafting value-added products and offering our event venue for both private and organizational programs, ensuring the farm remains a place of growth, preservation, and community.

In 2025, Rare Bird Cultural Arts will begin its first full year as a nonprofit with a renewed focus on delivering exceptional cultural arts experiences—both on and off the farm. Look out for our full calendar of events, which will be announced in late March, featuring opportunities to connect, create, learn, and celebrate.