Scruggs Center celebrates music and Appalachian culture with new series of events

The Earl Scruggs Center is celebrating the legacy of its namesake with a slate of special programming to accompany the exhibit currently on display at the museum.

The exhibit, Born of the Broad River: The Life and Career of Earl Scruggs in His Own Words, 1924-1945, offers an exploration of Earl Scruggs’ formative years in Cleveland County, from his birth in 1924 until he left to pursue music full time in 1945.

In celebration of Scruggs’ legacy and the cultural richness of the region, the Earl Scruggs Center has curated a series of events designed to reflect the themes and important cultural traditions that Scruggs experienced while growing up in the community. These events, which feature a lineup of music luminaries and scholars, aim to provide attendees with a deeper understanding of Scruggs’ musical journey and the profound impact of Southern Appalachian culture on his life and work. Support for this programming is provided through the generosity of Bank OZK Trust and Wealth.

The programming lineup includes:

Making Music: The Banjo in a Southern Appalachian County Book Talk with Dr. William Allsbrook – Thursday, May 16

Join Allsbrook, author of Making Music: The Banjo in a Southern Appalachian County, as he explores his extensive research on the origins and cultural significance of the banjo in the western North Carolina mountains. Learn about the contributions of a host of regional musicians, both known and unknown to the greater public. This free program takes place on Thursday, May 16, at 6 p.m.

The Genius of Earl Scruggs with Award-Winning Banjoist Bill Evans – Saturday, June 8

Do you want to know what makes Earl Scruggs so special and why we honor his music and legacy at the Earl Scruggs Center? Find out in this unique presentation for everyone with Steve Martin Banjo Prize-winning musician Bill Evans. Learn how Earl’s three-finger right hand technique catapulted the banjo to the forefront of bluegrass and American popular music, setting the stage for all aspiring banjo players. Musicians bring your instruments for a workshop and jam session to follow. This free program takes place on Saturday, June 8, at 1 p.m.

Fiddle Tunes and Fish Camps: A Fish Fry at the Earl Scruggs Center – Friday, June 28

Delve into the culinary traditions of the Piedmont with Dr. Stephen Criswell, professor at USC-Lancaster, as he explores the history and cultural significance of the southern fish camp. This immersive event will provide attendees with a taste of the flavors and traditions that influenced Earl Scruggs during his upbringing along the Broad River in Cleveland County. Featuring dinner, an educational talk, and music by fiddle player William Ritter and banjoist Brett Riggs, this event takes place on Friday, June 28, at 6 p.m. and is $40 for Earl Scruggs Center members and $50 for non-members.

Sacred Sounds of Western North Carolina: A Shaped Note Singing Workshop with Laura Boosinger- Saturday, Nov. 9

Experience the timeless tradition of shaped note singing with Laura Boosinger, a revered educator and musician. Participants will explore the musical heritage of this tradition as Boosinger teaches the foundations of this style that was used in churches around the region. After a period of workshop learning, participants will have the opportunity to join in shaped note singing as a group. This program takes place on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. The cost is $5 for Earl Scruggs Center members and $10 for non-members. Discounted rates are available for choral groups. Call the Earl Scruggs Center for more information.

“We are honored to offer this exhibit that celebrates the early life and influences of Earl Scruggs,” said Zach Dressel, assistant director and curator of the Earl Scruggs Center said in a press release. “Through our programming lineup, we aim to showcase the profound impact the culture of this community had on Scruggs’ music and provide visitors with a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of our region. We are so grateful to have the support of a fantastic community partner in Bank OZK Trust and Wealth.”

Space is limited for each of these events, so advance registration is encouraged. For more information and to register for these events, visit the Earl Scruggs Center website at earlscruggscenter.org or call guest services at 704-487-6233.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Scruggs Center launches events celebrating music, Appalachian culture