Calendar - The Orchard at Altapass

THE MONTH OF MAY 2010

PLEASE NOTE THAT TIMES WILL VARY SLIGHTLY FOR WEEKEND PERFORMANCES THROUGHOUT THE SEASON. REFER TO THIS WEB PAGE FOR THE LATEST DETAILS. THIS SEASON THE ORCHARD IS PROVIDING MORE 1 1/2 HOUR SPOTS FOR DANCEABLE BANDS.

ORCHARD OPENS FOR THE SEASON! Open Mon, Wed-Sat: 10-6; Sun: 12-6; Closed Tuesdays. During apple harvest mid-Sept through October The Orchard will be open 7 days/week, 10-6.

Saturday, May 1

1:00-2:00 Travis Paul Anderegg brings flat-foot dance lessons free to anyone interested in learning this marvelous traditional dance form. It is great fun and will help you enjoy dancing to many of the fine bands performing at The Orchard.

2:30-4:30 TBA

Sunday, May 2

1:00-2:30 TBA

3:00-4:30 True Blue - Bernie Burleson brings his upbeat bluegrass band that keeps toes happily tapping.

Wednesday, May 5

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac, Tom Sparks and friends pick and sing informally to the delight of our visitors.

Thursday, May 6

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney hosts his popular series each Thursday at The Orchard - "Remembering the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, May 7

1:45-3:15 Mike Presnell and Hope Harvey bring us a refreshing music program, including country, 60's-style folk and so much more. Mike and Hope will entertain first and third Friday afternoons May through September.

Saturday, May 8

1:00-2:00 SPECIAL HAPPENING Alan Darveaux, champion dulcimer player for Slight Departure, offers dulcimer lessons for four more sessions: June 12, July 11, August 8, and September 12. Click his name here for more details.

1:00-2:00 TBA

2:30-4:00 Bluegrass Traditions is a collection of musicians who feature our own Herman Coffey, a true throwback to the great days of Bill Monroe and The Stanley Brothers.

Sunday, May 9 (Mother's Day)

1:00-2:30 TBA

3:00-4:30 Slight Departure brings a smile to your face while you enjoy their traditional acoustic instruments and vocal renditions indigenous to western North Carolina. Bring Mom. She will love their music.

Wednesday, May 12

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks invite music lovers to join an the easy-going jam.

Thursday, May 13

1:45-3:15Terry McKinney offers more chances to "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song," talking with musicians who offer musical memories of their yesteryears.

Friday, May 14

1:45-3:15 Alan Darveaux and Jon Dana (of Slight Departure) welcome in the 2010 season with a fine selection of old-time mountain tunes and musical instruments.

Saturday, May 15

1:00-2:30 TBA

3:00-4:30 Johnny Ellis sings all the wonderful familiar tunes that are the core of traditional country music.

Sunday, May 16

1:00-2:30 A special treat! Master musical instrument maker Ray Dellinger will play backup (with his handmade guitars, mandolins, etc.) for William Ritter, a very impressive, young musician. They show that the high quality of music in our mountains is endless.

3:00-4:30 Randy Flack brings us guitar, piano, and offers an array of rib-ticklin' family stories with his musical mix. Experiencing Randy is a "must."

Wednesday, May 19

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks are the perfect combo for informal music fun.

Thursday, May 20

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, May 21

Saturday, May 22

1:00-2:00 Tom Sparks mesmerizes the audience with his deep, pure bass tones for both gospel and country.

2:30-4:30 Terry McKinney hosts his mountain "Opry" show with heaps of musical talent.

Sunday, May 23

1:00-2:00 Glenn Nance and Lenny Ski offer a variety of vocals, violin and guitar music.

2:00-2:30 Western NC stories by a Parkway Ranger

3:00-5:00 Brian Gurl and Friends pick and sing informally to the delight of our visitors.

Wednesday, May 26

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac brighten up a Wednesday afternoon with songs and some good-natured foolishness!

Thursday, May 27

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, May 28

1:45-3:15 TBA

Saturday, May 29

1:00-2:00 TBA
2:30-4:30 Reserved

Sunday, May 30

1:00-2:30 Clearwater Connection (Reserved)

3:00-5:00 Amantha Mill (Reserved) returns with their delightful elegantly down home music - everything from country classics to traditional mountain ballads. We welcome 'Becca Eggers-Gryder, Billy Helms, Randy Pasley and John Cockman!

Monday, May 31 Memorial Day

11:00-5:00 BARBECUE & COVERED DISH PICNIC Live music free to the public. Admission for the meal is a dish to share, large enough for your party with some extra for the musicians who will be entertaining all day. In place of the covered dish, guests may pay $12 per meal. The Orchard provides fresh barbecue, water, iced tea, and paper goods.

THE MONTH OF JUNE 2010

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Wednesday, June 2

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac are the perfect combination for informal music fun.

Thursday, June 3

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, June 4

1:45-3:15 Mike Presnell and Hope Harvey are an incredible duo with smooth voices that blend like sugar and butter.

Saturday, June 5

1:00-2:30 Billy Constable and Sassagrass (Reserved) are examples of very talented young musicians who learned their exceptional skills from their musical families.

3:00-4:30 Jim Huskins brings Ten Broeck, his fine bluegrass group from McDowell County that includes Altapass native Tyler Biddix.

Sunday, June 6

1:00-2:30 Slight Departure is a country group, leaning toward folk and familiar, danceable American traditional music.

3:00-4:30 True Blue good time bluegrass keeps the dancers in the audience on their feet.

Wednesday, June 9

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks pick and sing informally. Dancing encouraged.

Thursday, June 10

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, June 11

1:45-3:15 The Orchard welcomes Alan Darveaux and Jon Dana of Slight Departure treat us to handmade mountain instruments music and lively traditional tunes.

Saturday, June 12

1:00-2:00 SPECIAL HAPPENING Alan Darveaux, champion dulcimer player for Slight Departure, offers dulcimer lessons for three more sessions: July 11, August 8, and September 12. Click his name here for more details.

1:00-2:00 Enjoy the high-stepping footwork of the Carolina Heartland Cloggers honoring this long-time Appalachian tradition.

2:30-4:00 Eual Owens and Band offers ol' time bluegrass and country for our Appalachian music fans and dancers.

Sunday, June 13

1:00-2:00 Bob Tatum and Patty Kunze (very soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Tatum) offer a huge variety of music, using many musical instruments.

2:30-4:30 Old Hats Band, led by Jerry Bowman, is an exciting, very upbeat group with music ranging from bluegrass to 60's rock. Dancing is most welcomed!

Wednesday, June 16

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac treat visitors to an old fashion musical jam 'round "Old Huldy," a 1/4 replica of the first train to reach Altapass.

Thursday, June 17

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, June 18

1:45-3:15 Mike Presnell and Hope Harvey were so popular last season, we've given them two weekday spots/month.

Saturday, June 19

1:00-2:00 TBA

2:30-4:30 Bob Lominac and Band give the audience a variety of great songs that bring out the cloggers, waltzers, two-steppers, boogiers, and anyone who enjoys swaying to the music.

Sunday, June 20

1:00-2:00 Reserved

2:30-4:00 Randy Flack returns with his stories and songs straight from the shadows of the Smoky Mountains.

Wednesday, June 23

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks both have long histories in local music. Drop in and soak up their talents and fun.

Thursday, June 24

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney's program of "Remembering The Good Stuff" brings special guests.

Friday, June 25

1:45-3:15 TBA

Saturday, June 26

1:00-2:30 Cross Ties starts the afternoon with upbeat good-time bluegrass.

3:00-5:00 Terry McKinney is host for his traditional Appalachian 'opry. Terry proves that the North Carolina Mountains are the original source for that other show in Nashville.

Sunday, June 27

1:00-2:00 A special treat! Master musical instrument maker Ray Dellinger will play backup (with his handmade guitars, mandolins, etc.) for William Ritter, a very impressive, young musician. They show that the high quality of music in our mountains is endless.

2:00-2:30 A Parkway Ranger tells stories of our local mountains.

3:00-5:00 We welcome Brian Gurl, the maestro of the piano. He brings along a fine selection of his musical friends and pack our house time after time!

Wednesday, June 30

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac are the perfect combo for informal music fun.

THE MONTH OF JULY 2010

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Thursday, July 1

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, July 2

1:45-3:15 Mike Presnell and Hope Harvey bring us a refreshing music program, including country, 60's-style folk and so much more.

Saturday, July 3 Reserved all day

Sunday, July 4 JULY 4 ANNUAL PICNIC Open to the public. Free music from 11:00-4:30. Admission for the meal is a dish to share, large enough for your party with some extra for the musicians who will be entertaining all day. In place of the covered dish, guests may pay $12 per meal. The Orchard provides fresh barbecue, water, iced tea, and paper goods.

Wednesday, July 7

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks are at it again offering informal down home music with lots of interaction with the audience.

Thursday, July 8

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song." More details later.

Friday, July 9

1:45-3:15 Alan Darveaux and Jon Dana of Slight Departure give us lively mountain traditional songs and some stories behind their music.

Saturday, July 10

1:00-2:00 SPECIAL HAPPENING Alan Darveaux, champion dulcimer player for Slight Departure, offers dulcimer lessons for three more sessions: July 10, August 14, and September 11. Click his name here for more details.

1:00-2:00 (Reserved) The Cole Mountain Cloggers are fine examples of young people keeping mountain dance traditions.

2:30-4:00 True Blue is a good-time bluegrass group featuring true upbeat mountain music that keeps the cloggers on the floor all afternoon.

Sunday, July 11

1:00-2:30 Dana and Susan Robinson are a new experience for our audience. Their rich voices and instrumentals gift their listeners with the wonder of the places their songs visit.
3:00-4:30 Slight Departure plays music that no one can pigeonhole. Is it Old Time? Is it Bluegrass? Folk?

C & W? Western Swing? We assure you it will be a treat.

Wednesday, July 14

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac are pleasant surprises. Tom's deep, smooth voice and Bob's incredible guitar pickin' welcome all.

Thursday, July 15

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, July 16

1:45-3:15 Mike Presnell and Hope Harvey are a fine duo with an refreshingly updated sound.

Saturday, July 17

1:00-2:30 Eual Owens and Band enjoy playing music as much as their audiences enjoy listening and dancing.

3:00-4:30 Johnny Ellis and Band light up the room with Johnny's mellow vocals and unending good humor.

Sunday, July 18

1:00-2:00 Glenn Nance and Lenny Ski enjoy offering great versatility in a wide swath of music selections.

2:30-4:30 Randy Flack plays music and jokes with any willing sole - and even accommodates Bill Carson's request for dance music for space scientists.

Wednesday, July 21

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks are at it again offering informal down home music with lots of interaction with the audience.

Thursday, July 22

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song." More details later.

Friday, July 23

1:45-3:15 TBA

Saturday, July 24

1:00-2:30 Reserved for Mike Presnell and Hope Harvey

3:00-5:00 Terry McKinney and Friends honor many of the musical talents of the area in a Mountain Opry.

Sunday, July 25

1:00-2:00 Tom Sparks has a spine-tingling bass voice. Come enjoy every minute.

2:00-3:00 Parkway Ranger shares stories of the Blue Ridge.

3:30-5:00 Brian Gurl and his Friends are amazing professional entertainers who delight their audiences.

Wednesday, July 28

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac are appreciated Orchard friends and musicians. Tom's deep, smooth voice and Bob's incredible guitar pickin' welcome all visitors.

Thursday, July 29

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, July 30

1:45-3:15 TBA

Saturday, July 31

1:00-2:30 Herman Coffey and Bluegrass Traditions are special Orchard treasures. Herman is a living music legend, and Bluegrass Traditions are an upbeat, truly traditional bluegrass bunch. What a perfect combination!

3:00-4:30 TBA

THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2010

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Sunday, August 1

1:00-2:30 TBA

3:00-4:30 True Blue is a favorite group for cloggers and two-steppers, and for happy listeners.

Wednesday, August 4

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks are at it again offering informal down home music with lots of interaction with the audience.

Thursday, August 5

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song." More details later.

Friday, August 6

1:45-3:15 Mike Presnell and Hope Harvey have a sound you do not want to miss. Come enjoy this really special duo.

Saturday, August 7

1:00-4:30 TBA

Sunday, August 8

1:00-2:00 Ray Dellinger and William Ritter use many of Ray's handmade instruments to delight the audience with fine Appalachian-based music.

2:30-4:00 Slight Departure brings smiles to your face while you enjoy their slight departure with acoustic instruments and vocal renditions indigenous to western North Carolina.

Wednesday, August 11

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac pick and sing informally to the delight of our visitors.

Thursday, August 12

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney takes a look at the marvelous musical career of Judy Alexander with special guests Brian & Joey Gurl and Eddie Graham.

Friday, August 13

1:45-3:15 Alan Darveaux and Jon Dana (of Slight Departure) tune up their fine old mountain instruments to play and sing wonderful old-time mountain tunes.

7:00 PM Eddie Graham brings his annual New Orleans-style Jazz Festival to The Orchard Friday evening. Watch here for more exciting details!!

Saturday, August 14

1:00-2:00 SPECIAL HAPPENING Alan Darveaux, champion dulcimer player for Slight Departure, offers dulcimer lessons for two more sessions: August 14, and September 11. Click his name here for more details.

1:00-2:00 Barbara VanEycken celebrates the birth of the USA with an extraordinary one-woman tribute show to the Queen of Country Music, Patsy Cline.

2:30-4:00 Jim Huskins brings his fine high-stepping bluegrass group from McDowell County, Ten Broeck.

Sunday, August 15

1:00-2:30 Billy Constable, a very musical fella' from the Wiseman Clan, brings his band, Sassagrass, for a lively hour and a half.

3:00-4:30 Randy Flack involves the audience in his music and his dry wit.

Wednesday, August 18

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks treat visitors to an old fashion musical jam 'round "Old Huldy," a 1/4 replica of the first train to reach Altapass.

Thursday, August 19

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney hosts a series each Thursday at The Orchard named "Remembering the Good Stuff with Stories and Song." Terry and his guest this week will pick songs from the guest's family jam sessions.

Friday, August 20

1:45-3:15 Mike Presnell and Hope Harvey bring a delightful music program, including country, 60's-style folk and so much more. Some very talented friends join in.

Saturday, August 21

1:00-2:00 The Moore Brothers and their family will be back with us. The boys have recorded their first CD, which will be available during their show. We love to see young people put their hearts into traditional country music.

2:30-4:30 Bob Lominac shows his delightful guitar talents along with capably hosting his music variety show.

Sunday, August 22

1:00-2:30 TBA

2:30-3:00 Parkway Ranger tells stories of these mountains.

3:00-4:30 Look forward to Brian Gurl and Friends. The names of those friends will be available soon. Be assured it will be a great performance!

Wednesday, August 25

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac blend music and banter and include audience members in the fun.

Thursday, August 26

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney creates more chances to "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song," talking and performing with musicians who offer musical memories of their yesteryears.

Friday, August 27

1:45-3:15 TBA

Saturday, August 28

1:00-2:30 TBA

3:00-4:30 Terry McKinney keeps the audience delighted with a fine array of local musical celebrities. Come for a good time.

Sunday, August 29

1:00-2:00 Travis Paul Anderegg offers group flat-foot dance lessons free to the Orchard audience (all ages, no experience necessary.). It is fun, and gets you ready to dance to the upbeat music of Amantha Mill.

2:30-4:30 Space reserved for: Amantha Mill highlighting Billy Helms, Carowinds & Tweetsie RR performer, Boone lawyer 'Becca' Eggers Gryder, John Cockman, eldest son of the well-known musical Cockman Family, and Randy Pasley, three-time winner of the dobro division of the Galax Old Time Fiddler's Convention.

THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2010

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Wednesday, September 1

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac informally entertain Orchard guests with music and stories.

Thursday, September 2

1:45-3:15 Appalachian historian and musician Terry McKinney welcomes guests to "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, September 3

1:45-3:15 Mike Presnell and Hope Harvey bring us an easy-listening music program, including country, 60's-style folk and so much more.

Saturday, September 4

1:00-2:30 TBA

3:00-4:30 Jim Huskins' group Ten Broeck includes Tyler Biddix. They are the perfect example of energetic mountain bluegrass.

Sunday, September 5

1:00-2:30 True Blue, led by Bernie Burleson, takes the stage with upbeat, danceable bluegrass.

3:00-4:30 Old Hat Band continues the bluegrass theme with its own twists.

Monday, September 6

11:00-5:00 LABOR DAY BARBECUE & COVERED DISH PICNIC Open to the public. Live music is free. The stage area fills up quickly, so you might want to bring lawn chairs. Admission for the meal is a dish to share, large enough for your party with some extra for the musicians who will be entertaining all day. In place of the covered dish, guests may pay $12 per meal. The Orchard provides fresh barbecue, water, iced tea, and paper goods.

Wednesday, September 8

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks are at it again offering informal down home music with lots of interaction with the audience.

Thursday, September 9

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, September 10

1:45-3:15 Alan Darveaux and Jon Dana sing and play traditional mountain tunes accompanying themselves with some treasured old instruments. Alan, of the Slight Departure Band, is a long-time champion dulcimer performer.

Saturday, September 11

1:00-2:00 SPECIAL HAPPENING Alan Darveaux, champion dulcimer player for Slight Departure, offers his final dulcimer lesson for this session. Click his name here for more details.

1:00-2:30 TBA

3:00-4:30 Cross Ties are a very appreciated bluegrass group of musicians.

Sunday, September 12

1:00-2:30 Reserved

3:00-4:30 Slight Departure will bring a smile to your face while you enjoy their traditional acoustic instruments and vocal renditions indigenous to western North Carolina. Dancing encouraged.

Wednesday, September 15

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac are the perfect combo for informal music fun.

Thursday, September 16

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney and guests "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song."

Friday, September 17

1:45-3:15 Mike Presnell and Hope Harvey finish up their refreshing music programs for this season, including country, 60's-style folk and very talented guests.

Saturday, September 18

1:00-2:30 Lenny Ski and Glenn Nance with guitar, fiddle and vocals, play to appreciative audiences.

3:00-4:30 Johnny Ellis always brings exceptional musicians to backup his incredibly smooth vocals.

Sunday, September 19

1:00-2:30 TBA

3:00-4:30 Randy Flack is back for his final show of the 2010 season.

Wednesday, September 22

1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac blend music and banter and include audience members in the fun.

Thursday, September 23

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney provides another opportunity to "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song," talking and performing with musicians who offer musical memories of their yesteryears.

Friday, September 24

1:45-3:15 TBA

Saturday, September 25

1:00-2:30 TBA

3:00-4:30 Terry McKinney brings together a remarkable collection of delightful music makers with Terry's Mountain Opry.

Sunday, September 26

1:00-2:00 TBA

2:00-2:30 Blue Ridge Parkway Ranger tells stories of our mountains.

3:00-5:00 Brian Gurl and an array of talented friends offer the audience a show to remember.

Wednesday, September 29

1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks finish out their indoor weekday music programs for 2010.

Thursday, September 30

1:45-3:15 Terry McKinney presents the final indoor weekday program "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song" for 2010. In October, music will be on the Pavilion until the last weekend of the season, October 30 & 31. The Orchard building will be filled with the apple crop and apple activities and goodies. Come and enjoy the fun and taste all of our apple varieties and specialties. You can pick fresh from the trees, or we will supply you with bags of the crop picked by our staff.

THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2010

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MORE OCTOBER ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE LISTED HERE ON-LINE LATER IN THE SEASON. ALL OCTOBER MUSIC WILL BE OUTSIDE ON THE PAVILION UNTIL THE FINAL WEEKEND.

Booked to date:

Saturday, October 9

1:00-2:00 Travis Paul Anderegg teaches all interested folks techniques of flat-foot dancing. Take advantage of this opportunity. You can practice through the winter!

2:30-4:00 Johnny Ellis treats us to a delightful afternoon with his marvelous singing voice and his lively sense of humor.

Sunday, October 10

3:00-4:30 Slight Departure has been a loyal and very entertaining group at the Orchard for several years. Enjoy their final performance for 2010.

Saturday, October 16

1:00-2:30 Bob Lominac and Friends present a mix of country, bluegrass, and memories. Bob was just 14 when he performed on the Carolina Barn Dance in downtown Spruce Pine. His mother taught him his extra-fine guitar pickin' licks!

Sunday, October 17

3:00-4:30 Randy Flack keeps us totally entertained with his fine music, family stories and always tongue-in-cheek humor. He especially likes to pick on Wild Bill Carson.

Saturday, October 30

2:30-4:30 Terry McKinney presents the final country music show for the 2010 season. The show will be inside on the stage.

Sunday, October 31

2:30-4:30 Brian Gurl is also inside for the 2010 season closing show. Brian and his guests always leave the season on high notes.

THANKS GOES TO ALL OF THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO SUPPORTED THE ORCHARD AND ITS SPECIAL EVENTS THOUGH OUT THE 2010 SEASON.