CANDLER — All are invited to the inaugural Kingfisher Folk Fest in Candler Aug. 4.
Hosted by Canongate High School in Arden, the all-day, all-ages event will feature an array of local music celebrating the heritage and culture of western North Carolina. The Hillbilly Thomists, a popular band of Dominican friars, will headline the festival.
The Kingfisher Folk Fest is billed as a “fresh encounter with the songs and songwriters that have roamed the Blue Ridge Mountains for centuries.” The event will include live music, activities for kids and local vendors from 2 to 8 p.m. at The Oaks at Daniel Ridge, a scenic venue in Candler just outside Asheville.
Festival organizers say that through events like the new folk fest, Canongate High School seeks to build culture in the area, and they believe music is crucial to this mission.
“Good music gives voice to the joys and sorrows of authentic living. Good songs have lyrics that tap into and push down to our roots,” they said. “Good lyrics are memorable and singable, get our bodies swaying, our hands clapping, feet tapping and legs dancing. Good music builds friendship and friends. Making music together builds culture.”
After playing music together for several years, festival headliner The Hillbilly Thomists released its eponymous debut album in 2017, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard bluegrass chart. The album consisted primarily of bluegrass standards and Americana favorites.
Since then, the friars have released two more albums and have traveled the world sharing their music, from Nashville to Rome.
"We're excited to be a part of this festival which unites three of the band's passions: country music, education, and the Appalachian Mountains,” says Dominican Father Justin Bolger, band member.
Interested in attending? The Kingfisher Folk Fest will be held 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 at The Oaks at Daniel Ridge, located at 818 Monte Vista Road in Candler. Tickets range from $35 for individuals to $110 for families of four or more and can be purchased at kingfisherfest.rsvpify.com.
— Annie Ferguson
