Experience the Fusion of African Culture at the Charlie Poole Festival in Appalachia

Charlie Poole, a banjo virtuoso and textile worker from Spray, North Carolina, embodied a spirit of wanderlust. His enduring influence is honored each year at the Charlie Poole Festival, scheduled for June 12-14 in Eden, North Carolina. Organized by the Piedmont Folk Alliance, this year's festival marks a century since Poole's groundbreaking recording of “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down,” a seminal piece in old-time and bluegrass music.This three-day event features concerts, competitions, educational workshops, and a historical symposium pre-festival, with awards distributed for notable contributions. Highlighting the "Africa to Appalachia" initiative, Riley Baugus will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and perform alongside renowned Malian n’goni artist Cheick Hamala Diabate. The festival also honors the rich lineage of musicians, including Sammy Shelor, Wayne Henderson, and Helen White. With diverse programming, the festival invites attendees to experience a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary performances, stimulating appreciation for America's musical heritage. The event takes place at Rockingham Community College, with tickets available at charlie-poole.com.