Had things gone according to plan, Raleigh singer/songwriter Kate Rhudy would be spending a long stretch of this spring on the road, touring to promote a new vinyl release. But that was planned before the COVID-19 shutdown brought everything, including the tour, to a screeching halt.
All of Rhudy’s gigs have been canceled, including what was to have been a big hometown show at Kings nightclub, where she would have sold copies of her new record. Now the records are still boxed up in her house.
Where does one find the heart of Asheville?
It’s everywhere and nowhere.
It is hidden in the summer sunsets that stretch across the horizon into endless layers of purple hue.
It is within the majestic mountains, the soothing harmonies of nature,
and that particular shade of celestial azure, that arrives boldly with every bright sunrise.
These words, though timeless, came together in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Presented by Come Hear North Carolina, “Under One Roof,” a three-day, three-hour virtual music festival, raised $50,000 to support artists across North Carolina whose work has been disrupted by COVID-19.
The benefit concert which featured virtual performances, interviews, and messages from North Carolina musicians, who participated to help artists across the state, has been viewed 120,000 times to date. All proceeds from Under One Roof will be distributed to artist relief efforts.
Many people care about the history of the place they call home, but some people devote themselves to it. Kinston’s Choci Gray is one of them.
For the past five years, Gray has hosted the Chitlin Circuit: an annual community event that features stellar performances by some of the town’s most celebrated Black musicians. Typically, the Chitlin Circuit is held in February, but the event will not take place this month because of the pandemic.
In celebration of National Poetry Month, North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green made a playlist of some of her favorite songs. Find her liner notes - and a link to the Spotify playlist below!
"Salt" by Lizz Wright - This song's earthiness and the lyrics are a daily mantra reminding me that I am the curator of my life.