March 2012 Events in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

March 1

  • Beautiful Blue Sea Falls Hike, sponsored by Swannanoa Valley Museum, Black Mountain, NC. Hike on pristine land to a spectacularly clear stream falling over a 30' high rock face into a deep, dark pool. Meet at 9 AM at Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 East State Street, to carpool to the waterfall. Cost is $35 for museum members and $50 for nonmembers. Registration is required. 828-669-9566.
  • Thursday Jam:  Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, EARLE Theater, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC.  7 - 8:30 pm. Year round, free. Surry Arts Council, 336-786-7998.
  • Bluegrass Music Jam every Thursday night at The Marion Depot, Marion. 7 pm. 
  • Live music at Zuma's, Main Street, Downtown Marshall. 828-649-1647.

March 2

  • Pickin' Up the Pace, Lake Toxaway Community Center, Lake Toxaway, NC. A short ride out of Brevard and a suggested eight dollar donation buys you dinner, music, dancing and a part of a cultural tradition that dates back almost as far as the old mountain ballad the fiddler loves to play. Dinner: 6-7 PM/Music: 7-10 PM. 828-966-4060.
  • Old Fort Mountain Music. 7 pm; Rockett Building, Main Street in downtown Old Fort. 888-233-6111.

March 3

  • Boss Hawg Live, Sugar Mountain Lodge, Sugar Mountain, NC. Enjoy the acoustic sounds of North Carolina High Country bluegrass from 4:00-6:00pm. 828-898-4521.
  • Empty Bowls, John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC. First, select a handcrafted bowl from a collection donated by area potters. Next, fill your bowl with a hearty meal of soup, salad, bread and dessert. Enjoy live entertainment and the company of new and old friends. Take your bowl home with you to keep as a reminder of hunger in our local and global communities. 828-832-2775.
  • Christopher O'Riley piano concert, Diana Worthham Theater, Asheville. 8 pm. Host of NPR's popular show "From the Top."
  • “Spring for Free” Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock Park. 1 - 2 pm. No additional cost with paid Park admission. Join a trail guide in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts for a free guided hike to the tallest waterfall on the east coast—Hickory Nut Falls—at an incredible 404 feet. Along the way, see how spring’s approach is changing the Park’s diverse scenery. Note: If Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to ice melt at the falls, hike will be held on the Four Seasons trail.
  • Saturday Jam:  EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. 9 - 11 am. Year round. Surry Arts Council, 336-786-7998.
  • Merry-Go-Round: EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. 11 am -1:30 pm.  WPAQ hosts the second longest running live radio broadcast in the nation, different guests each week. Year round, free. Surry Arts Council. 336-786-7998.
  • Old-Time Dance with the Slate Mountain Ramblers: 7-8:30 pm, Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, EARLE Theater, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. Year round, $5 for adults, children 12 & under free. Surry Arts Council,336-786-7998.
  • Davidson's Fort Historic Park, Old Fort. Open to the public Saturdays from 10 am -4 pm. A replica is
    being constructed of the original Revolutionary War-era fort built in 1776. 
  • Saluda Mountain Jamboree. Live music and dancing, Saluda, NC.  828-749-3676.

March 4

  • Sugar Bear's Birthday Celebration, Sugar Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain, NC. Join Sugar Mountain Resort's resident mascot, Sugar Bear and his friends for a fun birthday celebration. Activities include the Great Bear Race, a magic show, special treats, cake and ice cream. 828-898-4521.
  • Richard T. Trundy Memorial Sugar Cup Competition, Sugar Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain, NC. A giant slalom competition for participants with at least an intermediate or above ability level. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society in memory of Sugar Mountain's former Director of Operations, Richard T. Trundy. Event registration begins at 7:30am with racing starting at 9am on Big Red. 828-898-4521.

March 8

March 9

  • Hand-Crafted: The Art of Furniture Making, Yadkin Arts Council, Welborn Gallery of the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center, Yadkinville, NC. Runs through April 28th. The exhibit showcases post and rung chairs, rocking chairs, benches, tables, and one of a kind structures' of whimsy. 336-679-2941.
  • Pickin' Up the Pace, Lake Toxaway Community Center, Lake Toxaway, NC. A short ride out of Brevard and a suggested eight dollar donation buys you dinner, music, dancing and a part of a cultural tradition that dates back almost as far as the old mountain ballad the fiddler loves to play. Dinner: 6-7 PM/Music: 7-10 PM. 828-966-4060.
  • Bluegrass at the Rock Concert, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Old Rock School, Valdese, NC. 7pm. Tickets available now. 828-879-2129.
  • Danny Ellis 800 Voices concert, Diana Wortham Theater, Asheville. 8 pm.
  • Old Fort Mountain Music. 7:00pm; Rockett Building, Main Street in downtown Old Fort. 888-233-6111.

March 10

  • The Fiddlers of Madison County, fundraiser concert, Madison Count Arts Center, Marshall, NC. Two shows: 4 pm and 8 pm.  Tickets $20. Get your tickets early--this concert is always sold out.
  • Danny Ellis, An Irishman in America concert, Diana Wortham Theater, Asheville. 8 pm.
  • “Spring for Free” Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock Park. 1 - 2 pm. No additional cost with paid Park admission. Join a trail guide in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts for a free guided hike to the tallest waterfall on the east coast—Hickory Nut Falls—at an incredible 404 feet. Along the way, see how spring’s approach is changing the Park’s diverse scenery. Note: If Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to ice melt at the falls, hike will be held on the Four Seasons trail.
  • Survival Skills Workshop: Basic Wilderness First Aid (1 of 3 in series), Chimney Rock Park. 9 am - noon. Don’t get caught in the wild without knowing basic first aid skills! In part 1 of our Survival Skills Workshop series, learn how to avoid and treat exposure to hypothermia, heat exhaustion, poison ivy, burns, blisters and more. $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders for single workshop; $65 for Adults, $35 for Annual Passholders for all three workshops (includes Park admission for the day).  The Survival Skills Workshop series continues with Edible Plants on Sat., April 28 and Shelter-Building on Sat., June 9.
  • Saturday Jam: EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. 9 - 11 am.  Year round. Surry Arts Council, 336-786-7998.
  • Merry-Go-Round: EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. 11 am -1:30 pm.  WPAQ hosts the second longest running live radio broadcast in the nation, different guests each week. Year round, free. Surry Arts Council. 336-786-7998.
  • Davidson's Fort Historic Park, Old Fort. Open to the public Saturdays from 10 am -4 pm. A replica is being constructed of the original Revolutionary War-era fort built in 1776. 
  • Saluda Mountain Jamboree. Live music and dancing, Saluda, NC.  828-749-3676.

March 11

March 13

  • Diavolo, a company of dancers, gymnasts and actors, Diana Wortham Theater, Asheville, 8 pm. Runs through March 14.

March 14

  • Meet the Maker Spring 2012, UNC Asheville Craft Studies, Asheville, NC. Part of the 2nd Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Blacksmithing Residency. Meet blacksmiths Paige Davis and Lynda Metcalfe. Owen Conference Room (302 Owen Hall) 12:15PM. 828-251-6559.

March 15

  • Flat Rock Playhouse Music On the Rock series featuring the music of Patsy Cline, Downtown Theatre, Tickets $22, Hendersonville, NC. Runs though March 17. 828-693-0731 or 1-866-732-8008.
  • Thursday Jam: Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, EARLE Theater, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC.  7 - 8:30 pm. Year round, free. Surry Arts Council, 336-786-7998.
  • Bluegrass Music Jam every Thursday night at The Marion Depot, Marion. 7 pm. 
  • Live music at Zuma's, Main Street, Downtown Marshall. 828-649-1647.

March 16

  • Pickin' Up the Pace, Lake Toxaway Community Center, Lake Toxaway, NC. A short ride out of Brevard and a suggested eight dollar donation buys you dinner, music, dancing and a part of a cultural tradition that dates back almost as far as the old mountain ballad the fiddler loves to play. Dinner: 6-7 PM/Music: 7-10 PM. 828-966-4060.
  • Old Fort Mountain Music. 7 pm; Rockett Building, Main Street in downtown Old Fort. 888-233-6111.

March 17

  • Boss Hawg Live, Sugar Mountain Lodge, Sugar Mountain, NC. Enjoy the acoustic sounds of North Carolina High Country bluegrass from 4:00-6:00pm. CALL TO CONFIRM 828-898-4521.
  • Opening exhibition of the Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Commemorative Community Quilt, Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Parkway Milepost 384, Asheville, NC.  Events include demonstrations by master quilter Pattiy Torno, who appears in the movie that is shown in the building, demonstrating her remarkable skills.  Another treat will be a performance by Ben Seymour, a Polk County musician and custom instrument maker.  Both will be on site between 1 - 3 pm.  Free event.
  • Fontana Classic Bass Tournament, Fontana Village Resort, Fontana Dam, NC. Runs through March 18th. Join the competition at this Smoky Mountain classic with  first place recieving $2000 in prize money and $1000 for 2nd place. Prize money will also be awarded for 3rd through 8th places and $100 each for the biggest smallmouth. large mouth and spot bass. 828-498-2211.
  • March of the Leprechauns, Historic Downtown Hendersonville, NC. 10:30 am - 6:00 pm. Outdoor music, refreshments from the Southern Appalachian Brewery & a children's playland;  828-233-3216.
  • Flat Rock Playhouse presents Something Wonderful: The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Flat Rock, NC. Wed-Sat 8 pm, Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun 2 pm. 828-693-0731 or 1-866-732-8008.
  • “Spring for Free” Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock Park. 1 - 2 pm. No additional cost with paid Park admission. Join a trail guide in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts for a free guided hike to the tallest waterfall on the east coast—Hickory Nut Falls—at an incredible 404 feet. Along the way, see how spring’s approach is changing the Park’s diverse scenery. Note: If Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to ice melt at the falls, hike will be held on the Four Seasons trail.
  • Saturday Jam: EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. 9 - 11 am. Year round. Surry Arts Council, 336-786-7998.
  • Merry-Go-Round: EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. 11 am -1:30 pm.  WPAQ hosts the second longest running live radio broadcast in the nation, different guests each week. Year round, free. Surry Arts Council. 336-786-7998.
  • Davidson's Fort Historic Park, Old Fort. Open to the public Saturdays from 10 am -4 pm. A replica is being constructed of the original Revolutionary War-era fort built in 1776. 
  • Saluda Mountain Jamboree. Live music and dancing, Saluda, NC. 828-749-3676.
  • Voice of the Blue Ridge: Every 3rd Saturday, 7:30 - 9 pm, EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. Carolina Travelers host an evening of Bluegrass/Old-Time Music with a different guest band each month. Year round, $7 for adults, children 12 & under free. Surry Arts Council, 336-786-7998.

March 19

  • Charlotte's Web, performed for children at the Diana Wortham Theater, Asheville.  Runs through March 20.  10 am and noon performances.

March 21

  • North Carolina Mill History, Susie Wheelis. Textile Study Group, HandMade in America, 5:30 pm.  Join this group and explore information and history of various forms of textiles. jjetson@handmadeinamerica.org or call 828-252-0121, ext 304.

March 22

  • Sagapool in concert, Diana Wortham Theater, Asheville. 8 pm.
  • Music on the Rock Concert Series: Sweet Dreams – The Music of Patsy Cline. Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock, NC. Runs through March 24.
  • Thursday Jam: Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, EARLE Theater, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC.  7 - 8:30 pm. Year round, free. Surry Arts Council, 336-786-7998.
  • Bluegrass Music Jam every Thursday night at The Marion Depot, Marion. 7 pm. 
  • Live music at Zuma's, Main Street, Downtown Marshall. 828-649-1647.

March 23

  • GODSPELL, Old Colony Players, Old Rock School Auditorium, Valdese, NC. Runs through April 1st. Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm & Sunday Matinee at 3pm. 828-879-2129.
  • Pickin' Up the Pace, Lake Toxaway Community Center, Lake Toxaway, NC. A short ride out of Brevard and a suggested eight
    dollar donation buys you dinner, music, dancing and a part of a cultural tradition that dates back almost as far as the old mountain ballad the fiddler loves to play. Dinner: 6-7 PM/Music: 7-10 PM. 828-966-4060.
  • Old Fort Mountain Music. 7 pm; Rockett Building, Main Street in downtown Old Fort. 888-233-6111.

March 24

  • Lunasa Irish acoustic group, Diana Wortham Theater, Asheville. 8 pm.
  • "Civil War Comes to the Mountains" Lecture Series sponsored by the Western North Carolina Historical Association. 2 pm at the Reuter Center on the UNC-A campus, Asheville. Manheimer Room, 102A.  "Guerrilla War and Remembrance" presented by Dr. John C. Inscoe.   WNCHA members may attend free of charge.  A $5.00 donation is requested from non-members.   Reservations may be made by calling 828-253-9231 or by emailing smh@wnchistory.org  Reservations are not required.
  • “Spring for Free” Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock Park. 1 - 2 pm. No additional cost with paid Park admission. Join a trail guide in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts for a free guided hike to the tallest waterfall on the east coast—Hickory Nut Falls—at an incredible 404 feet. Along the way, see how spring’s approach is changing the Park’s diverse scenery. Note: If Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to ice melt at the falls, hike will be held on the Four Seasons trail.
  • Saturday Jam: EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. 9 - 11 am. Year round. Surry Arts Council, 336-786-7998.
  • Merry-Go-Round: EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. 11 am -1:30 pm.  WPAQ hosts the second longest running live radio broadcast in the nation, different guests each week. Year round,. Surry Arts Council. 336-786-7998.
  • Davidson's Fort Historic Park, Old Fort. Open to the public Saturdays from 10 am -4 pm. A replica is being constructed of the original Revolutionary War-era fort built in 1776. 
  • Saluda Mountain Jamboree. Live music and dancing, Saluda, NC.  828-749-3676.

March 28

  • Flat RockPlayhouse presents My Favorite Things: The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Flat Rock, NC. Runs through April 22.  Wed-Sat 8 pm, Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun 2 pm. 828-693-0731 or 1-866-732-8008.

March 29

  • Thursday Jam: Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, EARLE Theater, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC.  7 - 8:30 pm. Year round, free. Surry Arts Council, 336-786-7998.
  • Bluegrass Music Jam every Thursday night at The Marion Depot, Marion. 7 pm. 
  • Live music at Zuma's, Main Street, Downtown Marshall. 828-649-1647.

March 30

  • Bailey Mountain Cloggers Present "As Scene on TV", Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, NC. Runs through April 1st. “As Scene on TV,” is the theme of the show, which is set to take audience members on a trip down memory lane, celebrating the greatest in family television from the past and the present. $10 for adults and $8 for Senior Adults.  Children under six are free.  Group rates are available by request. Located in Moore Auditorium. Showtimes are 7 pm on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, March 31; and 3 pm on Sunday, April 1. 828-689-1113.
  • 3rd Annual Surry Old Time Fiddler's Convention, Surry Community College, Dobson,NC. Runs through March 31st. The convention hosts a variety of events such as a Square Dance, Adult and Youth individual Instrument, Dance, Folk Song and Band Contests, Free Drawings, Cake Walks, 50/50 Cash Drawings, Raffle Items, Instrument and Dance Workshops, Luthier Displays, Jamming, and Dining at The Knight's Grill. 336-755-1771.
  • Pickin' Up the Pace, Lake Toxaway Community Center, Lake Toxaway, NC. A short ride out of Brevard and a suggested eight
    dollar donation buys you dinner, music, dancing and a part of a cultural tradition that dates back almost as far as the old mountain ballad the fiddler loves to play. Dinner: 6-7 PM/Music: 7-10 PM. 828-966-4060.
  • Keigwin + Company, dance and cabaret performance, Diana Wortham Theater, Asheville. 8 pm.
  • Old Fort Mountain Music. 7 pm; Rockett Building, Main Street in downtown Old Fort. 888-233-6111.

March 31

  • 8th Tour de Lure Bike Ride, Old Fort, NC. 828-668-4282.
  • “Spring for Free” Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock Park. 1 - 2 pm. No additional cost with paid Park admission. Join a trail guide in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts for a free guided hike to the tallest waterfall on the east coast—Hickory Nut Falls—at an incredible 404 feet. Along the way, see how spring’s approach is changing the Park’s diverse scenery. Note: If Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to ice melt at the falls, hike will be held on the Four Seasons trail.
  • Backyard Habitats Workshop: Attracting Butterflies, Birds & Bees, Chimney Rock Park. 9 am - noon. Why are butterflies, birds and bees attracted to some plants more than others? Can you believe that native plants are up to four times more attractive to bees than non-natives? Join expert Ron Hoover to learn how to identify the best host and support plants to get your backyard or butterfly garden darting and buzzing with activity! Appropriate for all ages (6+) and levels of experience. $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders; $20 for Youth (ages 6-15), $12 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)
  • Saturday Jam: EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. 9 - 11 am.  Year round. Surry Arts Council, 336-786-7998.
  • Merry-Go-Round:   EARLE Theatre, 142 N Main Street, Mount Airy, NC. 11 am -1:30 pm.  WPAQ hosts the second longest running live radio broadcast in the
    nation, different guests each week. Year round,. Surry Arts Council. 336-786-7998.
  • Davidson's Fort Historic Park, Old Fort. Open to the public Saturdays from 10 am -4 pm. A replica is
    being constructed of the original Revolutionary War-era fort built in 1776. 
  • Saluda Mountain Jamboree. Live music and dancing, Saluda, NC.  828-749-3676.

See April Events