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| 3rd Annual White Squirrel Festival From the music of famed guitarist Marc Yaxley to the soulful bluegrass of The Steep Canyon Rangers, the 3rd Annual White Squirrel Festival promises two days of star powered entertainment in the center of Main Street in downtown Brevard, North Carolina. Music organizer John Felty, of Jupiter Coyote fame, has brought together a great sampling of mountain music that showcases established acts as well as emerging new talent. "My goal for the festival is to provide seasoned veterans, but also to showcase up and coming talent. The White Squirrel Festival is the kind of venue where you can see a band perform for free -- one that in three to four years might be a household name." The current list of musicians includes: Beth Wood Beth Wood grew up in Lubbock, TX, where she was classically trained in piano, violin, harp and voice. After spending two years studying voice and piano at Brevard College in North Carolina, Beth moved on to The University of Texas, where she picked up a degree in Literature and her first guitar. While teaching herself guitar, she joined a band and became part of the Austin music scene. After a few years of playing around Austin in her band, and then in a duo, Beth kissed her day-job goodbye and returned to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina to pursue music full-time. The natural beauty of her surroundings provided inspiration while the supportive community helped Beth to become a standout in the Asheville songwriters’ community. Now an established singer/songwriter, she resides in Arlington, Texas while continuously touring to support her six independent releases. Marc Yaxley Jazz-blues guitar master Marc Yaxley's playing was recently featured on National Public Radio. He has performed jazz, blues and other styles in such Vegas hotels as the Hilton, Desert Inn and MGM Grand. He's opened for jazz great Ramsey Lewis, trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and blues rocker Warren Haynes. He's performed extensively with noted pianist and songwriter Harold Blanchard. He was a featured soloist in the film "Ghost Story." The Biscuit Burners Hailing from the hills of North Carolina, THE Biscuit Burners have established themselves as the complete package for acoustic entertainment. With the combination of their immense talent, diverse backgrounds, and youthful energy, the Biscuit Burners successfully turn the heads of everyone who cross their path. Their self-proclaimed "Fiery Mountain Music" layers intricate picking and melodious vocals in a manner that stirs visions of the classic brother and sister duets that are deep in the roots of classic country and old-time mountain music. Their refreshing, yet reimiscent sound is winning new and diverse audiences as they continue to gain exposure. The Steep Canyon Rangers The Steep Canyon Rangers are young, ambitious musicians: Graham Sharp (banjo, lead and harmony vocals), Woody Platt (guitar and lead vocals), Charles R. Humphrey III (bass and harmony vocals), Mike Guggino (mandolin and harmony vocals), and Nicky Sanders (fiddle and harmony vocals). Their constant touring, intense rehearsing, and most importantly, their creative songwriting sets them apart from the field. With the genre overflowing with young bands, many see Steep Canyon Rangers as the future of bluegrass music. Bonepony With five albums out and a sixth on the way, Bonepony is a festival favorite. Band members Scott Johnson, Nick Nguyen and Kenny Wright will be releasing their new album "Feeling it, " the day before playing the White Squirrel Festival, so die hard fans can get the new release the day of the event. The White Squirrel Festival This family friendly festival began three years ago on Memorial Day weekend. The festival centers around Brevard's famed white squirrels, which purportedly escaped from a circus truck, were captured by a family that later came to Brevard, and were then later released near the downtown. That was back in the 1950's. Today, the white squirrels make up 25% of Brevard's downtown squirrel population, according to an annual census. Many of the squirrels play in open sight on the campus of Brevard College, a short walk from the downtown festival. The festival is sponsored by the Heart of Brevard, a downtown revitalization, non-profit organization, as well as a number of local businesses. Madrid Zimmerman, the organization's new executive director, sees the festival as part of the new economy developing in the region. "Because of the natural beauty of the area's waterfalls and the famed work of local artists, we're attracting cultural tourists that have a wide range of interests and are willing to spend more dollars to explore them." Another festival highlight are the tours. Free shuttles take festival visitors to the Brevard College campus, cameras in hand, where they take pictures of the famed creatures, often to the disbelief of friends and family back home. A self guided walking tour will also be available. In addition, the downtown streets will be closed off to showcase mountain arts and crafts vendors from throughout the southeast. Unique white squirrel collectibles, custom pottery, vintage antiques and hand carved woodwork are just a sampling of the street merchants lined up for this year's event. Extra children's activities are also being planned with the addition of a White Squirrel Village. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |