David Dean, Author at Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance

Shakori Hills on the Radio

October 1, 2018 by David Dean Leave a Comment

Mark your calendars and, if you are in the Triangle, put WCHL 97.9 FM and That Station 95.7 FM on your preferred radio stations, because several Fall 2018 Shakori Hills bands will be on-air this week! If you are outside the listening area then you can stream each of these live online.

Read on to get all the details and necessary links.

A Different Thread Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 6:00 p.m. on WCHL 97.9 FM.

Urban Soil performs on Studio J Sessions on That Station 95.7 FM on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, That Station 95.7 FM will feature an interview with Ryan Montbleau at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3.

That Station 95.7 FM will air a Shakori Hills Curtain Call Thursday, Oct. 4 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

What to Bring and Not to Bring

September 30, 2018 by David Dean Leave a Comment

Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced Shakorian we ask that you review what to bring and what not to bring to Shakori Hills. Make sure to pick up a program at the Ticket Booth for more information that will help you enjoy your time visiting.

Please “Leave No Trace” and haul out what you bring in especially couches, blankets, and camping chairs.

WHAT TO BRING

– Sunscreen
– Bug spray
– A hat
– Sunglasses
– Rain boots (we have been known to get some rain)
– Camping supplies, including a tent, mat, sleeping bag, and tarp
– A flashlight and extra batteries
– Trash bags
– Toothpaste & toothbrush
– Reusable water bottle (deep-well water is available for free)
– Snacks
– Blanket or camping chair
– A towel, soap, and shampoo (outdoor hot water showers are available)
– A smile!
– If you forget anything the Country Store carries most everything you need and is open throughout the festival. (located across the road from the Coffee Barn)

WHAT NOT TO BRING

– Firearms
– Weapons of any kind, including axes, machetes, and hatchets
– Drugs
– Cell service is spotty (at best) on the farm. Don’t bring any expectation to make phone calls. Take a picture or shoot video, but don’t worry about uploading it to social media until you get home as you will only become frustrated. Just unplug!
– Couches
– A bad attitude
– Outside firewood (plenty on the grounds and you can buy more at the Country Store)
– Amplified radios or music
– Generators (only RVs)
– Pets (service dogs allowed only if they are for the service of the human they are with)
– No motorized scooters or golf carts. Persons with mobility needs should email shakorihillsaccess@gmail.com in advance.
– Bikes must have lights on the front and back and be on at night.
– No fire spinning, except in the performers’ safety circle
– No driving around after dark
– No unapproved vending

CAMPERS

Place camping sticker on your tent pole. Tent Camping Stickers are good for tents, canopies, and tarps up to 10×10. Every tent, canopy, and tarp must have a tent sticker for each 10×10 space. Tarps covering tents for rain protection do not need a separate sticker. Tents, canopies, and tarps larger than 10×10 must have two stickers.

Vehicle / RV Campers must have a 4-Day Festival Pass PLUS a Vehicle or RV Camping Pass displayed on the windshield of the vehicle that is camping.

Vehicle, RV, and Tent Camping are in designated areas only and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camping tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Booth or in advance here.

LOST & FOUND

Located at the Ticket Booth.

Coffee Barn Damaged by Storm

August 10, 2018 by David Dean 5 Comments

The Shakori Hills Community Arts Center is saddened to announce that the Coffee Barn was severely damaged by storms on Wednesday, August 8, 2018. The 175-year-old willow oak that stood beside the Coffee Barn was toppled by high winds and the barn took a direct hit. No injuries occured and power to the property was restored by emergency crews from Duke Energy.

Even if you have only visited Shakori Hills once, you know this tree as a centerpiece of the property and a gathering place for generations. The tree weighs roughly 50 tons and we are still assessing the full extent of the damage.

“First and foremost, we are thankful no one was hurt. Our street team was holding a weekly meeting in the main house so we were able to address the issue promptly,” said Carol Woodell, President of the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center.

Woodell continued, “It is still too early to tell if the Coffee Barn is a total loss. We are assessing the damage with the proper authorities and will make a determination as to the future of the structure based on their feedback.”

In the meantime, the nonprofit organization is asking community members who would like to support in the cleanup effort to donate via the organization’s home page www.shakorihills.org.

The site will host four upcoming festivals expected to draw thousands, including: The Big What? Aug. 16 – 18; Hoppin’ John Old-Time and Bluegrass Fiddlers’ Convention, Sept. 13 – 15; Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance, Oct. 4 – 7; REI’s Outessa Fest, Oct. 20.

“We do not expect this to interrupt our upcoming festivals and are working to remove debris and secure the barn for the safety of all our visitors,“ Woodell said.

She continued, “We are truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support by our Chatham County citizens and those beyond. Many of us consider Shakori Hills our home away from home and embrace the spirit of community our beautiful 72-acre site provides.”

The statuesque trees on the property remind us to slow down and look up for a moment in this busy world. Each old oak has its own twisted limbs and characteristics that project its elegance. We are saddened to see such a beautiful piece of Shakori Hills fall, but we hope to re-purpose much of it for others to enjoy for years to come.

We will release more details as they become available.

Road to Shakori Fall 2018

August 3, 2018 by David Dean Leave a Comment

As we near the start of school and cool weather days are on the horizon, it is time to hop on your favorite mode of transportation and set the controls to the heart of Shakori.

The Road to Shakori, a partnership with Foothills Brewing, is a series of shows at venues in North and South Carolina highlighting bands that carry the ethos of Shakori. Most of the featured acts are playing, or have played, the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance. The fall Shakori Hills festival is happening Oct. 4 – 7 in Pittsboro, NC and there are nine Road to Shakori shows in the months leading up to the event.

At each of the nine shows we will be registering to win a 4-Day festival pass and Foothills Brewing will have specials on tap. Other freebies will be available, too, so make sure to stop by our table at the venue and talk to our street team about how you can get involved.

The 2018 series will include the first Road to Shakori stops in Asheville, Wilmington, and Charleston, as well as a Bluegrass Showcase at The Pour House in Raleigh during the World of Bluegrass weekend.

Check out the full list of shows below and mark your calendars to join us! Visit shakorihillsgrassroots.org/roadtoshakori for more details.

Recycling and Compost Details for Spring 2018

May 3, 2018 by David Dean Leave a Comment

Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is committed to producing events that are environmentally sound and Leave No Trace. Please remember that if you pack it in, you need to pack it out.

All food, paper and official food vendors’ utensils can be composted. Please take a moment to sort your waste and avoid contaminating the compost.

Free well water is available throughout the camp and you are encouraged to bring your own bottle.

For a chance to win a 4-Day Festival Pass and other prizes, bring your sorted garbage and recycling to the Recycling / Trash Field between 11:00 am – 3:00 p.m. Friday – Sunday.

More details are found in the Festival Program that are free at the Ticket Booth (while supplies last).

Download a PDF of the Festival Map.

Enjoy The Outpost

April 15, 2018 by David Dean Leave a Comment

Plant Your Roots in the Outpost!

GrassRoots might be turning 16 this year, but that doesn’t mean you’ve gotta be all grown up to enjoy the festival!

The Outpost is the perfect place for attendees between the ages of 10 and 18. Offerings in this space range from instrument workshops to Boff Games (foam swords and shields = super cool!), led by the Wandering Swordsman.

The Outpost is programmed throughout the day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Children can learn the Art of the MC from (J) Rowdy, who is performing Friday in the Cabaret Tent or the basics of magic during the Slight of Hand session.

For those that prefer creative and mental arts, The Outpost features a wide range of board and table games, community art installations, and hands-on crafts.

Kids 12 and under get in free and we have a special advanced ticket rate for 13 – 15 year olds of $59. Advance ticket sales end Monday, April 30.

There’s something for all at the Outpost, so come spend the weekend with us!

Road to Shakori Spring 2018

April 6, 2018 by David Dean

We are pleased to announce a series of #RoadToShakori shows this month with our good friends at The Pour House, Motorco Music Hall, Second & Green, and our exclusive festival beer sponsor Foothills Brewery.

Friday, April 6
Foothills Brewery, Tasting Room
Winston-Salem, NC
Music: Shiloh Hill
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Win: A pair of day passes!

Saturday, April 14
Motorco Music Hall with Parts & Labor
Durham, NC
Featuring: Shakori Hills Vinyl Lounge
Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Music: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Enjoy: Fresh paella and Foothills specials!
Win: A pair of day passes!

Saturday, April 28
Second & Green
Winston-Salem, NC
Music: Perpetual Groove and Marvelous Funkshun
Doors: 6:00 pm
Win: A pair of day passes!

Saturday, April 28
The Pour House
Raleigh, NC
Music: Emily Musolino CD Release Party with Rebekah Todd & The Odyssey and Matt Phillips & The Back Pocket
Doors: 8:00 pm, Show: 9:00pm
Win: A 4-Day Festival Pass!

Other opportunities to win passes to the festival include Friday, April 6 and Sunday, April 29 at The Pour House.