
CANCELED – Kinney Rorrer and the New North Carolina Ramblers
Kinney Rorrer and the New North Carolina Ramblers
CANCELED
As the emerging record industry discovered the popularity of rural music, Charlie Poole and the North Carolina Ramblers quickly became one of the most influential bands of the era and set the tone for what was to follow later in bluegrass and Americana music. This year marks the 100th anniversary of their first commercial recordings.
Poole’s great-nephew, Kinney Rorrer, founded the New North Carolina Ramblers to continue playing old-time string band music in the tradition of legendary artist Charlie Poole, among others.
The New North Carolina Ramblers echo the sound of the original band. They come by it naturally—banjo player Kinney Rorrer, who is great-nephew of both Charlie Poole and his fiddler, Posey Rorer, has spent a lifetime studying, writing about and performing the traditional music of his family, including authoring the book Ramblin’ Blues: The Life and Songs of Charlie Poole.
In addition to being an excellent musician, Kinney is also a gifted storyteller, and will regale the audience with many stories, including some from first-hand experience, about Charlie Poole, Posey Rorer, and other musicians from the area.
For decades Kinney co-hosted a radio program of traditional rural music called Back to the Blue Ridge where he was known for his deep knowledge of the music. He also also taught history for 32 years at Danville Community College.
This concert is part of the Backstories series, telling stories about the music and musicians who played it, and the culture and region the music comes from. The series is supported by a Central Appalachian Living Traditions grant from Mid Atlantic Arts.
ADDITIONAL CONCERT DETAILS
• Seating is limited. Advance tickets recommended.
• Ticket purchases are nonrefundable.
• Season passes not accepted for concerts in the indoor theater.
• Assistive listening devices are available for use during concerts. If you would like to borrow a free device, email info@blueridgemusiccenter.org in advance of your visit.