The historic 1880 settlement of Rugby will celebrate its British and Appalachian roots at the annual Spring Music and Arts Festival being held May 16-18.
This three-day, family event will include a host of musical performances from jazz to bluegrass, dance and Maypole performances and a series of demonstrations from artisans and crafters and authentic, local fare.
“This is an exciting time for the Rugby area as we pay homage to our ancestries and reminisce on the historical achievements of our settlement,” said Zachary Langley, executive director of Historic Rugby.
“This celebration symbolizes the strength of our legacy and progress of our future.”
A myriad of musical performances will highlight the celebration as the festival hosts varied acts each day. On Friday, festival attendees will enjoy jazz from Knoxville’s Slow Blind Hill and Americana tunes from Nashville’s Twangtown Paramours. On Saturday, bluegrass from Scott County’s Great Day in the Morning will be followed by Native American-influenced flutist Michael Jacobs and Junction South will get toes-a-tapping with a set of country and rock.
A special musical event on Sunday at noon at the Rebecca Johnson Theatre will feature an hour-long set by folk musician Mike Jacobs, followed by a presentation by folk music expert, Dr. Ted Olson, of East Tennessee State University. Olson’s look back at “50 Years of Folk Music” comes as Olson and legendary record producer, Jac Holzman just last month issued the 50th anniversary edition of “The Folk Box” as part of “Record Store Day,” an international effort to celebrate sound recording and encourage interest in independent record stores.
In 2013, Olson earned a Grammy nomination in the “Best Historical Album" category as co-producer and liner notes writer for “Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music,” a release of music recordings collected in 1939 before residents of the Smokies were relocated from the area that is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 2012, Olson received two additional Grammy nominations.
The weekend will also feature children’s games and activities as well as candle dipping, blacksmithing, basket making, spinning and pottery throwing demonstrations.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the festival. The event will take place May 16 -17 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and May 18 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Daily admission is $5/adults, $3/under age 18. Historic Rugby members may attend the festival free of charge.
For a complete listing of Music and Arts festival activities each day, visit: www.historicrugby.org