Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer two concerts of old-time mountain music at Sugarlands Visitor Center on two Saturdays in October.
On October 9, Lost Mill String Band will perform from noon until 1:00pm. Band members Joan and Jerry Paul will perform music of Southern Appalachia with a mixture of folk, gospel, and bluegrass. They bring with them over 30 years of music experience. Joan sings lead and plays claw hammer style banjo, while Jerry sings and plays stand-up bass. At 1:15pm, Sparky and Rhonda Rucker from Maryville will hit the stage. The Ruckers have performed throughout the United States, singing songs and telling stories. Sparky has been performing for over 40 years and is internationally recognized as a leading folklorist, musician, historian, storyteller, and author. Rhonda is an accomplished harmonica and piano player, and also adds vocal harmonies to their songs.
On October 23, the concert will feature Keith Watson and Ruth Barber of Boogertown Gap. A local favorite, Watson and Barber perform a variety of music from English ballads to old-time mountain tunes. They will be performing two concerts at 11:00am and 1:15pm. At noon between Boogertown Gap’s sets, Mike and Kathy Gwinn will share stories and songs of the hills and hollers of the Smokies.
“Many of our visitors in the fall come to discover the lifeways and rich history of the mountain people,” said park ranger Brad Free. “Offering these performances of mountain music and storytelling is one way we try to keep these authentic traditions alive.”
