Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Session 4.11 Music
Presentation #1 Title
Madison County Music: Preservation, Promotion, and Performance
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
It seems no accident that Brandon Johnson, Hannah Furgiuele, and Clarissa Roberts would cross paths at the birthplace of Bascom Lamar Lunsford, the folklorist and musician recognized widely for contributions in preserving and promoting mountain music and culture. Each a musician with roots in Appalachia, Brandon, Hannah, and Clarissa carry a deep love and commitment to these folk traditions. Their involvement with Mars Hill University, the Folk Heritage Committee, and Madison County Arts Council has opened up doors for each of them, providing opportunities to support and share this rich heritage as they take a seat at the table to discuss the future of mountain music. This panel will incorporate their individual narratives in the context of three important themes: preservation, promotion, and performance. They have learned from masters, Bobby Hicks, Roger Howell, and Arvil Freeman, working to preserve the stories, tunes, and songs unique to the Blue Ridge. As promoters they have been invited to fill key positions in festivals and events in Madison and Buncombe counties that are committed to mountain music. Finally, as performers, they have stepped up to share the tunes and stories they each love. Brandon, Hannah, and Clarissa hope their individual stories will support the wider musical community offering insight and strategy for sustaining traditional music
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Hannah Furgiuele is the director of the Bascom Lamar Lunsford "Minstrel of Appalachia" Festival in Mars Hill, North Carolina. She received her M.A. in Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University in 2010, and B.A. in Environmental Studies and Visual Arts at Oberlin College in 2003. She is a musician in Asheville and a fiddle student of Madison County master fiddler, Roger Howell.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Brandon Johnson is an Instructor of English at Mars Hill College and the director of the Bluff Mountain Festival in Hot Springs, NC. He received his M.A. from Appalachia State University in English with graduate minor in Appalachian Studies and B.A.s in English and Political Science with a minor in Regional Studies from Mars Hill College. He is an award winning mandolin player and plays with Southern Crescent Bluegrass Band in Asheville.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Clarissa Roberts will complete her B.A. in History at Mars Hill University in December of 2014. As a Bonner Scholar, she works as an intern for the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. She is on the Folk Heritage Committee in Asheville, and has studied fiddle with master fiddler, Arvil Freeman.
Madison County Music: Preservation, Promotion, and Performance
It seems no accident that Brandon Johnson, Hannah Furgiuele, and Clarissa Roberts would cross paths at the birthplace of Bascom Lamar Lunsford, the folklorist and musician recognized widely for contributions in preserving and promoting mountain music and culture. Each a musician with roots in Appalachia, Brandon, Hannah, and Clarissa carry a deep love and commitment to these folk traditions. Their involvement with Mars Hill University, the Folk Heritage Committee, and Madison County Arts Council has opened up doors for each of them, providing opportunities to support and share this rich heritage as they take a seat at the table to discuss the future of mountain music. This panel will incorporate their individual narratives in the context of three important themes: preservation, promotion, and performance. They have learned from masters, Bobby Hicks, Roger Howell, and Arvil Freeman, working to preserve the stories, tunes, and songs unique to the Blue Ridge. As promoters they have been invited to fill key positions in festivals and events in Madison and Buncombe counties that are committed to mountain music. Finally, as performers, they have stepped up to share the tunes and stories they each love. Brandon, Hannah, and Clarissa hope their individual stories will support the wider musical community offering insight and strategy for sustaining traditional music
