Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Events

Scythian plays “old time, good time” Celtic-influenced music. A tale of the arrival of a roving fiddler and all of the town people gathering in a barn to dance the night away is the spirit that has motivated Scythian from the group's inception. Opening the show are the Cabin Creek Boys playing high-energy string band music from the mountains of Southwest Virginia and Northwest North Carolina. For the last 13 years, they have been performing at fiddler’s conventions, square dances, and festivals.

Woody and Marcia McKenzie have been playing together since 1983.The McKenzies’ variety of styles and instrumentation, their strong individual and duet vocals, and their repertoire of lively tunes, unique original songs, familiar ballads, inspiring sing-alongs, and humorous novelty songs, all come together to create an energetic brand of entertainment that appeals to young and old alike. Former members of two clogging groups, they sometimes even incorporate a little “flat-footing” into their performances.

Watchhouse, formerly Mandolin Orange, is an Americana-folk duo featuring Andrew Marlin (vocals, mandolin, guitar, banjo) and Emily Frantz (vocals, violin, guitar). The two weave their Appalachian-steeped folk into their earnest songwriting. Watchhouse’s songs capture audiences through the interplay between storytelling and harmony singing.   (Opener to be announced.) Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for children 12 and younger.

Mac and Hanna Traynham are a father/daughter duo from Floyd County, VA. They play mountain music that was prevalent in the Blue Ridge Mountains before the advent of modern technology. Old songs and “ancient” tunes are Mac’s speciality. Mac is also a well known music teacher and luthier. About Milepost Music Milepost Music brings the the Blue Ridge Music Center to outdoor locations along the Parkway.

Michael Cleveland heard old-time and bluegrass music at local jams and festivals, inspiring him to take up the fiddle at age four. Playing professionally since he graduated from high school, he always dreamed of leading his own band. In 2006, he formed Flamekeeper, a group that has won the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Instrumental Group of the Year award seven times.

The Bouncers from Staunton, Virginia, are favorites at square and contra dances, and other community events. Band members: – Jim Harrington, accordion – Richard Adams, bass and horns – T.J. Crow, mandolin – Bill Wellington, guitar and banjo About Milepost Music Milepost Music brings the the Blue Ridge Music Center to locations along the Parkway.

Amythyst Kiah is a Tennessee-raised singer, songwriter, and musician who brings her unforgettable voice and unique sound to the stage. Her musical style cuts across genres. Kiah’s musical expression and songwriting reflects a raw yet nuanced examination of grief, alienation, and the hard-won triumph of total self-acceptance. Her standout song “Black Myself” earned a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song and won Song of the Year at the 2019 Folk Alliance International Awards.

Gap Civil is a local old-time string band from Sparta, NC. Their music motto is “honor and innovate.” They blend elements of old-time, bluegrass, country, and originals that are sure to get listeners tapping their feet or dancing. Gap Civil members include Lusas Pasley, fiddle, Chris Johnson, banjo and bass, Kyle Dean Smith, on guitar and bass, and Todd Hiat, on mandolin and guitar. About Milepost Music

Gina and Jason Dilg are based in the rolling hills of Southwest Virginia, and play the foot-stomping dance tunes and old country ballads of the American string band repertoire. Both multi-instrumentalists, they love performing for country dances as much as putting on concerts. More About the Artists http://ginaandjason.com/ About Milepost Music Milepost Music brings the the Blue Ridge Music Center to locations along the Parkway.

Jeff Little is an award-winning musician from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With few exceptions, the piano does not play a prominent role in Americana or Appalachian music and is rarely the lead instrument. But Jeff’s music is one of those rare exceptions. The pianist has not only been recognized as a critically acclaimed musician but also a true music innovator. Jeff's Trio includes Steve Lewis on guitar and banjo and Luke Little on mandolin.

Earl White and Adrienne Davis are a married couple who live on a farm in Floyd County, VA. Earl has been a mainstay in the old-time and dance community for more than 45 years. He is known for his syncopated bowing style backed by Adrienne on guitar and banjo. Read more about Earl and Adrienne Earl and Adrienne About Milepost Music

Rissi Palmer's gift lies in reaching across all musical boundaries. While she made her mark in country music, she is equally at home in R&B music, bringing the entire spectrum of popular music to bear on music she calls “Southern Soul.” As a passionate voice for country artists of color and those who have been marginalized in mainstream country music, Palmer has helped shift the musical landscape in a positive direction and has given underrepresented communities a voice with her radio show Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer on Apple Music Country. 

ROOT 2 MUSIC is the musical intersection of Deep South country blues and Celtic/Appalachian fiddle music.  David Frank (guitar, harmonica, vocals) and Nancy Reid (fiddle, vocals) perform traditional and original blues with a distinctive Appalachian flavor.

Luke Mears, from Elkin, NC, blends traditional blues, country, and more into a style all his own that includes both flat-picking and finger-style guitar. With a strong vocal style, he is wise beyond his years in both his lyrics and musical taste. About Milepost Music Milepost Music brings the the Blue Ridge Music Center to outdoor locations along the Parkway.

John R. Miller is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose music has the earthy twang of country, the late-night feel of blues, and the road-worn defiance of rock 'n' roll. Growing up in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, Miller was fascinated with music from a very early age. Starting out playing punk rock on guitar, Miller switched direction during a brief stint in college, discovering traditional West Virginia fiddle music, and taking an interest in folk and country singer-songwriters, such as John Prine, Steve Earle, and Townes Van Zandt. 

Indian Run Stringband, from Blacksburg, VA, is led by Ginger Wagner on banjo and Paul Herling on fiddle. They have been playing old-time music since the 1970’s learning from players like Tommy Jarrell and Albert Hash. The band formed in 2010 and regularly plays square dances and events throughout the New River Valley. More About Indian Run Stringband Indian Run Stringband About Milepost Music