As Hurricane Helene rampaged through Western North Carolina last September, traditional music was among the cultural treasures it threatened. Popular gathering spots for music-making were damaged or destroyed, and in some cases folks lost beloved instruments to the floods. But like so much else in that region, the music found a way to keep going, and PineCone is happy to play a part. We’ve invited traditional musicians from Western North Carolina to come to Raleigh to teach workshops preserving their skills and stories. Those musicians will also perform opening sets for several of our 2025 Down Home Concerts.
Here’s a look at the workshops offered, with links for more information and to reserve your spot:
Old-Time Banjo with Laura BoosingerSaturday, Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m. to noonPOSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER — new date TBD
John Chavis Memorial Park Multipurpose Room 4
505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh
$20 for PineCone members, $25 for general public
Old-Time Fiddle with William Ritter
Saturday, Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Riparian Provision Company
1408 S. Saunders St., Raleigh
$20 for PineCone members, $25 for general public
More info + reserve your spot
Old-Time Banjo with Travis Stuart
Saturday, March 1, 10:30 a.m. to noon
John Chavis Memorial Park Multipurpose Room 4
505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh
We will learn a few tunes from Western North Carolina banjo players in the 2-finger style. We will also explore the use of classical (gCGBD) tuning for playing waltzes and songs.
$20 for PineCone members, $25 for general public
More info + reserve your spot
Ballad Singing with Donna Ray Norton
Saturday, March 8, 10:30 a.m. to noon
John Chavis Memorial Park Multipurpose Room 4
505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh
$20 for PineCone members, $25 for general public
More info + reserve your spot
Bluegrass Fiddle with Zoe & Cloyd
Saturday, March 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Riparian Provision Company
1408 S. Saunders St., Raleigh
$20 for PineCone members, $25 for general public
More info + reserve your spot