Black Mountain Music Festival

05/20/2026

Just a heads up. TOMORROW 5/21 be sure to watch the Kelly Clarkson show. The musical guest is Jobi Riccio. But you'll want to notice her band. On the bass is our very own Sissy Dinkle!! Way to go Sissy!

05/04/2026

Well, life got in the way... I had a sudden illness that I have to give full attention to. So unfortunately this year's festival will have to be canceled. But my prognosis is great! So, next year's festival dates are OCTOBER 16-21!! You can count on an amazing and memorable experience! Looking forward to seeing you all in 2027!!!

03/27/2026

We're gettinng ready! Right now, we're collecting the class descriptions. The goal is to start registration early in May. This is going to be an amazing festival! Hope we'll see you there!

01/17/2026

12/10/2025

Guess what??? WE HAVE A BRIDGE BETWEEN BLUE RIDGE CENTER AND WASHBURN!!!!!!! IYKYK...😎

11/21/2025

As many of you have already heard, we lost one of our own, Danny Shepherd who passed away recently after battling cancer. Danny was an amazing musician and friend to so many of our community. I know our hearts go out to Dottie and all of Danny's family and friends. You can read Danny's obituary here -

View Danny Ray Shepherd's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

10/16/2025

NEXT YEAR'S DATES!!!

OCTOBER 17-22

10/08/2025

Hi Everyone! Hard to believe that in just a couple of days we’ll start the 10th year as the Black Mountain Music Festival (can’t believe that it’s been 10 years). Every year seems to have its own personality or “vibe”. But, they have all been special in some way. This year will be no exception to be sure.

I visited the campus the other day for the first time in 2 years. We left October 18, 2023, and missed a year due to Helene. There were definitely some changes in the landscape. But the Blue Ridge Assembly was still that magical place we’ve known these past 10 years.

The Assembly has been in the process of recovery for the past year and so many projects have been finished. I learned that one of the unfinished projects is the bridge between the Blue Ridge Center and Washburn Auditorium. That’s the path that’s been driven and walked by everyone to get to their classes in the auditorium or to the evening programs. This year there are several classes in Washburn. The evening programs and vending will also be in Washburn as they have been in year’s past.

So, since the bridge is out, when you arrive and get to the top of the hill, you’ll see Washburn on your left. At that point you’ll need to follow the sign and turn right. Then, follow the road around Asheville Hall and come into the parking area that way. Then, each day, if you have a class in Washburn or are going to the evening program, you will need to take a 90 seconds (approximately) ride to Washburn by one of our vehicles (car, SUV, golf cart or UTV). The Assembly has graciously DONATED the use of three golf carts! I’ve rented a large SUV and, as I’ve already mentioned, the UTV and possibly a second car will be running the route as well.

I know in advance that there will be those who will want to try and drive their own vehicles to the auditorium. If you decide to do that, please be understanding that literally EVERYONE will be riding to the auditorium and there are basically THREE parking spaces in front of the auditorium that we’re hoping to fit three golf carts, a UTV, an SUV and (possibly) a second car to make sure that the transport of everyone will be as efficient as possible. There is a parking area at the base of the Washburn building with one flight of stairs up to the auditorium. So, please park there and if mobility is still a factor for the driver we’ll work to get you back up to the auditorium in a golf cart or UTV. This will not impact the vast majority of you during the daily class schedule. This will be an evening procedure only for 98+% of you.

As I’m writing this, I realize that if you’ve never been to the Assembly (and maybe even if you have been) this might sound a little confusing. But, once you arrive you’ll see what I’ve mentioned about the 90 seconds ride around Asheville Hall. As we have in the past, we’re expecting glorious weather and striking fall foliage.

The key in all of this is to remember, we’re ALL here to have some fun and relax while we enjoy the company of our friends (old and new) and enjoy the fellowship we share through our music. Believe me, this will ALL work out AND the best part is – IT’S TEMPORARY! The 11th year will be a renewing of our “old ways” when the bridge has been completed. I cannot wait to see you all on the mountain in a few days – We’re going to have an amazing festival!! 🤟😎❤️

10/04/2025

Hello everyone and WOW! It’s just ONE week until we start this year’s festival! Here are some things to remember...

As most of you are aware, we will be using the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly as our venue. This is our tenth year at the Assembly. Many of you have registered for your room/board at the Assembly and many of you are returning so you know the drill. BUT…for those who don’t…check-in starts at 2:00pm on Saturday, OCTOBER 11. I’m assuming most folks will be using some form of GPS. So, set your destination for 84 Blue Ridge Circle, Black Mountain, NC 28711. When you arrive, you will be diverted slightly right of the entry onto a one-way drive. It’s a beautiful ride through the woods which I assume will be starting to show fall colors. You might even see some of the local wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see turkeys and even bears! As the road winds up the hill, you’ll see signs guiding you to the Blue Ridge Center. That’s where the registration will take place. You’ll pass Washburn Auditorium on the left and the next building on your left will be the Blue Ridge Center. To your right will be the parking area and the large white building you’ll notice high up the hill is the Eureka Hall.

As you enter the Blue Ridge Center, our festival registration table should be located directly ahead of you. We’ll be giving you a name badge and any the handouts you'll need. There will be a little SWAG (stickers, wristbands, picks – all free!) so feel free to take some. We’ll have folders available as well to help hold the TAB you’re certain to get during the week. Again, no charge for those. If you are registered to stay at the Assembly the second place you’ll need to visit is the front desk at the Blue Ridge Center. Please remember, we’ll have plenty of time to get checked in, dinner doesn’t start until 6pm. So, you’ll have several hours to stroll around the campus, get unpacked or even take a nap. So, patience is a virtue! Again, our first meal will be at 6pm, unless you’re in a lodge or cottage and have planned your own meals. There should even be plenty of time for those who want to go into Black Mountain and see a couple of sights and maybe even have dinner before the evening program (some great restaurants in town - here's a link to see some of them - https://business.explorethevalley.org/directory/Search/food-brew-643792 ).

Saturday evening at 7:15 we’ll have our first evening program in Washburn Auditorium. We’ll have a program in Washburn every evening of the festival at 7:15. Just FYI, Tuesday evening will feature the First National Dulcimer Orchestra and an open Mic night (always a favorite). So, you’ll get to hear a premiere dulcimer orchestra and if you’d like to show your talents that’s your night to take the stage! We’ll have a sign-up for the open mic. We also have a House band at BMMF that’s always a favorite. They’ll be playing just prior to the program in Washburn Auditorium. Following the evening programs will be jams that run into the “wee hours”. There will be jams for a variety of playing levels and musical tastes.

A word for those I’ve corresponded with who have mobility issues. Every day we’ll have 2 golf carts, a UTV and a car (if needed) to help folks get from building to building. After the first day, a majority of folks will just walk. The walks between Blue Ridge Center and Washburn or BRC to Weatherford are reasonably easy to walk. BUT…even if you have no issues and just want a ride, let us know! This year we have someone available until after 11pm if needed (for those late jammers). I don’t want anyone to stress over this. We’ll figure out the schedules and work to be wherever folks need a lift. Almost 10% of the festival budget goes into transportation. We aren’t perfect, but we want to be!

One final word about the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. Last year the Assembly was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Even though there isn’t much in the news about WNC, there are still quite a few folks recovering from the effects of that storm. The Assembly just went back on the grid in June. They have been working at a 40% capacity through the summer and still have some major projects to regain their full functioning strength. For those who are returning, you will probably notice some changes in the landscape and a slight difference in numbers of staff available. Our group has come to be known as a favorite by the folks at the Assembly. We’ve had a great working relationship with the Assembly and look forward to many years to come. I want to challenge everyone to please consider making a contribution to help them get back to full strength. The Assembly is an amazing venue, and we’ve been blessed to have an association with them all these years.

So, that’s all I can think of right now but I’m sure there will be questions. So, let me know if you have a question.

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Looking forward to seeing you in Black Mountain! It’s going to be a great time!