Asheville Gears Up for a Magical Holiday Celebration
As the holiday season approaches, the charming city of Asheville is buzzing with excitement for one of its favorite annual traditions: A Swannanoa Solstice. This wonderful event, taking place at the Diana Wortham Theatre on Sunday, December 22, promises an enchanting afternoon and evening filled with local folk music, storytelling, and heartwarming holiday cheer. With performances scheduled for both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., there’s plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in this cherished celebration.
A Tradition Like No Other
For the past 22 years, A Swannanoa Solstice has brought together music lovers to appreciate a delightful blend of global folk traditions. It’s a vibrant showcase that features diverse artists from all walks of life, creating a unique patchwork of sounds and stories. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Asheville or a newcomer interested in the area’s culture, this event is sure to warm your heart and lift your spirits as the days grow colder.
Highlighting Community Resilience
This year, the event holds special significance, particularly in light of the local challenges brought on by natural events, like Hurricane Helene, which deeply affected the Swannanoa area. Rae Geoffrey, the Managing Director of the Wortham Center, expressed the sentiment perfectly: “This year, A Swannanoa Solstice will hold more poignancy than ever. Local musicians and storytellers will come together to not only celebrate the season — but to also recognize the resiliency of Swannanoa and all of Western North Carolina.”
Star-Studded Lineup
The lineup for this year’s festivities is truly impressive, featuring an array of talented artists. Prepare to be wowed by the extraordinary sounds of the klezgrass folk duo Zoe & Cloyd, who have become a beloved local sensation. The duo, made up of fiddler and vocalist Natalya Zoe Weinstein and multi-instrumentalist and songwriter John Cloyd Miller, blends heartfelt songwriting with high-energy instrumentals. Their performances are a favorite for many and an emotional highlight of the event.
Additionally, attendees will enjoy the incredible artistry of Josh Goforth, an award-winning fiddler and Grammy nominee, whose deep-rooted musical heritage shines through in every performance. The event will also feature the enchanting sounds of EJ Jones and The Piper Jones Band, bringing traditional Highland bagpipe melodies to the stage.
Storytelling and More
But that’s not all! The beloved storyteller Becky Stone returns as the emcee, weaving inspiring tales and creating vivid imagery that captivates audiences. Her ability to bring stories to life adds another layer of magic to the event.
Audience members can also look forward to a performance by the A.C. Reynolds Chorale, a talented, audition-only high school ensemble that has wowed crowds before. Plus, don’t miss M A R, a Peruvian-born artist who beautifully blends his Latin American roots with indie-folk and pop influences.
A New Addition
Excitingly, this year introduces the acclaimed duo Newberry & Verch, whose music embodies the traditions of both the Missouri Ozarks and Canada’s Ottawa Valley. Their performance will take you on a musical journey, showcasing the rich tapestry of their heritage.
Ticket Information
Tickets for this joyous occasion are priced at $60 for adults and $22 for children under 15, making it an accessible outing for families. The Diana Wortham Theatre is conveniently located at 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. For more information, you can give them a call at 828-257-4530 or visit their website.
Come Join the Festivities!
This year’s A Swannanoa Solstice promises to be one for the books, filled with laughter, music, and a sense of community that truly embodies the spirit of the holidays. So grab your loved ones, and don’t miss out on this delightful celebration. Whether you’re a fan of folk music, storytelling, or simply looking for a way to spread some holiday cheer, A Swannanoa Solstice is the perfect event to kick off your festive season!
