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 Fiddle with William Ritter
Saturday, March 1, 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
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 to 11:30 a.m.
Riparian Provision Company
1408 S. Saunders St., Raleigh
John and Natalya will teach some early bluegrass tunes that John learned from his grandfather and bluegrass pioneer Jim Shumate.
$20 for PineCone members, $25 for general public
More info + reserve your spot
Old-Time Banjo with Laura Boosinger
Saturday, May 17, 10:30 a.m.-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
PAST WORKSHOPS
Old-Time Banjo with Travis Stuart
Saturday, February 22, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Riparian Provision Company
1408 S. Saunders St., 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