Blues Festival North Carolina Events Are For Music Lovers Of All Ages

By Maryanne Goff


The Tar Heel state each year showcases its rich musical heritage with Blues Festival North Carolina events. The Piedmont sound associated with the region has produced a special legacy. Legendary native sons Monk and Coltrane and other talents such as Max Roach, George Higgs, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, Percy Heath and Billy Taylor have also made rich contributions to American music. North Carolina has much to celebrate every year.

As lovers of this All-American genre know, there are several subgenres within its inclusive repertoire. This variety will be seen in the wide assortment of artists and performances. The variable mixture of regional variations will be presented with gospel, swamp blues, soul, rockabilly and surf music performances in the programs.

The local Piedmont techniques have acquired an international respect with the Rolling Stones introducing this sound to their audience in the 1960s. The group gave the mainstream audience a taste of something different from the known Delta sound. This subgenre is identified by the geography of the Appalachian region. Its artisans, however, can hail from regions beyond its territory. From as far as Maryland, artists are rooted in this style.

The center of this style, since the Great Depression has been Durham. A certain tradition has evolved over the years as musicians were invited to provide entertainment at celebratory events. The result is its temperament is joyful and celebratory. Its sensitivity and delicacy lacks the somberness of the deeper Delta pathos. This style is influenced by a wider repertoire of genres including ragtime, marching bands and country music. The product is a range of musical artistry.

While every musician has brought an individual vision, the fingerpicking style and embrace of other musical influences is shared. The old and new have built a rich legacy for new generations. The depth of local talent and the wide number of musicians who claim to be rooted in this style, there is no shortage of talented players at any venue.

Many of those who come to such events are already familiar with the well known hosts within the state. The major shows take place in a few urban settings, but minor ones are more widely spread out. Online information provides more information about these festivities. From April to October, there is something for everyone.

In May, the Festival Park in Greensboro is the setting for the musical revelry hosted by The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society. The Society also hosts concerts each month providing many opportunities to listen to good music in the city. The Cape Fear in Wilmington, highlights its regional subgenre each third weekend of July. The three day program is chock full of diverse activities to keep attendees in thrall throughout from beginning to end. The Cape Fear Society also sponsors other events to support this musical culture and sustain its endurance.

The greatest showcase is the Bull Durham show held annually every September. Since 1988 the famous musical exhibition remains a magnet for aficionados of great soulful music. Raleigh nearby is also is the location of events sponsored by the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music. Salisbury is the location for the Rowan Society exhibition of local talent in October. Blues festival North Carolina events are enduring attractions for music lovers of all ages.




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