As part of a summer series of music, the Marianna Black Library is proud to present the traditional music of William Ritter and Sarah Ogletree on Thursday, June 23rd, at 7:00 PM. Weather permitting, this program will be presented on the front lawn of the library, otherwise it will be moved to the library auditorium.William and Sarah met as students while attending Appalachian State University and have been playing traditional music together for five years. They recently played Merlefest and now have a brand new self-titled cd. Though their music reflects many southern traditional styles, they are mostly influenced by the sights and sounds of Western North Carolina.
Sarah Ogletree was raised in Jackson County and has been playing the fiddle and singing since she was a young girl. She was once a member of the Depot Band, in which she played fiddle and sang tradition tunes for guests of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, in Bryson City. She recently received her B.A. in sustainable development from Appalachian State, and has future plans of attending divinity school.
William Ritter is a native of Bakersville, NC and alum of Western Carolina University. He graduated with a degree in Technical Theatre, but spent most of his time in studying the musical folk traditions of Western North Carolina. Most recently, William graduated from Appalachian State, where he received a graduate degree in Appalachian Studies. William plays banjo, fiddle, guitar, and “other string-ed things,” as he puts it. He is particularly interested mountain humor--ever eager to swap lies, half-truths, and jokes.
This music program is free and open to area residents and visitors. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Marianna Black Library. Please join us for an evening of great traditional music at the Marianna Black Library. 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.