By Savannah R. Watts
Beech Mountain Resort continues celebrating their 50th Anniversary with two shows left in their Summer Concert Series. Last weekend, they started the series featuring The Wood Brothers with Sean McConnell and have two more great concerts lined up for July 14th and August 11th.
The Beech Mountain Resort Concert Series is not the first time that Beech Mountain has featured musicians, but it is the first live music they have had in this magnitude. To celebrate their 50th year, they have amplified their music scene by adding a stage and lighting at the bottom of the ski slope, surrounding visitors with the beauty of Beech Mountain. And the audience seems to love it. Talia Freeman, Director of Marketing for Beech Mountain Resort, says ticket sales are strong and the picturesque scene really adds to the value of the concert series.
Although music begins at 7:00 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m. for visitors to set up their blankets or chairs on the slope and enjoy dinner from one of the food vendors in attendance. Food trucks from The Cardinal, Betty’s Biscuits, and Egg Rollin’ will be available, as well as local beverages from Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) and Sierra Nevada. Freeman says AMB and their We Can So You Can Foundation are the biggest sponsors for the concert series. “We have a great relationship with them,” says Freeman, “and they have been so supportive.”
Other local partnerships have been a great support for the Beech Mountain Resort Concert Series. Chase Luddeke, owner of Mellow Mushroom in Boone and Blowing Rock, is the announcer for all three of the summer concerts. Freeman says he’s a great hit with the audience and a huge help in running the shows.
“Our concert series is a great way to bring all the communities of the High Country together to further celebrate 50 years,” says Freeman. “We hope to continue this series for years to come and we are very happy with the feedback thus far.” The next concert on July 14th features headline band Trampled by Turtles, with husband and wife, Sarah Siskind and Travis Book.
Trampled by Turtles released Life is Good on the Road last month, their first album in four years. This Minnesota sextet has returned with their signature combination of rock, folk, punk, country, and their own take on progressive bluegrass. Michelle Steele of All Eyes Media says, “[Trampled by Turtles] is not just another string band. They’re a straight up rock band that just so happens to play with bluegrass instruments.”
The band has been playing together for 15 years. With their new album, many of the shows on their tour have already been sold out. Steele describes them as giving “fiery live performances.” Lead singer Dave Simonett’s introspective and thoughtful lyrics on the new album continue to resonant with people, telling stories with the words over the band’s music. Associate Press says, “They are American originals, still exploring and still delivering moody, evocative music”
Trampled by Turtles is comprised of six members: Dave Simonett, guitar and lead vocals; Tim Saxhaug, bass; Dave Carroll, banjo; Erik Berry, mandolin; Ryan Young, fiddle; and Eamonn McLain, cello. Two of their albums have appeared in the No. 1 spot for Billboard’s bluegrass chart, while one topped the folk chart as well. They have appeared on Late Night with David Letterman twice and have performed at many music festivals including Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Newport Folk Festival.
The opening act features the dynamic married duo, Sarah Siskind and Travis Book. Though each separately have their own careers, singing together brings a blend of roots, folk, and Americana accompanied by harmonious storytelling. This part Carolina, part Colorado duo met at a music festival in 2007, married two years later, and have been making music together ever since. The duo currently resides in Brevard, NC with their two children and released an EP together with their band Sarah Siskind and Sunliner called LOVE in 2017.
Siskind is originally from North Carolina and has been named an NPR favorite for her solo career that displays her unmatchable, unique voice. She has toured with many artists including Boone Raitt, Bon Iver, Swell Season, and Paul Brady. Her songs are heavily featured on ABC’s hit television series Nashville and many songs have been covered by other artists including “Simple Love” recorded by Alison Krauss and “Lovin’ is for Fools” performed by Bon Iver.
Book, originally from Colorado, is the lead singer and bass player for Grammy-winning The Infamous Stringdusters. He released his first solo album in 2013 titled Alice, and he says his inspiration for songwriting comes from “the great outdoors”—perfect for Beech Mountain’s picturesque concert atmosphere this summer.
The Summer Concert Series at Beech Mountain Resort opens at 6:00 p.m.—rain or shine. Trampled by Turtles along with Sarah Siskind and Travis Book will perform on July 14th. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Parking is free and available for visitors, and food trucks and vendors will be in attendance (no outside food or drink, please). Bring a chair or blanket, a couple friends, and enjoy Beech Mountain Resort’s 50th year and the second concert of the summer in the nook of the mountains!
Later this summer the series will feature Yonder Mountain String Band with Forlorn Strangers on August 11th. For more information on Beech Mountain Resort’s Summer Concert Series or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series/.
You must be logged in to post a comment.