Events in Mitchell and Yancey
(and other nearby venues)
Contact ron at events@rlgreene.net to join this list or to post a live performance event. Some of the information in this list has been compiled by Deb Louis.
Thursday, January 15
• Andy Buckner (Southern soul), 6:00p-8:00p. City Drive-In, 670 Oak St, Spruce Pine, 828-765-4480.
• Hidden Rivers, 7:30p-??. Celo Community Center. "Ten years in the making, Hidden Rivers is Freshwaters Illustrated’s one-hour film that explores the rivers and streams of Southern Appalachia, North America’s most biologically rich waters. The film follows the work of conservation biologists and explorers, revealing both the beauty and vulnerability of these ecosystems. South Toe Stewards is honored to host this film’s South Toe Valley premiere. Biologists featured in the film and other local experts will be on hand for Q&A afterwards. $5-10 donation requested to cover licensing costs."
Friday, January 16
• JAM (old-time country), 6:00p-9:30p. Mad Hatter Tavern, Lower Street, Spruce Pine. 828-278-9091.
• Open Mic, 7:00p-??. The Dispensary and Upper Club, 271 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine, 828-765-0050.
Saturday, January 17
• Toe River Jam, 10:00a-12:30p. Fellowship Hall, 1st Presbyterian Church of Burnsville, 120 Church Street, Burnsville. An eclectic jam/song circle that welcomes all skill levels.
• Share Your Story: A Theatre Workshop for Elders, 2:00p-5:00p. Celo Community Center Upstairs. "Come together for an afternoon of self-reflection, improvisation, and personal storytelling. We will travel from childhood to the present and beyond to tell our stories and our dreams for the world/future. I [Rebecca Siegel] will lead us through a series of accessible theatre activities to support your expression, connection with self and others, and to honor your role as Elder. Open to all elders (you decide if that's you!), no theatre experience necessary. Will gladly receive a few dollars donation to go towards childcare for my son that afternoon. Please RSVP, rebecca.shira.siegel@gmail.com, 847-204-7130."
• Paul Thomas, 6:00p-8:00p. City Drive-In, 670 Oak St, Spruce Pine, 828-765-4480.
• David Wiseman Band (bluegrass/country/oldies), 6:30p-9:30p. Mad Hatter Tavern, Lower Street, Spruce Pine. 828-278-9091.
• Ferguson and Northup, 7:00p-9:00p. The Dispensary and Upper Club, 271 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine, 828-765-0050. "Andy Ferguson (vocals, mandolin and guitar) and Jo Northup (vocals and flute). Listen to this unique duo in the welcoming atmosphere of the Dispensary! Greet old friends, meet new ones and enjoy the music of Ferguson and Northup that includes folk favorites, traditional music, fiddle tunes and original songs. Call Jo Northup at 828-442-7012 for more information. Hope to see you there!"
• Quirky Films Series, 7:00p-??. Celo Community Center. "This series will screen four interesting films in January. Screenings will include a brief introduction and discussion afterwards. This week's film will be The Royal Tenenbaums (comedy, USA). Bring your own drinks and snacks.
Sunday, January 18
• Whale Guardians, Elephants, and Sunbirds, Oh My!, 6:00p-??. Celo Community Center Upstairs. "This year Great Whale Conservancy has established Whale Guardians in both Europe and South Africa, leading this family [Michael, Heather, and Galen] on many new adventures. Come get the update and share in Galen's experience capturing African animals on film while we were working there."
Monday, January 19
• Local Futures Film Series: Closer to Home, Celo Community Center, 7:00p-8:00p. "The film Closer to Home brings together an extraordinary array of thinkers, writers and activists from every continent to make a simple but revolutionary argument: by reducing the scale of the economy, we can not only stop the rush towards social and ecological breakdown, but restore damaged ecosystems and increase our own personal well-being. It’s a message of hope that the world cannot afford to ignore. We will also watch a short video on global trade. **This is a fragrance-free event."
Tuesday, January 20
• Traditional Irish Session, 6:00p-8:00p. Homeplace Beer Company, 321 West Main Street, Burnsville, 828-536-9068. “Been going since June 2023. We take turns, going around the circle, leading or requesting tunes or sets. Played at the pace of the person leading/requesting. Email eric@celo.dev if you wish to confirm we are in session. https://thesession.org/sessions/8874“
• Barry Stagg & Friends (acoustic originals), 7:00p-??. The Dispensary and Upper Club, 271 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine, 828-765-0050.
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Early Announcements
▪ First Saturdays of January, February, and March – Hearts of Appalachia Open Mic Poetry and Story Sharing, 7:00p-??. Birdfoot, 10 Orchard Ave, Burnsville. "Bring a story or poems to share, or relax and listen."
▪ Thursday, January 22 – John Prine Songs, 6:00p-8:00p. Side rooms, Burnsville Town Center. Toe River Music's first themed event of 2026 will be a tribute to John Prine. The first part will feature track-by-track songs from his incredible debut album, sung by 15 local musicians. After a brief intermission, many of the performers will come back for an additional set of Prine's songs. It should be a great evening, for only $5 admission.
▪ Friday, January 23 – Lucky Candle Café. Celo Community Center, 828-675-5453. "Open mic will be from 7:00p-9:00p, then there will be a jam for all players and singers from 9:00 on. There may be a food vendor, with dinner beginning maybe 5:30p. Check the Celo List for what's happening with menus and serving times."
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Opportunities
This space is freely available for local area commercial announcements by individuals or businesses. There must be a direct musical or other performance connection (musical items for sale, music lessons, etc.). Send your announcement to events@rlgreene.net .
For Sale: A special Kala Ubass. This is one in the series that Kala produced to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Ubass. It has a beautiful figured solid koa top and laminate koa back and sides. I bought it directly from Kala as a demo; in fact, it is the very same instrument pictured on the Kala website. Specs are given on the website. When i purchased it I had Kala replace the standard round wound strings with Kala/Gallistrings flat wound strings, about a $60 value in themselves. (The removed round wounds are included.) Comes with the Kala gig bag. $400. Ron, biz@rlgreene.net or 828-688-9047.
For Sale: Pono O-10 guitar. This a sweet 12-fret small body guitar, approximately Martin 0-size, with versatility for fingerstyle or strumming. The top is solid cedar, the back and sides are solid acacia. Check the web and you will find that Pono has an outstanding reputation for its guitars. Comes with a light weight hard shell case designed for it. Excellent condition and tone. $750. Ron, biz@rlgreene.net or 828-688-9047.