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.

Willard Watson and Walter Jenkins, representing MusicFest on Sqrambled Scuares

MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove thanks Buzz Berry and his crew at Sqrambled Scuares for promoting this year’s festival. We had a lot of fun on the show and you should have fun watching it, too!

Sqrambled Scuares airs weeknights at 8 and 8:30 pm on Charter TV 20 in the High Country and Charter TV 4 in Wilkes County. It can also be viewed online at http://boone.sqrambledscuares.biz/.

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

MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove is excited to announce the debut of the Mountain Times Pickin’ Parlor at our 14th annual festival. The Mountain Times has been a supporter of MusicFest for many years and we are honoring that relationship by putting their name on our brand new Pickin’ Parlor inside the Historic Cove Creek School.

For the first time, festival attendees will have an opportunity to step up on stage and pick their own instrument or join in a jam with others. Local groups Carolina Crossing and the New River Boys will hold performances in the Pickin’ Parlor throughout the festival, as well as jam with folks in the audience.

The Mountain Times Pickin’ Parlor will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on July 8 and 9 at MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove. It is located on the backside of the Historic Cove Creek School. The Pickin’ Parlor is accessible from the front entrance of the building, as well as a foot path on the right side of the school. There will be signs posted at the festival indicating the location of the Pickin’ Parlor.

Visit the Mountain Times online at MountainTimes.com.

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.

"Daisy" powers the MusicFest Solar Stage

BY MEGAN RYDBERG

In addition to the MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove main stage, the 2011 event will feature a secondary, solar-powered stage. Many talented acts are scheduled to appear on the MusicFest Solar Stage, including Upright & Breathin’, Sweetbriar Jam and Surefire. To see the full line-up, click here.

A mainstay of MusicFest since 2007, the Solar Stage is yet another way the festival promotes sustainability practices within the community. The sole power source of the Solar Stage is “Daisy,” which is provided by the Department of Technology and Environmental Design at Appalachian State University. “Daisy” is a miniature home that draws solar and wind power.

MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove uses the Solar Stage to lessen the impact on the environment and to educate festival attendees about alternative energies. The ongoing effort to make MusicFest a sustainable event is supported by Cove Creek Preservation and Development and the Goodnight Family Sustainable Development Program at Appalachian State University.

MusicFest chair Tommy Walsh (left), festival organizer Willard Watson (center), and Doc Watson

Willard Watson, representative of MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove, was interviewed on Wednesday morning, June 15th, on AM-1450 WATA. Click on the link below to hear what is happening with MusicFest this year!

Willard Watson speaking about MusicFest on AM-1450 WATA

MusicFest ‘N Sugar Grove welcomes back the Carolina Chocolate Drops for another year of their unique old-time string band music. This video of the Carolina Chocolate Drops performing “Don’t Get Trouble on Your Mind” is from their 2009 appearance at MusicFest.

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Be sure to check out the latest Mountain Times, featuring an article about the Carolina Chocolate Drops and their return to MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove.

MusicFest ‘N Sugar Grove welcomes back the Kruger Brothers for another year of traditional acoustic music. This video of the Kruger Brothers performing “Orange Blossom Special” is from their 2001 appearance at MusicFest.