Sarah Songbird Burkey - Summer Music Series
Sarah Elizabeth Burkey, affectionately known near and far as 'Songbird' is a torchbearer, a storyteller, and a multi-instrumentalist. Her prolific songwriting and incomparable vocals have been featured in numerous films and over 19 albums including Door of the Moon, When the Redbuds Bloom, Don’t Die Yet, and Honeysuckle Vine. She has toured in 19 countries and earned an international reputation as an authentic voice for Roots Music.
Songbird was raised in, and influenced by, Appalachian, Indigenous, and Black cultures. Her childhood instilled in her a love of the land, traditional music & dance, storytelling, and creating things by hand, all of which became the foundation of her life’s work. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Campbellsville University, where she sang her first ballad in public 25 years ago. That moment created a connection to her heritage that would last a lifetime. In the year 2000, Ms. Burkey met Jean Ritchie who was a National Heritage Fellow, the highest honor bestowed by the National Endowment for the Arts. Ritchie became a mentor and friend, encouraging Burkey to embrace her Appalachian roots through song which led to Songbird forming close friendship bonds with Sheila Kay Adams another National Heritage Fellow and recipient of the North Carolina Heritage Award.
For Songbird considers it an honor that the tradition chose her to carry the ballads. She reveres them as timeless—they connect generations, foster community, and serve as a source of healing, and inspiration. Ms. Burkey's own songwriting has also garnered much recognition over the past two decades. Each of her songs is a reflection of her deep commitment to the natural world and the continuation of traditional knowledge which is vital to cultural and environmental preservation.
This program is free and open to area residents and visitors. The library is located in downtown Bryson City at the corner of Academy and Rector. For more information or driving directions call the library at (828) 488-3030 or visit www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity on the world wide web.
Thursday, July 10, 2025 - 7:00pm
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- Marianna Black Library
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Marianna Black Library
28713