The Marianna Black Library is kicking off another Summer Music Series on Thursday, June 8th, and is proud to present an evening of old-time and traditional music with Susan Pepper and Tom Estes, at 7:00 PM. This program is free to the public and all are welcomed.
Susan Pepper and Tom Estes share a passion for Old Time Music traditions from Western North Carolina. Both have recorded and learned from great traditional artists from the region—and have individually devoted decades to studying and teaching this music. In concert, they hope to share the spirit of joy and deep meaning and connection that has been passed on to them.
Susan Pepper is an authentic tradition-bearer, a cultural broker bridging the gap between generations of musicians past and present. According to Pepper, she sings, “as a way to remember and honor past generations and to draw on the strength of their songs and stories as we travel forward.” Her philosophy is that music—melody, rhythm, lyrics—is something that should captivate, inspire, and fill people up. With a Masters Degree in Appalachian Studies, Susan Pepper has worked in many capacities with the JAM program and continues to lead workshops in traditional music, ballad singing and storytelling. She is also a co-producer and featured performer in the Appalachian music film The Mountain Minor.
Tom Estes has had a lengthy love affair with traditional music and the old ways. He learned much of his craft from the many musicians that lived in Western North Carolina, having recorded many traditional North Carolina musicians. Tom is a working musician, performing at various venues. He also teaches fiddle, banjo and guitar. He is an excellent clawhammer banjo picker and singer—and plays fingerstyle guitar that he learned from street musicians growing up in Memphis.
This program is free and open to area residents and visitors. Other performances scheduled for the Summer Music Series include Liz Nance on June 22nd, Kelli Dodd on June 29th, and Frank Lee on July 13th. 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 fontanalib.org/brysoncity on the world wide web.