Presented by Isothermal Community College
We’re excited to offer extra experiences for attendees at Earl Scruggs Music Festival this year with an appearance by Jerry Douglas and others at four free workshops on the Legends Workshop Stage centering on Scruggs’ legacy.
Thanks to our sponsor, Isothermal Community College, for improving life through learning and fostering passion for the Arts. Your dream is Isothermal’s mission.
Each panel will include opportunities for audience members to pose questions to participants.
NOTE: It’s possible that lineups will change given unforeseen circumstances.
Earl Scruggs and the Evolution of the Banjo
FRIDAY | 11AM-12PM
With special guests banjoist Bryon McMurry for the innovative, much traveled Acoustic Syndicate, and old-time and mountain swing musician Laura Boosinger. We’ll discuss where did Earl’s revolutionary style came from and where it might be going?
Tommy Goldsmith, host.
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Jerry Douglas Speaks All About Earl
FRIDAY | 12:30PM-1:30PM
Jerry Douglas Speaks: All about Earl Scruggs and what it’s like to define an instrument with a new style. Just as Earl changed the way the banjo was played starting in 1945, Multiple award-winning Earls of Leicester band leader and accompanist to the stars Jerry Douglas has revolutionized the dobro in recent decades.
Tommy Goldsmith: host.
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Earl’s Early Days: Traditional Country Music in Shelby and the Western Piedmont
featuring Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dean Jenks, Mary Beth Martin.
SATURDAY | 11AM-12PM
Fast-rising bluegrass/Grand Ole Opry performers Darin and Brooke are not only great musicians, but also chroniclers of traditional music in Cleveland County and the region. Joining them are banjo player and Scruggs family associate Dean Jenks and award-winning Scruggs Center director Mary Beth Martin.
Tommy Goldsmith: host.
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Meet the Authors
SATURDAY | 12:30PM-1:30PM
Host: Craig Havighurst, journalist and host of the STRING, radio show/podcast, with music writers Tommy Goldsmith, David Menconi, Jordan Laney. Ever wonder what it’s like to meet and write about the top stars and ground-level figures of this music? Our distinguished panel can fill you in, as well as offering some reflections on the 50th anniversary of the landmark “Circle” recording.