As the sun sets into the mountains, people gather to listen to the sound of folk and bluegrass music roll through Valle Crucis Community Park.
Every Friday at 7 p.m. from May to September, 200-300 people come and listen to the band for that week’s Music in the Valle concert series.
Executive Director of Valle Crucis Community Park, Caroline Gandy said that Music in the Valle brings the community together by attracting a diverse crowd of people including families, retirees, college students and vacationers.
“It’s a good summertime evening event,” said Sarah Bohn, 2015 Appalachian State University alumna and regular attendee. “It’s more laid-back than most concert events, so people feel free to bring animals and small children, which enhances the overall community aspect.”
Friday’s music was provided by Letters to Abigail, an Americana/folk duo from Flat Rock, North Carolina.
Performing in Valle Crucis for the first time, James Harrell, guitarist and male vocalist for Letters to Abigail, describes their music as harmony-driven, but honest and easily relatable.
“My favorite part of performing is probably afterwards, it gives me a sense of accomplishment,” Harrell said. “Songwriting is an art form. It’s just fulfilling to be able to put the work into a song, create it…and share it with people and get a response — that’s certainly part of it too.”
Joining the duo for Friday’s performance was Ryan Kijanka on upright bass and Julian Pinelli on the fiddle.
The band sang songs from their 2013 album “Say Anything,” other original songs and covers of traditional folk songs.
“I really love seeing the community, students and visitors come together and enjoy each other’s company, great music and the beautiful summer weather,” senior nursing major Elizabeth Dellinger said.
People stayed late, even after the band was done playing, to finish their picnic dinners, glasses of wine and conversations.
This is the 13th year of the concert series “Music in the Valle.”
Valle Crucis Community Park is a non-profit and is funded by donations.
The band’s CD, “Say Anything,” is sold at the Mast General Store behind Valle Crucis Community Park.
Story: Charlotte Wray, Intern Reporter