Thursday, August 1, 2013

Blues Festival North Carolina Programs Draw Music Lovers Of All Ages

By Maryanne Goff


Each season music lovers head to North Carolina expecting to enjoy celebrations of its musical contribution to an all American genre. At Blues Festival North Carolina showcases there is something for every type of audience. Legendary native artists and the Piedmont sound have made their impression on the national music scene through many decades of history. The sounds of the festival season will be sure to evoke memories of the great musicians hailing from the state.

As lovers of this All-American genre know, there are several subgenres within its inclusive repertoire. This variety will be seen in the wide assortment of artists and performances. The variable mixture of regional variations will be presented with gospel, swamp blues, soul, rockabilly and surf music performances in the programs.

The regional Piedmont style artists have been internationally popular since the Rolling Stones began playing this sound in the late 1960s. Their contribution revealed to mainstream audiences there was more to this genre than the sounds made famous by Delta musicians. Their subgenre refers to the southeastern Appalachians. But its artistic practitioners were not limited by the geographical region even as they were identified by it. Their origins could be as southern as Florida and northern as Maryland.

Durham has been the center of this style since the Great Depression. Over time, it has evolved its distinctive traditions through the artists who often played at dances and other celebrations. As a result, the Delta pathos is largely absent in its more joyful sound. The musical influences in its mix include country music, ragtime and marching bands. Their influence has widened the range of its artistic repertoire.

Each artist has possessed an individual, yet shared common fingerpicking style and an openness to other musical genres. With the depth of local musical talent and the number of musicians who can claim to be rooted in this sound, there is no shortage of artists. Old timers and new names together illustrate the continuing legacy of this enduring heritage.

From the spring thru fall, every music lover has many opportunities to enjoy the offerings. Devotees are already in the know certain regional hosts host the big time events. Most of these are limited to a select number of locations. Minor shows are more widespread and can be presented anywhere in the state. Interested persons should research information online to access greater details about the individual programs.

The first major season affair takes place in the month of May. Every year in Greensboro at Festival Park the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society hosts its annual showcase. In addition, it presents monthly concerts to offer more chances to witness good music within the city. Later in July, the Cape Fear Society highlights the talent of the region during the third weekend in Wilmington. Its program lasts for three days. Each activity filled day will keep attendees involved through the day. Other events are also sponsored by the Society to nurture the tradition in this coastal region.

The greatest showcase is the Bull Durham show held annually every September. Since 1988 the famous musical exhibition remains a magnet for aficionados of great soulful music. Raleigh nearby is also is the location of events sponsored by the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music. Salisbury is the location for the Rowan Society exhibition of local talent in October. Blues festival North Carolina events are enduring attractions for music lovers of all ages.




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