Blue Ridge Music Trails: Finding a Place in the Circle

By Fred C. Fussell

Book Overview

The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia are the heart of a region where traditional music and dance are celebrated as nowhere else in America. This book is a comprehensive traveler's guide to discovering the many places where this unique music-making legacy thrives. The book leads readers to more than 160 venues and events filled with bluegrass and string band music, ballad singing, fiddling, shape-note singing, gospel music, clogging, and other traditional forms of music and dance.

Vivid descriptions bring the mountain music scene to life in all its diversity. Nearly 150 color photographs are partnered with the moving words of musicians themselves, allowing readers a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the bearers of this enduring folk legacy. Concise driving directions and up-to-date maps accompany the entries for the events covered, which range from small, local jam sessions to well-known festivals that draw thousands of fans.

An engaging and essential resource for music lovers, this guide invites everyone to experience a great American musical tradition.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080785459X
• ISBN13: 9780807854594
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: University of North Carolina Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A Good Take on Music of the Blue Ridge

I'll begin by saying I'm probably biased in favor of this book right from the start. (My name's in there!) I've known that this project was in the works for some time, although I didn't know what the outcome would be. I got my copy a few days ago and was thoroughly impressed. The book is broken down by regions, all of which follow the Blue Ridge Parkway through North Carolina and Virginia. The musical culture highlights of each of the regions are covered in interesting detail, and often focuses on individuals who have been an important part of the musical heritage of the Blue Ridge. The only downside to the book is that there are a few minor mistakes, such as events or venues being listed in the wrong regions. This is not a major problem, though, unless you actually intend to use it as a "guidebook." In this case it would be advisable to call ahead before making the trip. Hopefully these inaccuracies will be rectified in future editions.I grew up listening to (and playing) bluegrass music and I'm always hungry for any new publications that covers the music I love. This one whets my appetite.