The Blue Ridge Music Center is launching its Backstories series with author Eddie Huffman accompanied by Riley Baugus on banjo celebrating the life of Doc Watson from noon to 3 p.m., Sat., July 11, on the breezeway. This event is free of charge.
Huffman will read excerpts from his book Doc Watson: A Life in Music, a biography that explores how the musician from Deep Gap, N.C, became synonymous with roots music in America and his influence on music today. The book is full of fascinating stories ranging from Watson’s first banjo made from his grandmother’s cat to the founding of MerleFest.
Interspersed with the readings, Baugus will play songs and talk about his experiences with Watson. Baugus is an American musician, singer, and instrument maker celebrated for his mastery of old-time American banjo and song, particularly the Round Peak style that originated in Surry County, N.C. Based in Walkertown, he learned music from family members and community elders, building his first banjo with his father. Baugus gained recognition as a ballad singer and period banjo maker for the film Cold Mountain. He has collaborated with Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and others on Grammy-winning albums.
Huffman will be available to sign copies of his book. You can bring a copy to have autographed and a limited number of books will be available for purchase.
This event is part of the Music Center’s Backstories series, supported by Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachian Living Traditions (CALT) program made possible by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies. CALT Experiences grants support projects and events that encourage broad public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of living traditions and grow and disseminate artistic skill and cultural knowledge within the community.
The Backstories series focuses on the stories behind the music, and includes presentations by authors, musicians, artists, and interpreters focusing on the people, instruments, and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
