CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Friday, Sept 22 - 6:30 PM
Music Makers of the Blue Ridge (Bluegrass Roots) Documentary Screening, Q&A, and Reception
LOCATION: Chestnut Hall in Hot Springs, NC64 S. Spring St, Hot Springs, NC 28743
*Free event - reservations appreciated but not required.
Sunday, Sept 24 - 3:00 PM
Lunsford Weekend Barn Jam with Nicholas Edward Williams & The Harrows: Bob Culver and Hazel Ketchum
LOCATION: Rare Bird Farm | Tug Fork Barn | Spring Creek, NC91 Duckett Top Tower Rd., Hot Springs, NC 28743
*Free event with reservations available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Music Makers of the Blue Ridge (Bluegrass Roots) Reunion
WITH FILMMAKER DAVID HOFFMAN
SEPT 22 & 24, 2023
Rare Bird Farm is thrilled to announce a special reunion of events featuring acclaimed filmmaker David Hoffman. The event will pay homage to Hoffman's groundbreaking documentary film “Music Makers of the Blue Ridge” made in 1965, which captured some of the Appalachian Music taking place in the rural mountains in and around Madison County, NC. The occasion will be a celebration of cultural heritage, music, dance, memory, and community.
In 1965, a twenty-one year old filmmaker, David Hoffman, embarked on a journey to Madison County to create one of the first documentary films on Appalachian Music. The black and white film made for public television followed the musical journey of Bascom Lunsford through the picturesque backroads of Madison, Wilkes and Buncombe Counties. The film, a unique time capsule of history, features renowned musicians such as Obray Ramsey and Ray Lunsford. After being recently rediscovered on YouTube, the film has gained new recognition.
David Hoffman, the talented filmmaker behind "Music Makers of the Blue Ridge (Bluegrass Roots)," has had a remarkable career spanning over four decades. He has crafted numerous films for distinguished platforms such as PBS, The Discovery Channel, A&E, and National Geographic.
Photo of Bascom Lunsford courtesy of the Ramsey Center for Appalachian Studies at Mars Hill University.
Now, 60 years later, at the age of 81, David Hoffman returns to Madison County to screen his iconic film. The screening will take place on Friday, September 22nd at the equally iconic, Chestnut Hall in the quaint town of Hot Springs. Following the screening, there will be an engaging Q&A session with Mr. Hoffman, offering attendees a chance to gain insight into the making of this historic documentary. A reception will follow the screening, providing an opportunity for Mr. Hoffman to connect with the community and relatives of family members and participants who were featured in the film.
The focal point of Mr. Hoffman's 1965 film is Bascom Lamar Lunsford, a key figure in preserving the musical and dance traditions of Southern Appalachia. Lunsford's dedication led to the creation of extensive collections of songs, tunes, and games for Columbia University (1935) and the Library of Congress (1949). Additionally, he founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in 1928, played pivotal roles in other music festivals, and nurtured and encouraged numerous musicians. His legacy is enshrined in the Southern Appalachian Archives at Mars Hill University, which houses a treasure trove of his collections, letters, newspaper clippings, and ephemera.
The weekend finale will be a Barn Jam at Rare Bird Farm's Tug Fork Barn in Spring Creek, NC on Sunday afternoon, September 24th. This special event will feature performances by Nicholas Edward Williams, host of the American Songcatchers podcast, and The Harrows, with Hazel Ketchum and Bob Culver.
Join us for this unforgettable weekend of film, history, music, dance, memory, celebration, and place in Madison County.
All events during the weekend will be free to the public, thanks to the generous support of the Madison Tourism Association who is a proud partner.
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The Madison Heritage & Arts Festival and the Lunsford Festival will happen on Saturday Sept, 23rd in Mars Hill, providing an additional opportunity to experience old time music, dancing and culture.