The Shakori Hills Community Arts Center (SHCAC) will hold a virtual Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival October 8 through 11.
Carol Woodell, SHCAC board president said, “In this year of unprecedented global action to combat the Covid virus, we thought a virtual festival would help people escape to the hills of Shakori in their minds, since we can not gather in person.”
The virtual festival will act as a fundraiser for the 501(c)3 non-profit that functions as the steward of the 72 acre tract of land located in Pittsboro, NC.
To join, simply log-on to our Facebook, YouTube, or TwitchTV channels starting at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 8.
“Since the pandemic hit we have had to cancel two GrassRoots Festivals, which are our main source of revenue, in addition to the Hoppin’ John Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention, and multiple programs for children and families in Chatham and Orange counties. We have had several outside groups cancel their rentals of the land and experienced a virtual halt to all inbound lease inquires. This fundraiser will help us ensure the land is still there for generations to enjoy years from now, as they have for he past 18 years,”
SHCAC has set up two easy ways to donate to the organization, via PayPal or ThunderTix, which the festival ticketing system. If donors have purchased tickets in recent years they can use their ThunderTix log-in to simplify the process.
The virtual festival will feature archive performances from the Shakori Hill GrassRoots Festival, which started in 2003, including festival founders Donna the Buffalo and festival regulars such as The Del McCoury Band, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jim Lauderdale, and Dr. Bacon.
A Beautiful Feeling, the GrassRoots movie that was recently selected for the Carrboro Film Festival, will kick off the festival on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. Immediately following the film the movie’s director and executive producer will join the stream for a live Q&A session.
Music will start Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and include a mix of audio and video throughout the day.
Viewers will experience at home performances by Ellis Dyson and the Shambles, The Shoaldiggers, Momma Molasses, Golden Shoals, Onyx Club Boys, Grand Shores, and The Tan and Sober Gentlemen.
“We want to thank all the bands who have donated their time and performances to this virtual festival. We encourage you to purchase music or merchandise from these band’s websites to help them endure this time in our history.”
Check the schedule page for the full list of performers.