Big Ron Hunter plays the Blue Ridge Music Center

Big Ron Hunter, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has a gift for singing and playing guitar that was passed down and nurtured by his father. He also received tutelage from the late blues great Guitar Gabriel. A workingman who has spent most of his life playing and singing primarily for his own satisfaction, Hunter is now known as the world’s happiest bluesman. Supported by the Music Maker Relief Foundation, Hunter has performed in Belgium, the Lincoln Center in New York, and festivals across the United States. His latest album, The Great Unknown, showcases his pure, raw musical gift.

Martha Bassett was raised on the bluegrass and gospel of her native West Virginia. Classically trained, Bassett is blessed with a crystalline tone, a remarkable range, and sultry delivery. Her performances are known for their emotional honesty and visceral impact and her musical inspiration moves effortlessly through swing, jazz, folk, country, and rock. Regularly seen on stage at MerleFest, Eastern Music Festival, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, and concert venues throughout North Carolina and Virginia, Bassett has opened for Lyle Lovett, Tony Bennett, The Avett Brothers, Squirrel Nut Zippers, and Jim Lauderdale. 

Tickets are $10. Visit www.blueridgemusiccenter.org or call (866) 308-2773, ext. 245.

Since 2013, the Foundation has funded the concert programming at the Blue Ridge Music Center in keeping with the nonprofit’s mission to ensure cultural and historical preservation, along with natural resource protection, educational outreach, and visitor enjoyment now and for future generations. Learn more