By Jessica Isaacs | jessica@highcountrypress.com
They’ve been bringing their version of old-time string music to the High Country for the past four decades, and you can check them out for yourselves this weekend at Beech Mountain Resort’s 5506’ Skybar.
Since their debut, the Corklickers have been sharing their passion for music with audience across western North Carolina, especially right here in our area.
“We play what’s called old-time music. Banjo, fiddles, guitar and upright bass,” said Gil Adams, who plays the fiddle in the band. “If people heard us playing they’d say it’s bluegrass, but old-time music actually predates bluegrass chronologically. It’s the same instruments, just a little bit different style.”
The crew has been playing together since the early 1970s and they’ve performed at many of the community’s favorite hot spots over the years.
The Corklickers have become regular favorites up at Beech Mountain, and Adams, who also works as mountain manager at the resort, enjoys a close connection with the town.
“I just enjoy playing the music to start with. We’ve played together for a long time,” he said. “We played at the Skybar last year, too. You’re up there at 5506’ on a big deck and you look out and can see for miles and miles if the weather’s nice. Being that it’s like home territory, that makes it kind of fun.”
The Corklickers are no strangers to the mountain, and played there as early as the 1980s when they opened for Doc Watson at the Beech Tree restaurant.
“We’ve played there a lot of different times over the years,” said Adams.
No matter who you are, where you come from or what you’re into, the Corklickers guarantee a good time.
“The kind of music we play is a form of folk music, and it’s played as a very social music. People played it at the turn of the century for social things like corn shucking, bean stringing or local dances,” Adams said. “It’s more like a social music than it is a type that you perform for an audience. We play a lot of dance tunes.”
This show is worth the trip up the mountain, for sure, and Adams says you’re bound to join the fun when you see them take the stage.
“They will see how much fun we’re having. Your foot can’t stand still while the music’s going on,” he said. “I’ve also found that kids love it because they like to get up and jump up and down dancing; and if kids like, then the parents will like it even better.”
Don’t miss the crowd-pleasing Corklickers this weekend. They’ll perform from 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 at Beech Mountain Resort’s 5506’ Skybar.
Part of the highest ski area in eastern America, the bar’s awe-inspiring elevation lends to a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains that stretches across North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Although there is no space for parking at the summit, there are two ways to get to the top and check out 5506’.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take the scenic chairlift and soak up the incredible vistas for just $10. If you’re not so much a fan of heights, the resort now offers shuttle services to and from the summit for just $5.
More About the Corklickers:
Corklickers
Old time music from the 1920’s-30’s
History
Band started in early 1976 Enjoying our 37th – 38th year playing. Members from east TN and western North Carolina.
Original members : Clay Buckner, Gil Adams, Mark Adams, Ben Moore, Dick Tarrier, Rick Stone, Mike Fisher
Band evolution with other members. Lots to choose from.
Gil says ‘corklicker’ is a lifestyle or mindset
Current members (today’s band) Mark Adams – banjo, Gil Adams-fiddle, Rick Palmer-fiddle, David Burns –fiddle, Ben Moore – guitar, Rick Moore – bass, Rob Nicar – fiddle
Mention Mack Vannoy – guitar. Passed a few years back.
Musical Influences
Skillet Lickers, Pop Stoneman, Uncle Dave Macon, Charlie Bowman (from Gray, TN), Highwood String Band,
Interesting History
Toured in 1970’s in van purchased from Merle Watson
Gil’s Albert Hash fiddle
Mark’s Kyle Creed banjo stolen and a festival and recovered 25 years later. This can be discussed without mentioning any names…Ha!
Noted past/recent gigs
Down Home festivals in 70’s, Bean Blossom in PA, Kent State,
More recently Merlefest, Bristol Rythum and Roots, Nashville Old-Time Music Assoc ‘Breakin up winter’ Festival’ in Lebanon TN
Musical Free for Alls !
Recording Efforts
LP, Old Time Tunes and Songs from the South, recorded in 1978 and released on Kyle Creed’s Mountain Label . Engineered by Doug Dorshug Menbers on this record: Casey Morrell, Gil Adams, Mark Adams, Macky Vannoy, David Burns, Andy Wallach
Uncorked CD 2003 Recorded at Classic Studios in Bristol. Engineered by Stan bowman.
Plans for another CD soon
Together since 1976,and still going strong!2006 was another successful year for us,with performances at the Todd NC Summer Concert Series,Down Home,Carter Fold,Leon Kiser Tribute,and Rhythm & Roots Fest in Bristol. We filmed a segment of the VA Public Television Series”Song of the Mountains” that hopefully will be broadcast nationwide this year.We will be doing the Tri-State Bluegrass Festival in Indiana on May 26-27.We will be celebrating our 31st year in 2007.
Follow this link for more info: http://www.corklickers.com/page3.html
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