The Pearls
Emily Reasoner and Cindy Neal Carpenter have been enjoying singing harmony together since they met in 1981. Their first gig was a warm-up set for Ram Dass in Asheville, North Carolina, which led to opening a women’s conference with an original anthem called Women to Match the Mountains, bringing tears to keynote speaker Betty Friedan’s eyes. Their all-female contemporary folk band, The Pearls, was unique in the Asheville, NC area in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, and noted for their “harmony with luminescence.” Emily and Cindy have shared their harmonies in festivals, concert series, schools and community benefits. Emily and Cindy’s friendship and love for singing together has woven through their lives as they continue to enjoy learning and sharing songs both old and new, songs for children and the young at heart, and songs for fun and inspiration.
J Creek Cloggers
The J Creek Cloggers are not just performers; they are educators and storytellers. They engage with their audience, offering insights into the history and techniques of different dance styles, and often invite spectators to join in their routines. This interactive approach clearly shows the art of clogging and other dance forms, making them accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages.
Laura Blackley
Laura Blackley is a talented singer, writer, and producer of Appalachian blues and soul music. She performs with her band, the Wildflowers, and together they play "folk tunes with a rock n roll soundtrack". Their album "Tell It To the Darkness" was released in April 2017. In addition to her work with the Wildflowers, she also sings classic country duets and dance tunes with The Old Chevrolet Set, a honky-tonk band based in Asheville, NC.
Laura is a natural storyteller and has played in many bands, traveled on many roads, and enjoys discovering old tunes and hearing the stories behind them. She believes that music has the power to heal and is a communal act. When she is not performing, Laura works as a Teaching Artist with elementary school children. She has received numerous TAPAS (Teaching Artists Presenting in Asheville Schools) grants and works with area students to explore their North Carolina musical heritage.
Laura is a natural storyteller and has played in many bands, traveled on many roads, and enjoys discovering old tunes and hearing the stories behind them. She believes that music has the power to heal and is a communal act. When she is not performing, Laura works as a Teaching Artist with elementary school children. She has received numerous TAPAS (Teaching Artists Presenting in Asheville Schools) grants and works with area students to explore their North Carolina musical heritage.