Calendar - The Orchard at Altapass

ORCHARD CALENDAR FOR 2011

The Orchard is open daily through October, 10:30-5:30 and closed November through April.

The Lunch Wagon is open now Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30-4:30.

(See details on the calendar below - more information to come)

MAY

Sat, May 7 1:00-2:30 Old Hats Band opens the 2011 season with upbeat bluegrass.

3:00 - 5:00 Bernie Burleson and True Blue join in the bluegrass fun to keep the dance floor rocking!

Sun, May 8 1:00-2:30 Billy Constable and Band honors mothers and everyone else with irrepressible foot-stomping bluegrass. Definition: irrepressible: (adj.) impossible to control or subdue! That's Billy!

2:30-4:00 Randy Flack celebrates Mother's Day with songs and great stories!

Sat, May 14 1:00 Special Happening Champion Dulcimer musician Alan Darveaux offers dulcimer lessons for all levels of experience. Click the underlined link to learn more.

1:00-2:00 Ten Broeck with Jim Huskins features Altapass's fine banjo picker, Tyler Biddix.

2:00-2:30 Altapass Foundation Annual Meeting - All Foundation members are encouraged to attend!

2:30-4:00 Common Ground Band continues bluegrass fun with the traditional banjo, guitars, dobro and upright bass.

Sun, May 15 1:00-2:00 Glenn Nance and Lenny Ski tune up their guitars and Lenny's fiddle to start off the new season.

2:30-4:00 Slight Departure keeps folks dancing with a marvelous variety of mountain and folk tunes.

Wed, May 18 1:45-3:15 The Orchard will have a special music program in honor of attendees at the Wildacres Senior Scholars group. All are welcome to come and enjoy the music and the afternoon.

Sat, May 21 1:00-2:00 Tom Sparks and Friends trade old time country songs, highlighting Tom's remarkable bass voice.

2:30-4:30 Bluegrass Mix thrills the audience and the dancers with exciting mountain bluegrass.

Sun, May 22 1:00-2:00 Ray Dellinger and William Ritter bring their old time Appalachian songs and instruments to entertain, interspersed with delightful and mostly true mountain stories.

2:30-4:30 Brian Gurl, Lenny Ski and Friends pack the house with country, jazz, swing, 50's rock, and many more surprises. It is always fun.

Sat, May 28 1:00-2:00 Debbie Phillips and Ronnie Robinson treat the Orchard audience to their first performance on our stage. We are delighted to have them.

2:30-4:30 Terry McKinney and Friends open the season with an amazing stage full of talented folks bringing an afternoon of traditional country music fun.

Sun, May 29 1:00-2:00 Flat-foot / Buck Dance / Clogging Class: Local master flat-footer Paul Anderegg shares the humor, techniques, and the all out fun of this style of dance. "Hands Four" will join the class, consisting of fiddler M Mueller accompanied by pianist Georgie Donovan. This dance band will get your feet moving to Old Time tunes like Old Joe Clark and Sally Ann.

2:30-4:00 Lynda Davis and Band treat us to uplifting musical experiences, with gospel and also great tunes for dancing and just enjoying. Lynda puts incredible energy into her music.

Mon, May 30 11:00-4:30 MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION & COVERED DISH PICNIC Open to the public, live music all day is free. The stage area fills up quickly, so you might want to bring lawn chairs. Admission for the meal is a dish to share OR $10 per meal. The Orchard provides traditional mountain barbecue, water, iced tea and paper goods.

JUNE

BEGINNING JUNE 1 ORCHARD HOURS: Mon, Wed-Sat 10:30-5:30; Sun 12-5:30

The Lunch Wagon will be available for tours and special events upon request.

Wed, June 1 1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks begin the 2011 season's weekday live music. Come and enjoy! Dancing is encouraged.

Thurs, June 2 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney takes the stage each Thursday through September with an array of special guests.

Fri, June 3 1:45-3:15 Mike, Hope and Luke have named their marvelous music group "Altapass." If you've not heard them, give them a chance to charm you.

Sat, June 4 1:00-4:00 Kid Friendly Outing sponsored by the Conservation Trust for North Carolina. Bring the children, grandchildren, the kid next door, or just yourself! Experience the historic Orchard at Altapass, easy hike with a naturalist, eat home-made ice cream, enjoy live music and storytelling, and take a hayride. This will be a family outing to remember for years! CTNC would like to reserve places for your party now. Please e-mail megan@ctnc.org, or call 919-4199, ext. 17.

1:00-2:30 TV Barnett and The Roan Mountain Moonshiners make their first appearance at The Orchard. The Moonshiners are a true Old Time Mountain String Band. TV Barnett says, "We play "get-up-and-go" east Tennessee-style old time mountain music with the fiddle (and sometimes the banjer) cross-tuned."

3:00-4:30 Rambling Rose, from East Tennessee, were "discovered" for us by Alvin Holleman. We have a treat in store for us! Dancers, come prepared.

Sun, June 5 1:00-2:30 AppalachiaSong, featuring Kirk Randleman, Angelina Spencer and Craig Bannerman, bring us a delightful diversity of folk, bluegrass, gospel and popular songs.

1:30-3:30 Special Happening Gloria Houston introduces her newly published and acclaimed book, Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile. Gloria, nationally regarded author, was born in Mitchell County and grew up at Sunnybrook Store, owned and operated by her parents, Myron and Ruthie Houston. You will love her new book.

3:00-5:00 True Blue, with band leader Bernie Burleson, keeps lots of folks on their feet enjoying the up-tempo of the bluegrass music. Join in!

Wed, June 8 1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac know all the very best familiar country tunes. Dancing is very encouraged!

Thurs, June 9 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and his guests keep a lively pace going with favorite traditional country songs.

Fri, June 10 2:00-5:00 Bill and Judy Carson will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary at The Orchard. Friends, please come and join the informal fun by visiting with friends, enjoying finger foods and being entertained by Sherrill Keever of Slight Departure. Please, no gifts. Enjoying friends and family will make the event perfect for Bill and Judy.

Sat, June 11 1:00 Special Happening Alan Darveaux offers dulcimer lessons.

1:00-2:00 Ray Dellinger and William Ritter return with their marvelous mountain stories and incredible old time mountain music with Ray's handmade instruments and William's upbeat fiddle.

2:30-4:00 Bob Lominac and Friends play music that was popular at the old Carolina Barn Dance and are still favorites today.

Sun, June 12 1:00-2:30 Dana and Susan Robinson offer a fine program of a variety of well-loved songs. We welcome them to their first performance at The Orchard.

3:00-4:30 Slight Departure adds to their list of loyal fans every second Sunday at The Orchard. Their mix of danceable music is, indeed, a slight departure from traditional bluegrass and country.

Wed, June 15 1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks continue their weekday country music fun.

Thurs, June 16 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney offers musical programs with special guests.

Fri, June 17 1:45-3:15 "Altapass" offers a fine selection of country and 60's familiar tunes.

Sat, June 18 1:00-2:30 Common Ground Band is returning to The Orchard by popular request. Their May show was very well received by our audience.

3:00-4:30 The Moore Brothers and family will keep the cloggers busy with a delightful, very upbeat presentation!

Sun, June 19 1:00-2:30 BearWallow Bluegrass includes David Wiseman and Friends. We welcome this quartet's first performance at The Orchard.

3:00-4:30 Randy Flack celebrates Father's Day at The Orchard. Dad (and the rest of the family) will love Randy's stories and his fine guitar pickin' and vocals.

Wed, June 22 1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac put on a fine show of familiar country tunes. You are welcome to dance along!

Thurs, June 23 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and his guests will keep your feet tapping!

Fri, June 24 1:45-3:15 Terry Hammond is a very knowledgeable country music historian who has the stories behind your favorite tunes. He encourages you to join in singing along with him.

6:30 PM The Orchard offers a fabulous evening at The Orchard, "Carry Moon Beams in a Jar", benefitting the preservation projects of the Historic Orchard at Altapass. Enjoy a delightful party of friends, fun, music, mini-live auctions, fabulous finger foods and dancing under the stars with Brian Gurl, Lenny Ski and Band. Tickets available at The Orchard now, $50/person ($30 tax deductible). Help Save the Good Stuff!

Sat, June 25 12:30-2:00 Ron and Minnie Powell show their long-time dedication to the traditional music of the mountains.

2:30-5:00 Terry McKinney and Barry Stagg present the best of two exceptional men of music. These incredible vocalists will fill the afternoon with their own unique styles.

Sun, June 26 1:00-2:00 Juniper, with Jasmine Hart and Frances Pisacane present traditional Celtic melodies that are the roots of Appalachian music.

2:30-4:30 Brian Gurl, Lenny Ski and Friends offer their fantastic country, bluegrass, 60's rock, classical, pop, jazz and so much more! Come and enjoy every minute.

Wed, June 29 1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks entertain because they love their music. Enjoy it with them!

Thurs, June 30 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney finishes our June music schedule with country favorites and delightful guests.

JULY

Fri, July 1 1:45-3:15 "Altapass" continues entertaining weekday visitors with tunes that turn back the calendar to the "good ol' days of easy-listening music."

Sat, July 2 1:00-3:30 Special Happening Lisi Szymczyk shows her photography of natural and architectural subjects found in close-by regions. This will be a special treat for those of us who love our glorious mountain settings.

1:00-2:00 The Cole Mountain Cloggers return to keep traditional mountain dance in the spotlight.

2:30-4:30 Bluegrass Mix is one of the very popular bluegrass groups that plays regularly for our audiences.

Sun, July 3 1:00-3:00 Special Happening Steve Buettner displays his photographs of favorite local mountain subjects for all to enjoy. Steve was the overall first place winner in the 2010 Orchard Photography Contest. His photos are on display at The Toe River Arts Council.

12:30-2:00 Bluegrass Traditions, with our long time friend Herman Coffey, offers bluegrass that is truly an important part of our mountain music traditions. Dancers welcome!!

2:30-4:30 True Blue with Bernie Burleson and Debby Young set the scene for upbeat bluegrass that brings the cloggers on the dance floor for fast-paced fun!

Mon, July 4 11:00-4:30 JULY 4 COVERED DISH PICNIC OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Live music all day is free! Admission for the meal is a dish to share OR $10 per meal. The Orchard provides fresh barbecue, water, iced tea and paper goods. You might want to bring lawn chairs.

Wed, July 6 1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac sing the country music they've loved all their lives! Tom began singing in church. Bob was 14 when he sang on The Carolina Barn Dance in Spruce Pine.

Thurs, July 7 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney invites musical friends to join him remembering country music traditions.

Fri, July 8 1:45-3:15 Bonnie Schmink's "Work in Progress Band" plays everything from country to beach music. It is a terrific way to spend an afternoon!

Sat, July 9 Special Happening 1:00 Dulcimer champ Alan Darveaux offers dulcimer lessons.

1:00-2:30 The Wauka Mountain Boys debut at The Orchard with Bluegrass Gospel and more. Their voices blend in joyful music.

3:00-4:30 Common Ground from Marion is a fine bluegrass group that brings dancers to their feet!

Sun, July 10 1:00-2:00 Ray Dellinger and William Ritter combine their talents with guitar and violin telling entertaining mountain stories along with playing old time mountain melodies. Ray makes all his instruments.

2:30-4:00 Slight Departure offers traditional acoustic instruments and vocal renditions of the mountains. They invite dancers to join in.

Wed, July 13 1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks sing music that makes you tap your feet. They encourage you to get up and "Dance Like Nobody's Watching!"

Thurs, July 14 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests entertain with great selections of country favorites.

Fri, July 15 1:45-3:15 "Altapass" are also known as Mike, Hope and Luke. Ask Hope to sing "Summertime." She is phenomenal!

7:30 PM: Nationally acclaimed playwright Jo Carson presents her original play, "Two Charlies," at The Orchard. The story portrays the lives of two local legends, Charlie McKinney and Charlie Silvers. Silver and McKinney family members, don’t miss this incredible work! Tickets: $15 each.

Sat, July 16 1:00-2:30 Lynda Davis shakes up those piano keys and pours out upbeat country favorites. Ask her for "Bill Bailey!"

3:00-4:30 Johnny Ellis croons a great selection of favorite tunes, perfect for lots of dancing!

Sun, July 17 1:00-2:30 Jerry Bowman brings The Old Hats Band. Surely you will not be able to stay in your seat during your favorite dance tunes.

3:00-4:30 Randy Flack is our musical storyteller. Challenge him with requests.

Wed, July 20 1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac know all the very best familiar country tunes. Go ahead and sing along.

Thurs, July 21 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and his guests entertain royally with favorite traditional country songs.

Fri, July 22 1:45-3:15 Ron Powell offers a delightful mix of country, 60's pop, gospel and more!

Sat, July 23 1:00-2:00 Enjoy the incredible bass voice of Tom Sparks.

2:30-4:30 Terry McKinney fills the stage with his talented friends to the great pleasure of the audience.

Sun, July 24 1:00-2:00 Sound Traveler are newlyweds Bob and Patti Tatum. Count how many instruments they play during their program.

2:30-4:30 Brian Gurl with Lenny Ski and an array of talented performers will thrill you with their incredible musical versatility.

Wed, July 27 1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac put on a fine show of familiar country tunes. You are welcome to dance along!

Thurs, July 28 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and his guests will keep your feet tapping!

Fri, July 29 1:45-3:15 Sherrill Keever of Slight Departure puts together a delightful one-man program.

7:30 PM Save the Date: Judy Alexander and Friends gather at the Burnsville Town Center for a delightful presentation of "Christmas in July." Tickets are $20.

Sat, July 30 1:00-2:00 Glenn Nance and Lenny Ski play and sing their favorite tunes for you.

2:30-4:00 Bluegrass Traditions sets the scene for spirited clogging and waltzing!

Sun, July 31 1:00-2:30 Eual Owens brings his band to entertain dancers, country fans and all the Orchard visitors.

3:00-4:30 Amantha Mill treats us to an afternoon of memorable country tunes with her band of fine musicians.

AUGUST

NEW LUNCH WAGON HOURS: Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 11:30-4:30

and available for tours and special events upon request.

Wed, Aug 3 1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks entertain the daytime audience as if they were on Broadway.

Thurs, Aug 4 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney shares stories and songs with special guests.

Fri, Aug 5 1:45-3:15 Altapass offer songs and delightful banter.

Sat, Aug 6 1:00 Special Happening The Second Annual Authors Day! Come and enjoy the wide selection of subjects represented in books by our local writers. Please plan time to visit with each talented author.

1:00-2:30 Doug Gragg and Band start the day with a merry mix of familiar tunes.

3:00-5:00 True Blue keeps the dancers busy and the audience entertained!

Sun, Aug 7 1:00-4:30 The Cockman Family return with the whole family and lots of friends. The first hour gives the younger Cockmans and friends a chance to shine. Next, Grandpa Cockman and the original family members take to the stage. In the final portion the fabulous Cockman Brothers steal your heart with their incredible Gospel harmonies. The Cockman Family has been recently honored with The Community Traditions Award from The North Carolina Folklore Society.

Wed, Aug 10 1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac take center stage for their lucky weekday fans. Come be a part.

Thurs, Aug 11 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney steps back into music history with his "Blue Ridge Opry."

Fri, Aug 12 1:45-3:15 Sherrill Keever entertains with great 60's tunes that will keep your toes tapping!

Sat, Aug 13 1:00 Special Happening Alan Darveaux of "Slight Departure" is a champion dulcimer player. He offers dulcimer lessons here on the second Saturdays of the month.

1:00-2:00 Tom Sparks and Roberta Whiteside are an exceptional duo with Roberta's clear vocal tones and Tom's reverberating deep bass. This is something you really do not want to miss!

2:30-4:00 Bob Lominac and Band offers a wide swath of country tunes, perfect for waltzing and clogging!

Sun, Aug 14 1:00-2:00 Bob Lummus is a western-style crooner with a charm that keeps an audience mellow and happy.

2:30 Special Happening Bob Lummus also sharpens knives with professional equipment. He is on the Pavilion this afternoon ready to get your cutlery into ship shape! Prices are very reasonable.

2:30-4:00 Slight Departure offers a wide selection of tunes, all of them danceable! Each band member adds a special touch to the group's total sound.

Wed, Aug 17 1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks team up each Wednesday for a thoroughly enjoyable musical hour and a half.

Thurs, Aug 18 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney takes the stage each Thursday through September with music and fun with special guests.

Fri, Aug 19 1:45-3:15 Altapass make first and third Fridays very special with wonderful traditional songs you do not hear often at The Orchard.

7:30 PM: Jo Carson's play,"Two Charlies," has been cancelled due to illness.

Sat, Aug 20 1:00-2:00 Dancer Showcase: From the Cotton Mills to the Liquor Stills, this session highlights some of the best flat-foot and buck dancers of Appalachian as they share their hidden stories of Appalachian from the trails of life and their passions. You will meet teachers, promoters, musicians, and craftsmen who all come together showing their amazing dance skills. A moderator will interview each and questions from the audience will be encouraged. A large audience is expected so come early to get a seat. Dancers confirmed for attending the event include: Charlie Burton, Bob Aldridge, Linda Davis, and Robert Dotson.

2:30-4:00 Billy Constable and Band sets a spectacular bluegrass tempo. Billy, a member of the musical Wiseman family, brings cousins to join in filling the room with that Wiseman great old-time stompin' sound!

Sun, Aug 21 1:00-2:30 Ten Broeck Bluegrass brings out all the dancers. Banjo picker Tyler Biddix has been playing at The Orchard since his high school days.

3:00-4:30 Randy Flack is our only single performer act. Randy has been a tremendous supporter of the Orchard since he and Bill Carson did stories and music on a CD named Stories of Altapass. Bill tells the stories and Randy wrote and sang his music to accompany each story.

Wed, Aug 24 1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac put on a fine show of familiar countrytunes. You are welcome to dance along!

Thurs, Aug 25 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and his guests are a delightful experience.

Fri, Aug 26 1:45-3:15 Work in Progress presents an afternoon of good time music for dancers and listeners.

SAVE THE DATE 7:00 PM The Patsy Cline Show at the Burnsville Town Center is raising funds to support the Altapass Foundation that keeps the many fine programs going at The Orchard! This is the entire two-hour fiesta of Patsy Cline music and personality. The show-stopper star is Barbara VanEyken. Tickets: $15 each!

Sat, Aug 27 1:00 Gloria Houston is signing her books at The Orchard. Be sure to see her latest excellent book for children, "Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile." This book and her other works, also available at The Orchard, are true classics!

1:00-2:30 CreekSide Grass joins us for their first appearance at The Orchard. This traditional and gospel Bluegrass Music group has been nominated to the 2011 CMA Awards (Charlotte.) They've played at many of the finest bluegrass venues in the mountains. We welcome them to The Orchard at Altapass.

3:00-5:00 Terry McKinney and many friends present a marvelous traditional mountain Opry!

Sun, Aug 28 1:00-2:30 The Good Ol' Boys with Kenneth Champion, David Pendley, Larry Wiseman and Carla Workman make their first appearance at The Orchard. This group offers fast-moving and delightful bluegrass music.

3:00-5:00 Brian Gurl, Lenny Ski and Friends keep you on the edge of your seat and on the dance floor during this entire very professional musical show. The cast performs year around at many venues.

Wed, Aug 31 1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks - It's music time! Bob and Tom know just about any country song you can name. Test them!

SEPTEMBER

LUNCH WAGON HOURS: Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 11:30-4:30,

and will be available for tours and special events upon request. Beginning Tuesday, September 20, continuing through October, The Orchard will be open

7 days/week, 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM.

Thurs, Sept 1 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and friends share stories and songs with their audience.

Fri, Sept 2 1:45-3:15 Mike, Hope and Luke of "Altapass" put their hearts into their music.

Sat, Sept 3 1:00-2:00 Paul Anderegg gets many folks to try out his flatfoot dance lessons.

2:30-4:30 Becca Eggers-Gryder, Billy Helms, Randy Pasley and John Cockman make up the amazing Amantha Mill Band. Come and enjoy a good time with mountain traditional songs.

Sun, Sept 4 1:00-3:00 Special Happening Steve Buettner displays his photographs of favorite local mountain subjects on The Orchard back porch. Steve was the overall first place winner in our 2010 Photography Contest. We are pleased he is showing more of his work at The Orchard.

1:00-2:30 Eual Owens and Band keep alive many mountain songs.

3:00-5:00 Members of True Blue were one of the first groups to play at The Orchard. We are so glad they've stuck around.

Mon, Sept 5 11:00-4:30 Labor Day Party All day live music is FREE with a different music group playing every half hour. Some folks dance all day long! A barbecue dinner is available along with a fine array of potluck dishes. Cost of the meal? Bring a dish to share OR buy meals for $10/each.

Wed, Sept 7 1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac blend their individual singing styles to royally entertain their audiences.

Thurs, Sept 8 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney is known for his willingness to share his stage. You never know what music makers will show up on a Thursday afternoon.

Fri, Sept 9 1:45-3:15 Ron Powell brings his many musical talents to our weekday programs.

7:30 PM: Special Happening Historian Ted Ledford is presenting an evening program at The Orchard titled, Appalachian Speech: Why People Think We Talk Funny. He will discuss why the speech of mountaineers differ from other parts of the country and how speaking terms of Appalachia are also found in some of Shakespeare’s plays. The program is free to the public.

Sat, Sept 10 Special Happening1:00 Alan Darveaux gives dulcimer lessons. Bring a dulcimer and join in.

1:00-3:30 Special Happening We are very excited to announce that William Mangum, renown North Carolina artist, will introduce his most recent masterpiece, North Carolina Beautiful, at The Orchard. He will be happy to sign a book for you and you will be happy to meet this delightful, and thoroughly phenomenal young artist. The publisher of Our State Magazine, writes: "William Mangum is an artist that captures the beauty, feeling and magic of North Carolina in each of his breathtaking paintings." Mangum will be appearing at the 14th Annual Best of Our State events at the Grove Park Inn in early January. North Carolina Beautiful, with 140 new paintings, is very reasonably prices at $65.

1:00-2:30 Bluegrass Traditions with Herman Coffey offer bluegrass favorites every performance!

3:00-4:30 Johnny Ellis gained his musical "sea legs" entering talent contests on tour ships. He never lost!

Sun, Sept 11 1:00-2:00 Bonnie Schmink and Work in Progress Band adds new flavor to our music schedule with some beach music and an array of foot-tappin' tunes.

2:30-4:00 Slight Departure puts zip in all their music performances. They will make you smile!

Wed, Sept 14 1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks sing the country music they've loved all their lives!

Thurs, Sept 15 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney plays regularly at The Orchard, and works with children in after school music programs.

Fri, Sept 16 1:45-3:15 The musical group Altapass has been a favorite at The Orchard for three years now.

Sat, Sept 17 1:00-2:00 The youthful dancers of The Cole Mountain Cloggers are a delight to watch. They invite the young-at-heart to join them in some dancing fun.

2:30-4:30 Bluegrass Mix comes up from Marion to weave their bluegrass magic for Orchard fans.

Sun, Sept 18 1:00-2:00 Lucy Fresina & Friend also make the trip from Marion to treat us to an hour of happy-listening music. Come welcome them!

2:30-4:00 Randy Flack mixes music, stories and banter with the audience for a delightful afternoon.

Wed, Sept 21 1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac encourage you to get up and "Dance Like Nobody's Watching!"

Thurs, Sept 22 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney brings fascinating and talented local guests to join him for his Orchard programs.

Fri, Sept 23 1:30-2:30 Johnny Ellis entertains our daytime audience with his very versatile voice!

6:00 PM SAVE THE DATE for the Annual Chili Cookoff Fundraiser for the Altapass Foundation. Entertainment is the incredible mountain roots music of Bloodroot, featuring Ellie Hjemmet, Laura Laughridge, Annie Jo Buchanan and Lois Gilbert. Tickets, available at The Orchard, are $15 for guests and $5 for chili cooks. The evening will be filled with luscious foods, fine music, surprises and fun! You will have a chance to vote for your favorite chili.

Sat, Sept 24 Special Happening 1:00-3:30 Jann Welch and ArtsCentered bring adult and youth pottery students to the Orchard pavilion to demonstrate making functional clay wares. Also, a clay play table will be set up for both adults and kids to get their hands in the fun. Works of the students will be offered for sale. This is a "delightful experience" occasion!

1:00-2:30 Lynda Davis makes the piano dance. She brings a marvelous mix of energetic country songs, beautiful ballads and traditional gospel.

3:00-5:00 Terry McKinney is our very own talent scout, bringing to the stage a wide variety of musicians and other intriguing guests.

Sun, Sept 25 1:00-2:00 Glenn Nance and Lenny Ski combine vocals, guitar and violin to make a fine hour of entertainment.

2:30-4:30 Brian Gurl, Lenny Ski & Friends delight our audiences with an incredible display of fabulous talents.

Wed, Sept 28 1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks know all the very best familiar country tunes. Go ahead and sing along

6:00-8:30 The Overmountain Victory Trail marchers are honored with a dinner at the Orchard. The public is invited to be guests and enjoy stories and skits by the marchers. Tickets are $10.

Thurs, Sept 29 1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney is his very own Mountain Opry!

Fri, Sept 30 1:45-3:15 Harmonica player Alvin Holleman will entertain. This Friday is the final weekday for music programs at the Orchard this season. We will have weekend music in October on our outdoor pavilion until the last weekend, Oct. 29 & 30, when the closing performances will be on the stage inside the red building.

OCTOBER

OPEN DAILY, 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM.

LUNCH WAGON HOURS: Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 11:30-4:30, and will be available for tours and special events upon request.

Sat, Oct 1 1:00-2:30 Common Ground, an incredible bluegrass band, will keep your feet tapping on the Orchard Pavilion.

3:00-4:30 Bob Lummus plays guitar and sings. Audience, be ready for a pleasant afternoon of western-style singing, and lots of dancing.

Sun, Oct 2 1:00-2:30 Ron & Minnie Powell and Friends offer familiar tunes that rekindle great memories.

3:00-5:00 True Blue, with Bernie Burleson, Debbie Young and band, offer upbeat music that keeps the dancers on the floor.

Sat, Oct 8 1:00-2:30 The Good Ol’ Boys Band will keep a smile on your face while your feet are tapping to bluegrass!

2:00-3:30 The Orchard is pleased to host Elizabeth Hunter’s Annual Monarch Butterfly Program. Free for the public, children will be invited to tag and release monarch butterflies for their annual migratory trip to the mountains of Mexico. Elizabeth will be available to answer questions about monarchs, including, "Why did we not see many monarchs this summer?

3:00-4:30 Doug Gragg and Band bring original works sprinkled among traditional country ballads.

Sun, Oct 9 1:00-2:00 Dana & Susan Robinson bring olde time music and songs from Marshall.

2:30-4:00 We welcome CreekSide Grass, a well-known traditional and gospel bluegrass music group that has been nominated to the 2011 CMA Awards (Charlotte.) They’ve played at many of the finest bluegrass spots in the mountains, and we are delighted to have them count The Orchard among their venues.

Sat, Oct 15 Performances are on the stage, inside the main building for the rest of the season.

1:00-2:30 Ten Broeck appears with Jim Huskins leading his group with amusing stories and a great variety of bluegrass tunes.

3:00-4:30 Bob Lominac and friends keep alive a delightful collection of fine ol’ country songs.

Sun, Oct 16 1:00-2:00 Sherrill Keever offers a variety of tunes and stories.

2:30-4:00 Randy Flack returns with his collection of "story songs" and banter with the audience. Sat, Oct 22 1:00-2:30 Bluegrass band Bearwallow keeps the audience warm with lots of great dancing.

3:00-4:30 We welcome Alan English and the English Family, with tunes that go back to the old Carolina Barn Dance in the early 50’s.

Sun, Oct 23 1:00-2:00 William Ritter and his Traditional String Band will be with us for a very special program of old time string instrument music that has been celebrated in these mountains for centuries. William is the young man who plays the fiddle and banjo and banters with Ray Dellinger at The Orchard. His string band includes William on fiddle/banjo, Andrew Payseur on guitar/banjo, and Sarah Ogletree on fiddle. This will be a huge Appalachian treat!

3:00-4:30 Johnny Ellis and Friends take front and center on the Pavilion for an entertaining hours and a half!

Sat, Oct 291:00-2:30 Bluegrass Mix helps close out the 2011 music season at The Orchard with their incredible upbeat bluegrass celebrating our mountain traditions!

3:00-5:00 Terry McKinney completes the Saturday music shows for 2011 with a true mountain ‘opry featuring an array of fine performers.

Sun, Oct 30 1:00-2:30 Bluegrass Traditions with Herman Coffey complete the bluegrass programs for the 2011 season.

3:00-5:00 Brian Gurl and Friends present an incredible variety show including country, jazz, ballads, classical, and much loved tunes from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s genre.