BRASSTOWN – John C. Campbell Folk School will kick off its Centennial Sounds concert series with aN opening performance featuring the Tray Wellington Band followed by the Cherokee Language Repertory Choir on Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m. in the Folk School’s historic Festival Barn.
Part of the Folk School’s yearlong 100th anniversary celebration, Centennial Sounds highlights artists who honor and expand the musical traditions of Appalachia. This opening concert brings together an innovative banjo-driven bluegrass band and the rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, offering audiences a unique lineup that features multiple musical and linguistic traditions of the region.
Led by award-winning banjoist Tray Wellington, his Band is known for pushing the boundaries of bluegrass while remaining rooted in Appalachian sound. Wellington’s dynamic playing blends traditional banjo with elements of jazz, funk and world music, creating performances that are both technically impressive and deeply expressive.
Opening this special concert is the Cherokee Language Repertory Choir, a group dedicated to preserving and celebrating the Cherokee language through song and performance. This choir uses the Christian Harmony shaped note tradition, but instead of singing traditionally in English, they sing in Cherokee. This effort revives a documented tradition of shaped note singing in the Cherokee community while helping to keep the Cherokee language a part of cultural practice in Western North Carolina.
“Music has always been a vital part of community life at the Folk School,” said T-Claw Crawford, Music & Dance Events Coordinator at John C. Campbell. “We’re thrilled to open the Centennial Sounds series with artists that reflects the rich cultural traditions of this region while bringing fresh energy and new voices to the stage.”
Tray Wellington said performing at the Folk School during its centennial year is especially meaningful. “The Folk School has long been a place where Appalachian traditions are celebrated and shared. It’s an honor for our band to be part of this milestone and to help kick off the Centennial Sounds series with such an incredible community.”
Members of the Cherokee Language Repertory Choir echoed the significance of the collaboration. “Sharing Cherokee language and culture through music is a powerful way to keep our traditions alive,” the group said. “We’re grateful to be part of this performance and to celebrate the living heritage of this region alongside the Folk School community.”
The May 18 concert will be held in the Festival Barn on the Folk School’s Brasstown campus, rain or shine. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for youth. Tickets and more information are available at folkschool.org/sounds.