News

Blue Ridge Roots Revival features free concerts

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 24, 2025

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is partnering with the Jazz Foundation of America to present a summer and fall concert series. Blue Ridge Roots Revival will feature 10 performances throughout Western North Carolina, bringing local and nationally acclaimed artists to local venues. 

The series begins with five shows scheduled in June — the first one 6:30-10 p.m. Friday, June 6, in Old Fort — to kick off its Trails & Trains Festival. The free public show will feature bluegrass and old-time bands, including Zoe and Cloyd, Darren Nicholson, and the Blue Ridge All-Star Band featuring Buddy Melton, Shawn Lane, Colby Laney, Danielle Bishop, Jeff Partin, and Jacob Burleson.

“We are so honored to partner with the Blue Ridge Heritage Area and the Jazz Foundation to host this special event, welcoming the community and visitors back to Old Fort,” said Dr. Jordan Laney, music curator for the Rhythms & Rails Bluegrass Night at the Trails & Trains Festival. “The town suffered significant damage during Hurricane Helene, and this event is one way of communicating to the world that we are open, resilient, and ready for business. We are excited to gather and share our musical heritage as we continue to heal and rebuild together.”

The remaining lineup for June includes three free shows at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, milepost 384 in Asheville:

• June 7 – Sourwood Ridge
• June 21 – Cast Iron Bluegrass 
• June 28 – Travis Stuart & Clarke Williams

A ticketed concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Burnsville Town Center features Rhonda Gouge, Sam McKinney, Kathy Kuhne, Carley Arrowood, & Daniel Thrailkill. For ticket information visit BlueRidgeHeritage.com.