Old Marshall Jail Ballad Swap Comes to Hed Hi Studios in Charleston on Feb 1
Join the Journey. Support the Recovery.
The Old Marshall Jail Ballad Swap, the only recurring monthly ballad swap in the United States, is now on the road after Hurricane Helene floods destroyed its original home in Marshall, North Carolina. Join us to keep this cherished Appalachian tradition alive while supporting recovery efforts for Western North Carolina. Emcee Josh Copus will share updates on the rebuilding process and how you can help make a difference. The journey to recovery is long, and we invite you to join us in celebrating the resilience of Western North Carolina while helping us along the way.
There are only 75 Tickets Available to each of these intimate concerts
MATINEE SHOW - Feb 1, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
Matinee Show: $30
Doors: 1:30 PM
Show: 2:00 PM
EVENING SHOW - Feb 1, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Patron + Meet and Greet Tickets: $75
Includes access to a special reception and meet-and-greet with the Nest of Singing Birds, as well as guaranteed seating. The reception begins at 5:30 PM with free food and drinks, with doors opening and seating starting at 6:30 PM. The show begins at 7:00 PM.
General Admission Tickets: $35
Doors: 6:30 PM
Show: 7:00 PM
The Nest of Singing Birds and Rare Bird Cultural Arts share a living Appalachian tradition to bring attention to Madison County, NC rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helene
Marshall, NC – The Nest of Singing Birds and the Old Marshall Jail, co-hosts of the Old Marshall Jail Ballad Swap, are taking the rich Appalachian ballad tradition on the road to highlight the ongoing rebuilding efforts in Madison County, NC, and the surrounding Western North Carolina region after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
For over two years, the Old Marshall Jail Hotel has been home to the only known recurring traditional ballad swap. Esteemed 7th and 8th-generation ballad singers—including NEA National Heritage Fellow Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, Melanie Rice, and others—have gathered to share the songs and stories of their ancestors, preserving a living tradition. The event, hosted by Josh Copus, who transformed the historic Old Marshall Jail into a vibrant community space, has become a cornerstone of the region's cultural identity.
In October, just one month after Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters ravaged Marshall, the community rallied to hold the beloved ballad swap outside the gutted Old Marshall Jail. Under the glow of string lights and powered by generators, over a dozen singers and more than 100 attendees came together, demonstrating the unbreakable power of community, music, and tradition.
“These songs and traditions have never been more important,” said Josh Copus, emcee for the tour. “In the wake of a natural disaster, we’re reminded of how fragile yet vital these connections are. Marshall isn’t just a town—it’s a family tied together by music and stories. I’m proud to be part of a community that knows how to hold on to what matters while moving forward.”
Donna Ray Norton, a founding member of Nest of Singing Birds, echoed this sentiment: “The Ballad Swap is more than a gathering—it’s the heartbeat of our community. As we rebuild, carrying forward these traditions is essential. This music and these stories keep us connected to one another and to our history. They remind us of who we are.”
In response to the loss of their home venue, The Nest of Singing Birds partnered with Rare Bird Cultural Arts to take their story and songs across the Southeast and beyond. Their first stop was The Grey Eagle in Asheville in November, where more than 300 people gathered to celebrate the music, history, and resilience of Marshall. The tour has since traveled to other esteemed venues, including the Floyd Country Store in Floyd, VA.
On Saturday, February 1st, the singers will bring their tradition to Hed Hi Studio in Charleston, SC, with additional tour dates to be announced. These concerts aim to raise awareness of Marshall's ongoing recovery efforts and share a unique aspect of Appalachian culture. Historians and folklorists such as Alan Lomax and Cecil Sharp once described Madison County’s Sodom-Laurel community as a “nest of singing birds,” a tradition this tour honors and shares. The tour is made possible by the Madison County Tourism Development Association.
“Hed Hi Studio, known for its focus on modern and street art, is also a cultural hub in Charleston, making it the perfect venue for the Nest of Singing Birds,” said Mitchell Davis, board member of Rare Bird Cultural Arts. “We’re excited to share the spirit of Marshall and the resilience of Western North Carolina with new audiences and deeply grateful for the Madison County Tourism Development Association’s vision in supporting this tour.”
The Nest of Singing Birds will also perform at the Folk Alliance International event in Montreal in February, with additional tour dates scheduled for March and April. This journey ensures that the treasured Appalachian heritage continues to thrive, even as the community works to revive and rebuild.
About the Nest of Singing Birds
A Nest of Singing Birds is what English folklorist Cecil Sharp called the Laurel community of Madison County, North Carolina when he traveled there to record ballads in 1916. The current day Nest of Singing Birds is a group of 7th and 8th generation ballad singers from Madison County, NC, who have come together to preserve and share the musical traditions of their Appalachian ancestors. The group is dedicated to fostering a sense of community through song and storytelling, ensuring that the rich history of the region is passed down through generations.
About Old Marshall Jail & Zadie’s
Part art hotel, part museum exhibit, part historic preservation, guests can enjoy modern amenities while they travel through time. Original architectural pieces, artifacts, historic photos and documents are displayed throughout the building to create an immersive storytelling experience. A love letter to our community and the people who have shaped it, and a look into the future we are building together.
About Rare Bird Cultural Arts
Rare Bird Cultural Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based at Rare Bird Farm in Hot Springs, NC, dedicated to preserving the folk arts, music, and culture of the Appalachian region. Through events, performances, and educational initiatives, Rare Bird Cultural Arts fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment that supports the artistic and cultural heritage of South Central Appalachia.