Sierra Ferrell: The Songstress of the South

August 29, 2019 by David Dean 1 Comment

With a voice as haunting as the wind through the trees, Sierra Ferrell brings an unexpected power and prowess with every word that she lovingly crafts. Though often identified as a country artist, Ferrell brings in influences from a variety of genres, to create the kind of music that feels as wild and free as the woman who wrote them. Like many artists, the sound that she creates is drawn from the experiences and people who have helped shape her into who she is today.

“I draw inspiration from my friends. I’ve met lots of different musicians, and lots of different people who play all different sorts of styles, and I pick and choose a little bit from each of them to create my own.”

As far as her lyrics go, Sierra Ferrell is also a master at invoking a kind of familiar feeling. The words are easy to identify with for anyone who’s loved, lost, or anything in between. She crafts playful and heartbreaking characters who speak to all of the different experiences that make up a life. She is a master of worldbuilding, filling her universe with life by using a quick strum of the guitar, a longing flick of a fiddle’s bow, and words that cut to the core.

“[The inspiration for my lyrics comes] From not just my life, but other people’s life experiences. Sometimes when I write a song, it might not be 100% about my experience, but it might be about someone that I met that day or someone I’ve known for a long time, and I’ve watched them go through their experiences and emotions.”

Though Ferrell had long been a staple in the Nashville music scene for her hauntingly beautiful melodies, she reached a high level of viral popularity with her performances on the Youtube channel, Gems on VHS. This channel creates a platform for unplugged, acoustic performances by musicians from a variety of genres. The account was recently featured in Rolling Stone, with Sierra getting a large feature in the article.

“Working with Gems on VHS has just been phenomenal. And I love Anthony, he’s such a lighthearted, sweet man. I think he’s definitely helped me progress on my career more than anyone, really.”

Ferrell recently released a video for her ballad ‘Why’d Ya Do It’, a tango that dances through the register of both her guitar and her voice. It was was filmed at Carter Vintage Guitars, the landmark Nashville guitar store which holds everything from the first electric guitar to the Strat which lovingly helped to write ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’

As for the experience of recording the video, it was all about the community around it.

“It was great! I got to go in, then they gave me a guitar, They let me pick out whatever guitar I wanted to play, and of course I picked that one. It was a lot of fun! I’ve actually had Thanksgiving dinner with the owners once. We went and had Thanksgiving dinner with them last year, and it was a lot of fun. They’re very good people, and I got to meet their kids, and it was a lot of fun.”

In 2020, Sierra will be releasing her latest album, the first of which she will be debuting under her new label, Rounder Records. Rounder produces records for artists such as Steve Martin, Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, Bèla Fleck, and so many more. The album will have a lot of those hauntingly beautiful lyrics, and a lot of well-placed twang.

“There’s going to be a lot more country taste on it I feel like. I’ve been listening to a lot of country tunes, and it’s gonna be a lot of different harmonies, there’s also gonna be a mix of other things, because “Why’d You Do It” isn’t recorded anywhere else. There’s also a couple of other songs that are not in the charts of country, but it’s gonna actually skate down country at times. I can hide in the music a little bit.”

Before her big album release next year, Farrell is gearing up for an Australian tour shortly following her Shakori Hills performance in October. She will be opening for Pokey LaFarge as they make their way through Adelaide, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney and Brisbane. The two are planning to put on one hell of a show, something they’ve actually done before.

“We’ve played one gig before in Nashville at Franklin’s, and we had a good time. I thought it was a blast, then all of a sudden I didn’t even know, someone was like ‘Oh, do you want to go on tour in Australia with Pokey LaFarge’ and I said absolutely, that sounds like a blast… I’m going to get some vinyls made before I go over there. It’s probably going to be something unique for the tour, because I’ve already been over there once with my other two albums.”

Sierra Ferrell will be making her return to Shakori Hills this fall with a whole new setlist, and an incredible show that will tap into your emotions, and make you want to get up and dance.

“I’ll probably have different bandmates in the band, I’m gonna have a lot more new songs. I’m gonna be singing my butt off, and I also will have some good merch with me. I’ll have T-shirts, hats, buttons, I even have a shirt with my face on it which is weird for me, but my manager insisted having a shirt with my face on it, so voila!”

While you wait for her album in 2020 you can stream several of her albums on bandcamp.

Sierra Ferrell will be at Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival Friday, October 4 at 6:30 PM on the Meadow Stage. Single Day Passes are on sale now.

School of Rock Chapel Hill: Where Kids Find Their Tribe

July 19, 2019 by David Dean Leave a Comment

When you walk up to the doors of School of Rock in Chapel Hill, the first thing that you’ll see is a smashed guitar. Hanging on by just a few pieces of wire and sheer determination, it proudly welcomes you to the establishment. It is the last of four guitars that were smashed at the grand opening of School of Rock two years ago. The other three lie somewhere in the boneyard, as sacrifices to the craft of Rock n’ Roll.

As you open the doors, you’re transported into an old rock n’ roll diner, complete with booths and a walk up bar. Posters signed by young and hopeful future rockstars line the walls, all boasting past shows and sweet memories. As I walk in to begin the interview with the owner, David Joseph, I am invited to sign the bathroom wall, which is a tradition for newcomers. As a massive fan of the 2003 Jack Black film ‘School of Rock,’ I decided to write, “Stick it to the man” with a hot pink sharpie. It quickly becomes obvious to me that this isn’t your everyday school of music.

School of Rock is a music school which teaches students how to play as a team. Much like the aforementioned 2003 Jack Black film, students create a rock band together to learn how to play music. The lessons consist of one private one-on-one lesson, and one band practice per week, to give students, as Joseph puts it, “ the good stuff, and then the broccoli and potatoes.”

Students range in age from 6-19, and are sectioned off by ability and interest. The beginners go into rookie lessons, where they can try out several different instruments to figure out where their interests lie. Once they’ve got their instrument and a little bit of experience, they upgrade to Rock 101. These students age from 8-13, and learn the meat and potatoes of playing music. Upon completion of Rock 101, they can enter the Performance Program, where they will have the opportunity to play on stage.

If you happened to catch School of Rock’s mind-blowing set last fall, you may not see the same kids playing this year. The traveling group that will be coming to rock the grounds of Shakori Hills are called the House Band, where students can be a “gigging musician in [their] community.” These students alternate based on talent, time-commitment, and of course aging in and out of the program. This year’s official House Band will be chosen in August from the nearly 200 students currently enrolled in School of Rock.

Until then, students will be honing their talents with a variety of showcases. Just recently, the House Band came back from a 6-city tour where they played alongside kids from other Schools of Rock around the Tarheel State. In the coming weeks, they will be performing pieces by some of the greats, such as Elton John, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Heart. They will also perform with the School of Rock AllStars, which is comprised of the top 1% School of Rock’s students internationally.

Yet, for the students of School of Rock, it’s not all about becoming the next David Bowie, at least not entirely. It’s about the community created within the school. Students come early and stay late to spend time with their bandmates, and many of these connections last long after the bands have gone their separate ways. Once they’ve aged out of the program, many of these students come back to teach, and thus the cycle begins again.

For School of Rock Chapel Hill owner, David Joseph, it’s the community aspect of School of Rock that really makes it worth doing. The most important part about the organization is its contribution to the community. From the community created in practice rooms, to the greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro community, it’s these connections that are the very foundation of School of Rock’s mission. In fact, this community-based environment was recognized by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce who named School of Rock Chapel Hill the 2019 New Business of the Year.

Previously, the school has auctioned off free months of lessons in schools throughout Carrboro and Chapel Hill, a donation which only becomes more important as school music programs are becoming increasingly defunded. Recently, the organization has partnered with the Ronald McDonald foundation to sponsor a room for one year. Joseph plans to continue to do this as long as he can.

Joseph said, “From day one, I felt that it was important to give back to the community. Anything that helps kids, [brings] a little joy to people’s lives, [shares] the healing power of music, I want to support.”

Come and learn with the School of Rock when they perform this fall at Shakori Hills, and check out their showcases and class information on their website, www.locations.schoolofrock.com/chapelhill.

If you happen to be in Chapel Hill during rush hour traffic, drive by the School of Rock itself. You might just get to hear their latest gig, if the garage door is open, or be invited to sign the bathroom wall.

Cas Haley: A New Kind of Grassroots

June 25, 2019 by David Dean Leave a Comment

In 2007, Cas Haley made a name for himself as a reggae artist by coming in second place on America’s Got Talent. Fame and fortune had, seemingly, been hand delivered to the Texas-based singer-songwriter on a platter. Yet, with all of the glamour of a big-name record deal came a huge amount of pressure to conform to a specific image. For Haley, that left very little room for exploring the more personal aspects of identity, especially as an artist.

When it comes to musicians self-identifying as, “grassroots,” they often mean that they are starting out in the music industry, or establishing a local base of fans. For Cas Haley however, his grassroots identity refers to a more homegrown sound, and a slower, more mindful pace. This identity comes after nearly thirteen years in the industry, and it’s a title that he wears with pride.

“I hadn’t really realized who I was as an individual or a person. It was a very vulnerable situation to be put into where companies have millions of dollars invested in you, and they’re going to portray you in a certain way and they’re going to write songs for you, when [music] had always been such a personal thing for me and sort of self-therapy.”

In the years since his big break, Haley’s music has returned to that self-therapy that had initially made music so important for him. While many of Haley’s songs do incorporate the island-style reggae tunes that he became famous for, many more of his songs draw on the blues-country influences of his childhood. With every record, Haley’s music becomes more personal, and better showcases him as an individual, and as an artist.

With his latest album, Lessons and Blessings, Haley brings a more personal and evocative view into his life, and into his music. The album was written over the past year after his wife, Cassy, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Yet, their family remained optimistic, only growing closer together through her treatment. It was during this time that Cas and Cassy were able to create an album that was truly special for them.

“Over half of the album, me and my wife wrote together. A lot of it was centered around the things that came up through dealing with her cancer, dealing with this whole thing. Me and my wife have been together for 20 years, and we never were creative together in writing songs or anything. It was a really new and interesting relationship, y’know what I mean? 20 years and we’ve never done this, it’s so exciting and so fun. I think it’s the best tunes I’ve gotten to be a part of.”

The album was released on June 21, and was recorded entirely on the Haley family farm, allowing the whole family to be a part of the process. His family has also been accompanying him on tour, making his entourage one of the more supportive in show business.“We know the kinds of places we wanna go, and so our approach has become more mindful rather than just shooting from the hip and playing every rock club we can.”

This fall, their tour schedule will be bringing the family down to Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival for a weekend of grassroots fun in the sun. Though Haley is a newcomer to the festival, he will definitely be an act to remember. As for his performance, Haley says that he and his band will, “try to keep it as real as we possibly can, so we’ll bring our hearts to the table, it’s what we do every time and it’s what we’ll do at Shakori Hills.”

Before seeing him in October check out his YouTube channel to get to know Cas and his family better. Also make sure to check out his website and stream Cas Haley’s latest album, Lessons and Blessings on all major online outlets.

Sound Advice

May 2, 2019 by David Dean 2 Comments

Guest Blog submitted by Ray Goodrich, Marketing Director Foothills Brewing

Our Five Senses are largely how we perceive the world around us. Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, and Touch. Everything you know, everything you feel, everything that’s ever happened to you . . . has been aided, abetted or initiated by those senses. And the beautiful thing is, there’s a relationship between all of them. Smell helps taste, hearing helps sight, touch helps . . . well, all of them. And if one stops working? The others will take over and become stronger as a result. The Senses weave together a corporeal tapestry that allows us to immerse ourselves in the known universe.

I bring this up because . . . well, I’m convinced that good beer makes good music sound better. And good music makes good beer taste better.

Now, hear me out. (ha!) Not just any beer, mind you. And not just any music. Well, almost any music. But in particular, live music.

Let’s say you’re at a show (like Shakori Hills). You can be there enjoying the music (sound). You can see the band and the crowd (sight). Smell and touch are in play too (though decorum prohibits me from elaborating).

What’s missing? Taste! Sure, there are probably great food options available at your show. But who wants to rock out while juggling a Philly cheesesteak? Each has their place – just not, in my opinion, to be enjoyed together.

No, what every truly transcendent music experience calls for is an equally superior craft beer. One that stimulates you with the cold touch of the cup, the aromatic whiff of the hops, and the heady sight of white foam atop golden liquid – and ultimately, with the superior taste that this particular situation demands. A taste that, under these circumstances, only a cold craft beer can provide.

When (not if) you come to Shakori Hills this year, please feel free to put this theory to the test. You may find yourself transferring the good vibe you’re feeling from the music to that cold Hoppyum in your hand – and vice versa.

Guest Blog: Volunteer for the Tickets, Stay for the Magic

March 18, 2019 by David Dean 2 Comments

Written by Guest Blogger: Taari Coleman, longtime Shakori Hills GrassRoots Volunteer

The first time you volunteer for the festival it will likely be for the ticket. And no one faults you for that, it’s the same reason most of us did.

You’ll sign up to do set up, or work in the kid’s tent, or in one of the food booths and as you scroll through the application you’ll be casually thrown by how many ways you can offer your time, how many ways you can make a difference.

Because it’s your first time, when you arrive at the Festival Grounds, you might be a bit nervous. And no one faults you for that either. Most are nervous when faced with meeting new people and potentially embarking on a new task. But the nerves quickly fade as you realize that everyone around you is exactly where they want to be, and very happy to be there.

And then you’re put to work. You’re painting faces, scooping ice cream, directing drivers to parking spaces, checking wristbands, or riding around with the trash and recycling crew. And everyone is excited to see you, even if they’ve just met you a half hour ago. Maybe you weren’t aware that the spirit of Shakori exists not only in each individual person, but in the very ground itself, in the effort put in to make this thing happen and make it good, in the way people smile and cheer as they pull slowly up the gravel driveway, but you know that now, because you helped pull it off and you feel it the way you can feel the beginnings of rain on your skin.

So the first time you volunteer it’ll probably be for the ticket; but the second time you volunteer for the festival, it’ll be because you know that the magic is real and you want to be a part of that.

Click here to volunteer.

Your Happy Place – Camping at Shakori Hills GrassRoots

March 7, 2019 by David Dean 4 Comments

Camping at Shakori Hills GrassRoots Music & Dance doesn’t just provide lodging during the Festival; it completes your Shakori Hills GrassRoots Experience. Tents are nestled in the woods where the environment is shady and cool. Thousands of campers shout, “Happy Shakori!” to each other as they wander the trails. Passing theme camps and impromptu jam sessions as they make their way towards the sounds floating from the stages.

If tents aren’t adequate shelter in your book, RVs are welcome. If the late-night hangs aren’t up your alley, set up in our Family/Quiet Camping Area. No matter the camping experience you desire, you will find your happy place here at Shakori Hills GrassRoots.

If you want to extend your stay here and have a more extensive selection of spots to call home, early camping is encouraged. Find out more about early camping and anything else you would want to know about camping in the details below. See you at The Festival!

BUY CAMPING PASSES HERE

CAMPING GUIDELINES

Most importantly be respectful of your neighbors and the land! Please clean up your campsites and take home with you what you brought, we appreciate it. We offer trash and recycling bags at the ticket booth for sorting your trash.

Please keep the following guidelines in mind so everyone can enjoy their festival experience:

-Vehicle and RV camping area is limited, please park closely and considerately.
-Vehicle/RV and tent camping in designated areas only. There are marked nature preserve areas, please respect this and do not camp here or have fires here.
-Vehicle/RV campers must display vehicle camping pass on the upper driver’s side windshield. On an RV/camper without windshield: on the door of the RV/camper. The sticker must be on a vehicle that is camping, if you want to come in and out with a vehicle, you are towing the camper, etc. with you need to purchase a 4-day parking pass and park in the lot near the festival entrance.
-Regretfully, we must enforce towing in the marked NO PARKING zones. -Vehicles parked in no parking zones will be towed by a professional towing service to a parking area on-site.
-For safety, comfort and the environment please no driving around the festival grounds. If you are using a vehicle camping pass and need to leave the festival grounds, we request that you do so between 8 a.m. and noon.
-No driving in campsites after dark! If you arrive after dark and wish to vehicle camp, you must camp in the vehicle camping section of the main parking lot.
Motorized Vehicles are not allowed, if you have special mobility needs, please contact us in advance.
-Bicycles must have lights after dark.
-Camp Rangers are available to help you — look for people wearing Camp Ranger t-shirts.
-Outdoor hot-water showers are available

-ALCOHOL POLICY: We have a No Public Display of Alcohol Policy — meaning you must keep your alcoholic beverage in a cup – bottles and cans are no longer permitted in the stage and festival areas. We will ask you to conceal your alcoholic beverage if displayed.

-No radios, amplified music, generators or idling vehicles will be allowed.
-No outside firewood, please. It brings in bugs and tree diseases that our trees are not used to. We have firewood available for purchase on site.
-Sorry, NO DOGS! Service dogs will be permitted if they are for the service of the human they are with. Please check service animals in at the Ticket Booth upon arrival. See below in “Nearby Lodging” for pet boarding.
-Public intoxication and drug abuse are not acceptable, and we reserve the right to (and will) intervene if we believe anyone is acting inappropriate and/or disrespectful.
-Please take only memories, leave only footprints.

TENT CAMPING

Tent camping on-site is based on price per tent (no matter how many nights). Tent camping is $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. Each tent camping pass is good for a 10×10 tent/canopy/tarp or smaller, anything larger will need two passes. Tent campers note: Early tent camping (before Thursday) is an additional $10.

All camping is on a first come, first serve basis. Roping to save space is not welcome!

Shuttle: Tent campers without vehicle camping passes cannot drive a vehicle into the campsite, but there is a shuttle that runs from the parking lot to the tent camping areas.

Please read further vehicle camping guidelines below.

RV & VEHICLE CAMPING (for 4-Day ticket holders)

Vehicle and RV Camping is for 4-day ticket buyers only. After Thursday, we can’t guarantee that there will be room for vehicles in the campgrounds.
A Vehicle Camping Pass (car or camper under 25 feet *not including tow vehicle*) is $84 in advance and $94 at the gate and includes space for a)one vehicle and b)one big tent/canopy (larger than 10×10) or two small tents. You can receive up to two tent camping passes with your Vehicle Pass. Tents larger than 10×10 will require two passes. For the vehicle/camper to enter the camping area (to drive past the ticket booth) a Camping Pass has to be adhered on the vehicle: on the upper driver’s side windshield; or on an RV/camper without windshield: on the door of the RV/camper.

An RV Camping Pass (camper + tow vehicle or RV/camper 25 feet or over) is $125 in advance and $135 at the gate and includes space for a)one camper + tow vehicle or large camper and b)one big tent/canopy (larger than 10×10) or two small tents. You can receive up to two tent camping passes with your Vehicle Pass. Tents larger than 10×10 will require two passes. For the vehicle/camper to enter the camping area (to drive past the ticket booth) a Camping Pass has to be adhered on the vehicle: on the upper driver’s side windshield; or on an RV/camper without windshield: on the door of the RV/camper.

Wednesday Vehicle and RV camping are an additional $10, you must check in when you arrive.

If you have a Camper (under 25 feet) + Tow Vehicle and don’t wish to pay the RV price, you are welcome to tow your camper to the campgrounds, unhook, and then park the tow vehicle in our main parking lot; otherwise, you must pay the RV price.

Large vehicle owners also note that RVs and buses 35 feet and over will be limited to the front camping area adjacent to the main parking lot.

Vehicle camping sticker needs to be displayed on each vehicle that is camping. If you are camping with a vehicle and a camper, each vehicle/camper must have a sticker. If you want to park the vehicle that is towing the camper in the parking lot, you can purchase a 4-day parking pass for it.

Sorry, there are no hook-ups and generators are not allowed!

FAMILY/QUIET CAMPING AREA

If you have children with you or enjoy quiet at the festival, you may want to consider camping in the family/quiet camping area. We have two of those on site, and they both contain tent and vehicle camping. Ask the parking crew where this is upon arrival.

EARLY CAMPING/SET-UP

We allow people to begin camping or set up camp starting the Saturday before the festival. There is a $10 early set-up fee. Early Vehicle or RV Camping is $10 per day.
If you plan to set up early or camp early, please pay your fee and pick up your camping passes upon entry to the grounds. Do not set up without receiving a camping pass! You may set up as much as you want, but you cannot rope off extra space to be used later.

CAMPFIRES

Please see the ticket booth for this year’s campfire notice. If the weather has been arid, we will not allow fires.

Shakori is Family

February 17, 2019 by David Dean 2 Comments

The Shakori Hills family lost one of our most beloved members on Saturday, February 16.

James Olin Oden has been a festival regular for the past ten years. He first came as a fan and quickly got involved as a performer and even as a staff member for a short time.

His uniquely uplifting musical sound, a blend of his Irish and American roots, wisdom of all manner of subjects, and love of the GrassRoots family will be missed dearly.

Details of a memorial being planned for the Spring 2019 festival will be announced once they have been finalized.

In the meantime, we felt James’ words and music were the best way to honor the man. Below, enjoy a piece he wrote for the Spring 2018 program followed by some clips we thought helped capture his spirit.

slán leat, James

Shakori is Family

Originally printed in the Spring 2018 Festival Program.

written by James Olin Oden

When I first came to Shakori 10 years ago, I really had no idea what I was getting into. I knew that I was going to a music festival and there would be campfires, with lots of musicians, music lovers and artists all over the grounds. Well, in between all the fun and camaraderie, what I found was family.

We’re a peculiar family to be sure. Made of all kinds of different camps, many with names like Camp Sparkle, No Hope (and Know Hope), Rivendale, Frabjous, and Wayward Way to just name a few. There’s no rule that this should be; it just happens in a Grassroots kind of way. Each camp has its own peculiarities and proclivities, and we intermingle quite a bit, cross pollinating ideas and moments of utter silliness. Also, the camp decorations are something to behold. In Fall one of my favorites is the Festivarians site, where they have I think a 100 or so jack-o-lanterns hung in a grove.

The fires at each camp have always been a very central thing. We gather round and conversations flow freely as does music. Sometimes in the wee hours of the morning we just sit and stare and breathe together. Not that we can’t do a Shakori without fire (we just did; it was hard, but we did it, together!), but they have always proven to be a central part of the event. Amongst the fires, rocks and trees of Shakori we live freely enjoying one another’s self-expression and our corporate expression as a group. We learn hard lessons about living with each other and allowing each other to breathe freely within the group. This is not to say there are no boundaries, we just work really hard to uphold the real boundaries and allow freedom wherever we possibly can. Because of this, we have all grown as one big Shakori family.

Every family has a vision, and at Shakori you see the music and dance flowing from the camps like many vibrant streams down to the stages forming a great river of music and dance. We gather at the stages forming a unity of both musicians and dancers flowing as one big pool of united humanity. It’s really amazing to observe. There are, also, workshops covering all kinds of things musical and cultural. Even these ultimately stem from the camps. Over the years I’ve seen many a person young and immature in their art (whether it be music, dance or those other media (-;) become strong leaders and find their way to stages and workshops. It’s a beautiful thing seeing your family grow.

None of this could happen without the staff, and they are a beautiful and integral part of this family we call Shakori. There is the board of directors that set the vision, the staff that handle the operations and booking, the rangers that look out for everyone’s safety, and the security that is there to ensure everyone has a good time. They all work in unison to make sure the festival keeps going. Add to that all the volunteers that put in so much hard work to make this thing come together (tents don’t raise themselves). It really is much like someone preparing a beautiful feast for all their friends. Great hospitality requires a great amount of work, and they do all this work selflessly for one big happy Shakori family.

So please do enjoy your time here. The land and the people of Shakori greet you with open arms.

Welcome to the family!

James Olin Oden Videos

James performs “Friend of the Devil” and “Uncle John’s Band” with his longtime playing partner Joey Arcuri on the Meadow Stage at the Fall 2013 festival.

Here James performs “Dance Right Out of My Grave”, a song he wrote about a performance by Driftwood, another Shakori Hills GrassRoots regular. This clip is from the DooDad Farm, our Greensboro friends down the road.

James would narrate a video of his arrival at Shakori Hills GrassRoots every year. His Spring 2016 video has the added bonus of his album “Deeper Dance” as the soundtrack and a glimpse into his horticulture knowledge.

Get With The Program! Last Call For Program Advertisers!

February 13, 2019 by David Dean Leave a Comment

The Spring Program Advertisement Deadline is this Friday, February 15th!

Want to get your name out to thousands of festival-goers before and during the 2019 Spring Shakori GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance? Well, our audience becomes your audience when you advertise in our festival’s program! Only a few spots remain available.

We strategically distribute 15,000 programs throughout Central NC (and beyond) during the weeks leading up to the festival – and our programs are readily available and widely read during the festival as well. Advertise your business, reach new customers, and support your local music & arts festival!

The Spring Program Advertisement Deadline is this Friday! Get with the program and reserve your space today by emailing: shakorihillsprogram@gmail.com.

’Twas the Night Before Shakori

October 3, 2018 by Sarah Cullen

’Twas the night before Shakori, when all through the ‘ground
Not a performer was playing, not even a sound;
The Ticket Booth was stocked by volunteers with care,
In hopes that all our Shakori friends soon would be there;
The Early Campers were snuggled all warm in their tent;
While dreaming of music and a weekend well spent.

The stages were set, the Dance Tent was ready;
How is it here? Shakori Season already?
And up in Middle Earth and down in Creekside;
Both children and adults all sit starry-eyed;
And all through the festival and all through the air;
You could feel GrassRoots coming, we’re practically there!

The moonlight was shining on all of Peace Park;
The night before it shares it’s magic in the dark;
And the banners are dancing, and the trees they are shining;
Leave all complaints on the road – It’s Shakori! No whining!
So pack up the campers, fill the coolers with beer;
We finally made it, Shakori is here!

The Grove Stage will be rocking, the Meadow enchanting;
After all the building and painting and planting;
All of us here at Shakori, we have waited since last fall;
We welcome you back – oldies, newbies, and all;
Take it all in, all the sound, smell, and sight;
‘Happy Shakori to all, and to all a good night!’

by: Sarah Cullen, Spring 2018

My First Journey to the Farm

April 25, 2018 by Sarah Cullen

For families and friends who have been coming to Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance for years, this post will hopefully resonate with the feelings you have to come to know and love. For those who have not ever visited the special magic that is found on these 80 rolling acres, I hope this post will give you some insight on what it is like being a part of this festival for the first time and encourage you to join us this spring.

I have lived in Raleigh for the past seven years, and as I started my journey to ‘The Farm’ for the first time, I found myself leaving the busy, loud, bustling place I have grown to love for the quiet, beautiful, serene countryside of Pittsboro, North Carolina. I immediately felt myself relax, and that quick calm was only just the beginning of a weekend that was going to forever change what I thought a music festival was.

As you turn down the long gravel drive into Shakori Hills, passing the wooden sign gently welcoming you back, you are immediately greeted by smiling faces leading you to Parking, Camping, and Tickets. As someone who had never been, this was all very overwhelming. I had come on to help work the festival in August, but had never seen the land with this many people, all so excited to be back ‘home’. I was invigorated by everything – the striped Dance Tent, the lights that seemed to dance in every tree, the smells coming from the Coffee Barn, the hand-painted signs welcoming and guiding. I was barely parked before I jumped out of my car, camera in tow, and started making my way around the land.

Starting by The Garden, I walked back through the campsite full of people all catching up on what their ‘neighbors’ had been up to since the last festival. Babies being passed around and kissed. Beers being toasted and cheered. Music pouring from every campsite and trail. It was all so beautiful and comforting, but the true magic started when the sun set over the Grove Stage.

With the rising stars came the true enchantment of Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance. People brought their lights and dancing shoes (or lack thereof) and the party began. That easiness I felt while driving out to The Farm only grew with every beautiful shared moment I experienced while the festival days and nights continued.

That magic, those special moments of community and love all set to the soundtrack of incredible music, is what Shakori Hills is all about. It is what keeps people, including myself, coming back every spring and fall and spring again.

As the festival quickly approaches again, I find myself driving down that same driveway that first welcomed me to this place. Like the tire tracks down it made by artists, families, and friends you fall into a groove the moment you are on the land. A groove that feels natural and authentic. One that is easy to slip into and feel its significance. A groove that molds to you and welcomes you back again.

See you in the groove soon.

Love & Peace-

Sarah Cullen

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Your Happy Place – Camping at Shakori Hills GrassRoots

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Shakori is Family

slán leat, James

Shakori is Family

James Olin Oden Videos

James performs “Friend of the Devil” and “Uncle John’s Band” with his longtime playing partner Joey Arcuri on the Meadow Stage at the Fall 2013 festival.

Here James performs “Dance Right Out of My Grave”, a song he wrote about a performance by Driftwood, another Shakori Hills GrassRoots regular. This clip is from the DooDad Farm, our Greensboro friends down the road.

James would narrate a video of his arrival at Shakori Hills GrassRoots every year. His Spring 2016 video has the added bonus of his album “Deeper Dance” as the soundtrack and a glimpse into his horticulture knowledge.

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’Twas the Night Before Shakori

My First Journey to the Farm

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Click here to volunteer.

CAMPING GUIDELINES

TENT CAMPING

RV & VEHICLE CAMPING (for 4-Day ticket holders)

FAMILY/QUIET CAMPING AREA

EARLY CAMPING/SET-UP

CAMPFIRES

slán leat, James

Shakori is Family

James Olin Oden Videos

James performs “Friend of the Devil” and “Uncle John’s Band” with his longtime playing partner Joey Arcuri on the Meadow Stage at the Fall 2013 festival.

Here James performs “Dance Right Out of My Grave”, a song he wrote about a performance by Driftwood, another Shakori Hills GrassRoots regular. This clip is from the DooDad Farm, our Greensboro friends down the road.

James would narrate a video of his arrival at Shakori Hills GrassRoots every year. His Spring 2016 video has the added bonus of his album “Deeper Dance” as the soundtrack and a glimpse into his horticulture knowledge.

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