The Swannanoa Gathering, held every summer in July and August on the campus of Warren Wilson College, just east of Asheville, is a unique series of week-long continuing education workshops in various folk arts, especially the musical traditions of WesternNorth Carolina.
Each year the Swannanoa Gathering offers over 150 classes, with an “open” format that allows students to select their own curriculum from a variety of courses. Enrollment is limited, and the Gathering offers an intimate supportive community experience for students of all abilities.
The brainchild of College President Emeritus Duglas M. Orr, Jr., the Swannanoa Gathering was founded in 1991, and has since served hundreds of musicians of all skill levels. Workshops are held at sites around the campus, including outdoor venues such as the campus pavilion, gardens and patios, and an outdoor amphitheatre.
Classes are taught by a staff of some of the finest performers and teachers in the world.
Childrens’ Programs
We encourage those bringing children aged 6-12 during the Traditional Song, Celtic, and Old-Time Weeks to take advantage of the Children’s Programs. Space is limited, and children must have turned 6 by July 1st to participate.
Youth Scholarships
Each year, the Gathering awards Youth Scholarships for the cost of tuition and housing to a number of promising young musicians and dancers. Several of these scholarships are memorial scholarships named in memory of musicians and staff members who have served as instructors at the Gathering.
2012 Schedule
This summer’s schedule includes:
Traditional Song Week, July 8 -14
Celtic Week, Julyl 15 -21
Old-Time Week, July 22-28
Guitar Week, July 29- Aug. 4
Contemporary Folk Week, July 29 – Aug. 4
Fiddle Week, Aug. 5 – 11
Mando/Banjo Week, Aug. 5 – 11 (New this year)
Swannanoa Gathering Sponsored Concerts
In addition to the summer program, each spring, the Gathering sponsors the Celtic Series of Mainstage Concerts at the Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. 2012 concerts include:
Celtic Series of Mainstage Concerts:
Solas–February 10
Lunasa–March 24
Teada–May 11
The Teetotallers–May 24.