The Historic Cove Creek School in the 1940s

BY MELISSA VEGA

Non-profit organization Cove Creek Preservation and Development (CCP&D) has held Musicfest ‘N Sugar Grove for the past 14 years to fund its mission to preserve and maintain the Cove Creek community, located in Watauga County, N.C. Proceeds from MusicFest support efforts to keep the Historic Cove Creek School and surrounding historic sites in working order and available for future generations.

When the Historic Cove Creek School closed down in 1995, CCP&D was formed as a non-profit, with a goal of preserving and utilizing the building. With the support of Appalachian State University’s Sustainable Development Outreach, the community, revenue from various events, and numerous public and private agencies, CCP&D rescued the building.

“When MusicFest ‘N Sugar Grove was created in 1998, it started off not only as appreciation to Doc Watson, but as a fundraiser to restore the building,” says Tommy Walsh, director of Appalachian State University’s Sustainable Development Outreach and co-chair of MusicFest ‘N Sugar Grove for 14 years.

CCP&D facilitated needed repairs to the Historic Cove Creek High School and had it registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Instead of going into disrepair or facing demolishment, the picturesque WPA-era stone building is now a community center and a business complex. The Historic Cove Creek School has proven to be a valuable asset to the community, providing jobs, commerce, recreation, and a museum.

The purpose of MusicFest ‘N Sugar Grove is to maintain CCP&D’s funding of the Historic Cove Creek School and efforts of community preservation. CCP&D, along with Appalachian State University’s Sustainable Development Outreach, share the vision of maintaining the Historic Cove Creek Community.

Doc Watson performing at the 14th Annual MusicFest 'n Sugar Grove Press Conference. Photo courtesy of Lauren Ohnesorge of the Watauga Democrat.

On Thursday, June 30th, MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove invited members of the press to an intimate question and answer session with Doc Watson. Doc was kind enough to share some of his life stories and perform several songs for a small group of people at the Historic Cove Creek School. We are forever grateful for his contribution to MusicFest and the Cove Creek community.

Thank you to the Watauga Democrat, Mountain Times, High Country Press, High Country Radio, High Country Press, Mountain Television, WASU-FM, and the Boone Chamber of Commerce for supporting and promoting the 14th Annual MusicFest.

To hear a portion of Doc’s interview and one of his performances from the press conference, click on the link below:

Doc Watson at the 14th Annual MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove Press Conference

Andy Owens

BY JESSIE BUSH

MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove is always excited to provide opportunities for up-and-coming musicians, and this year’s event is no exception.  In order to highlight shining local and regional artists, this 14^th annual, two-day music will once again feature the Andy Owens Songwriter Showcase.

For the fifth year, the Songwriter Showcase provides the perfect opportunity for festival goers to discover the next generation of promising North Carolina performers—heirs to a legendary Appalachian heritage.  Undiscovered artists can revitalize a musical world that is based on tradition, and MusicFest welcomes these new faces.

The 2011 Andy Owens Songwriter Showcase features Polly Lorien, Neil Cribbs, and Leon Nelson. The Showcase will take place Saturday, July 9 at 5:55 p.m. on the MusicFest Main Stage.