News

Acclaimed old-time players to perform at Cradle of Forestry

Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth will perform at the Songcatchers Music Series Sunday at the Cradle of Forestry in America.

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 19, 2019

Acclaimed bluegrass and oldtime musicians Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth will perform at the Songcatchers Music Series Sunday at the Cradle of Forestry in America. Now in its 17th year, the series is held each Sunday afternoon in July. Concerts take place in the Cradle's covered outdoor amphitheater and move indoors if the weather is stormy.

The afternoon begins at 2:30 with an old-time jam of local pickers, followed by various opening acts from local musicians at 3:15 and the featured artist of the day at 4. The Songcatchers Music Series is an official event of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina, http://www.blueridgemusicnc.com/

Boosinger and Goforth will present a varied set of old-time favorites, originals, a little swing and duet harmonies. They light up a stage with their deep love for the music heritage they both cherish and keep fresh and fun. Both have shared the music of western North Carolina with audiences across the United States and beyond and are actively engaged in inspiring young people to be interested in traditional music.

Boosinger has won glowing reviews wherever she appears. She possesses an "essence of the mountains" spirit that takes you back to the old days when folks huddled around the radio. Her concert performances and recordings have earned for her a well-deserved reputation as one of North Carolina's most talented singers and interpreters of the music of the Southern region.  From discovering the banjo as a college student at Warren Wilson to her current role as director of the Madison County Arts Council and consultant to the Blue Ridge Music Trails, she's a whirlwind of mountain music activity.

Goforth is an acclaimed fiddler, guitar picker and mandolin player from Madison County, N.C. It seems he was born musical, playing piano in church at the age of four and catching the spark of traditional music in the 6th grade after hearing a performance by Sheila Kay Adams. He was "Fiddling Will" in the 2000 film, "Songcatcher," and earned the title of "Master Fiddler" in 2005 from the iconic Fiddler's Grove Festival after winning the competition three times. Goforth garnered a Grammy nomination in 2009 for his collaboration album with David Holt, "Cutting Loose." His musicianship, positive energy and big smile warm stages around the world.

Concert-goers are welcome to arrive early and enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibits, two interpretive trails, the Giving Tree gift shop, and food from the Café at the Cradle, open 11am to 3pm. Some bring cushions for the concrete seating in the amphitheater. The site, including the amphitheater, is wheelchair accessible. Due to the intimate setting, dogs are not permitted into the amphitheater for the concert. The series continues with  Sarah Siskind on July 28. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at The Cradle of Forestry. Admission for all shows is $10.00 regular; $5.00 for youth ages 4-12, America the Beautiful and Golden Age pass holders, and Friends of the Cradle members. The Cradle of Forestry is located on Hwy. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, six miles north of Looking Glass Falls and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information call 828-877-3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.com