TRAVEL GUIDE TO BRYSON CITY AND THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Enjoy a show IN THE SMOKIES
Live Music, Plays and Entertainment for All Tastes
From your home base in Bryson City, you can easily enjoy great music and entertainment not only in town, but also in Franklin, Dillsboro, Sylva, Cherokee and Stecoah.
We've got some great venues – from small restaurants to larger auditoriums like Harrah's Cherokee Casino and the Smoky Mountain Theater for the Performing Arts. And we've got everything from gospel to rock, from big bands to ballet and from drama to comedy.
So come to the mountains to enjoy the fresh air and the scenery by day and plenty of entertainment at night.
June-October, we have free concerts at the Bryson City Train Depot. 2012 Music in the Mountains schedule.
Go to any month: May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
MAY |
7:30 pm. Including hits such as "I'll Still Be Loving You" and "When She Cries" the songs of Restless Heart are driven by the musical force which brought them together over 25 years ago. The timeless music generated by Little Texas such as "God Blessed Texas" and "What Might Have Been" have been featured on hundreds of television programs and radio stations across the U.S.A. Celebrating 20 years of Rockin' Country. |
7:30 pm. Join us as we celebrate spring the Appalachian way — with great bluegrass music. Featuring The Stecoah Valley Leftovers: Bill Pruett, Bradley Adams, Larry Barnett, Sue Bullock, Sonny Reighard, and Dwight Bradshaw. Adults $10. $5 students (K-12). |
Nine-time Grammy award winner singer, songwriter and performer Natalie Cole has proven to be one of the most beloved performers of all time. Natalie Cole rocketed to stardom in 1975 with her debut album, Inseparable, earning her a #1 single, "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" and two Grammy awards for Best New Artist, as well as Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. |
7:30 pm. Since the release of their 2010 debut album, "Suddenly Yours," Allstar Weekend emerged as one of the most promising young bands around. Wait until fans hear "All the Way," their new Hollywood Records album. In its 12 tracks, Allstar Weekend not only steps up their game as musicians, they reveal themselves as mature pop storytellers. |
Live on stage Matt Stillwell, Chase Rice, The Chillbillies, My Highway and The Dirty Guv'Nahs. Rise and Shine Band Competition at the Wild Wing Cafe. |
7:30 pm. The Band Perry's "modern throwback" style combines classic Country with an eclectic infusion of Rock, Gospel and Soul. As songwriters and musicians, their sound is rounded out by perfect three-part harmonies. |
7:30 pm. Jimmy Travis is a multitalented performer who constantly proves that you can be funny, informative, and entertaining without being offensive! A Bean and Bailey show includes everything from stand-up comedy to songs and musical parodies. Bradley Bean and Jackson Bailey have been performing their clean comedy act professionally for over 12 years. They were featured on the very first season of NBC's America's Got Talent, and currently you can hear them on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. |
JUNE |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Named after an actual place in the Smoky Mountains, this duo string band specializes in the music that was played and sung by early pioneers and settlers of the Southern Appalachian mountains. |
7:30 pm. After a successful 2010 tour of nearly 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada, The Midtown Men reunites Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard, and J. Robert Spencer, stars from the original cast of Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys. Together in a dynamic concert featuring top hits from a Who's Who of the '60s, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, and The Four Seasons, whose story they brought to life every night as Stars in the Original Cast of Jersey Boys. |
7:30 pm. k.d. lang is that rare performer who, over 25 years as a major-label artist, has matured before our very ears. The Western Canada native launched her career with a blend of country-rock stylings and playfully punk-like attitude, by turns whimsical and subversive; back then, she practically put the alternative in alt-country. |
9 pm. Foreigner's place as one of the front-runners of the rock genre is hard to dispute. Early hits were "Feels Like the First Time", "Cold as Ice" and "Long, Long Way From Home" reaching the Top 20 in the Billboard charts. Other hits include "I Want to Know What Love Is", "Double Vision", "Dirty White Boy", "Head Games", and "Juke Box Hero". |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Old country music from the rural south of long ago, country blues, bluegrass and even a little honkytonk are the sounds that these boys provide when they get together. Drawing from a deep well of music and performed with a profound love and appreciation of the various forms of southern music, they play from the heart. |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Includes such diverse styles as traditional Celtic and old-time Americana tunes, haunting airs and waltzes, and bluesy-jazzy original songs. Sprinkle in some fiery rhythms and compelling vocals and you have the unique sound which transports Juniper's fans to an ancient time with jigs, reels & airs then brings them back with their original alternative folk compositions. |
T Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm; Sun at 2:30 pm. Join Peter, the Lost Boys, the Darling children and Tinkerbell on a magical journey as they fly above the streets of London and through the forests and oceans of Neverland. While there, they encounter mermaids, Indians and the evil Captain Hook with his band of nasty pirates. Filled with classic Broadway tunes and enough pixie dust to make even the most grown-up of grown-ups believe in fairies, wishes and child-like imagination. A two-act theatrical presentation. |
S Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. The name says it all - country duo singing old-time acoustic music including some Patsy Cline. |
7:30 pm. Tom Sadge has been a full-time entertainer for his entire adult life, however, the last 12 years as a Neil Diamond impersonator and tribute artist have been the most exciting of his career. Traveling throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, Sadge has appeared at many major arenas and venues. His lookalike and soundalike tribute to "The Jazz Singer" is a favorite of the most discriminating Neil Diamond fans. |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Drawing from the styles of bluegrass, folk, acoustic rock, and Americana, The Barefoot Movement, with their original songs, impressive instrumentation, and interweaving harmonies, converge the old and new, into a style all their own that is certain to be appreciated by all generations. |
7:30 pm. Bluegrass says a lot of what this band is about, but equally important are the aspects of Gospel and Country Music. All the fellows in the band grew up in the rich musical heritage of the Appalachian South, surrounded by culture and heritage steeped in traditions of The Grand Ole Opry …as well as the important influences of the Scotch-Irish settlers of the Southern Mountains, English ballads, Western songs …and tunes written by the band members themselves .More info |
JULY |
2:30 pm. Since their debut in September '94, their intense musical focus has captivated audiences worldwide. From Lee University in Cleveland, TN and directed by Danny Murray, this fourteen-member group is characterized by their unique variety of lush vocal harmonies. The Voices of Lee have appeared on "Good Morning America" as well as Christmas at the White House. Most recently they have appeared on NBC's Sing-Off Competition. More info |
2:30 pm. A tribute to the great classic composers of the 20th century and includes music from George Gershwin, John Philip Sousa, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Stephen Foster and Anna Louise Deal. One of the most popular parts of this musical spectacular is Gentille's patriotic tribute to Veterans of the Armed Forces. A fantastic show to celebrate the 4th of July with the whole family! |
Saturday, July 7 Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. |
7:30 pm. America became a musical sensation in the early 1970's, scoring #1 hits and winning a Grammy for best new musical artist. Their recording success has stretched throughout the decades and into the millennium influencing an entirely new generation to the band's best known songs such as "A Horse with No Name", "Sister Golden Hair" (both of which reached #1), "Ventura Highway", "Tin Man", "Daisy Jane", and "Lonely People". More info |
7:30 pm. The Steel Wheels are truly an Americana band, rooted in musical styles that explore the territories between blues and bluegrass, old-time sing-alongs and foot-stompin’ fiddle tunes. They are subtle innovators who respect the past but whistle their own tunes, layering in rich textures and decidedly modern energy to forge a new sound. More info |
7:30 pm. With a soulful, unforgettable voice, Jason Crabb always knew he was born to sing. After hitting the road with his family at age 14, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, become a fan-favorite at the Grand Ole Opry and has appeared regularly on the Gaither Homecoming Series videos. Known for songs such as "Somebody Like Me" and "Through the Fire," there's no doubt that Jason Crabb is one of the finest voices of his generation. More info. |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Blending Southern Rock, classic and contemporary country and bluegrass leanings to make a sound all their own. With tight three part harmonies and high energy live shows, the Josh Fields Band prides itself on being one of a kind. |
7:30 pm. Gary Allan says he has "revamped my whole show" in advance of this summer's Country Throwdown tour. He has recorded new material to include along with some of his 16 top 20 hits including "Watching Airplanes," "Learning How to Bend," and "Today." |
7:30 pm. After forming in 1980, Gold City became an instant success in the Gospel Music industry. Recordings of upbeat tunes like "In My Robe Of White", "I Think I'll Read It Again" and "John Saw" along with inspirational songs like "No Other Word For Grace But Amazing" and "Midnight Cry" catapulted the group to the upper ranks of Southern Gospel. The tremendous amount of support they receive across the country makes every stop for Gold City a true night to remember. More info |
7:30 pm. Adam Steffey, Ron Stewart, John R. Bowman, Keith Garrett and Harold Nixon make up what will surely soon be one of the top headliners in bluegrass and beyond. 2011 IBMA Awards - Instrumental Group of the Year; Emerging Artist of the Year; Mandolin Player of the Year; Banjo Player of the Year. More info |
7:30 pm. The Gibson Brothers—Eric and Leigh—are widely recognized as the finest brother duet in bluegrass music today. Specializing mostly in original compositions, the brothers musical messages often harkens back to the days of growing up on a farm in upstate New York and the tight bond of a hard working family. Such songs as "Help My Brother", "Walking West to Memphis" and "He Can Be Found in a Mother's Smile" helped make the Gibson Brothers 2012 IBMA Award Winners. More info |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Jakleg plays an Appalachian-influenced version of Southern Rock & Roll. Mountain born and raised band members Mike, Scot, Darrell, and Allen play a mixture of rock and roll, rock-a-billy, hard-driving blues, rock ballads, and some other stuff that's just not real easy to pigeon-hole. For Music in the Mountains Jakleg will be performing a toned down acoustic style. |
7:30 pm. Swiss brothers Uwe Kruger on guitar, and Jens Kruger on banjo, team up with bassist Joel Landsberg. The Kruger Brothers personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. Their original music, composed by Jens Kruger, is crafted around their discerning taste, and the result is unpretentious, cultivated, and delightfully fresh. More info |
7:30 pm. The music of the Grascals is a bond forged at the intersection of personal friendships, shared professional resumes, and an appreciation for the innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music that has been a hallmark of the Nashville scene for more than forty years. Among the most beloved and acclaimed bands on today's bluegrass scene, The Grascals have won SPBGMA's Bluegrass Band of the Year award in 2010, the International Bluegrass Music Association's Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2005 and the Entertainer of the Year honor in both 2006 and 2007. More info |
Saturday, July 21 7:30 pm. Elvis is in the building once again as we host the 5th annual Ultimate Elvis Contest at Harrah's Cherokee. An internationally sanctioned contest licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises where 16 Elvis Tribute Artists will compete for prize money and 1 of 24 spots in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at Graceland. Preliminary rounds will take place in the Entertainment Lounge on July 19 & 20. The top 5 Elvis Tribute Artists will then move on to compete in the main event with a live band on Saturday, July 21. |
7:00 pm. Folkmoot USA, The State International Festival of North Carolina, is a two-week celebration of the world's cultural heritage through folk music and dance. Held each summer across the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, Folkmoot features performers demonstrating cultural heritage through colorful, authentic, and original reproduction costumes, lively dance, and traditional music. More info |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. A wide range of music from the fifties, sixties and seventies from these Sylva musicians. |
7:30 pm. Song of the Mountains, also known as The VW Boys, show is a unique blend of talent consisting of music, magic and comedy, a complete variety show. Audiences of all ages enjoy their show. More info |
7:30 pm. America's Got Talent sensations, The Texas Tenors, won the hearts of millions with their melodic three-part harmonies and Texas charm in 2009. The trio smoothly blends country, classical, Gospel, and Broadway with great voices and a decidedly Texas flavor. Bring the whole family to enjoy this talent-filled, one-of-a-kind performance! More info |
AUGUST |
7:30 pm. This declaration from Christian singer/songwriter Natalie Grant represents the heartbeat of her newest musical offering, Love Revolution. A powerhouse vocalist, heart-gripping songwriter and charismatic performer, Grant returns to the music marketplace with an unshakeable determination to remind us of the simple significance of love and the revolutionary power that it carries. |
Saturday, August 4 Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Bluegrass and gospel by local Bryson City boys. Songs inspired by older bluegrass traditions as well as newer sounds. |
7:30 pm. This trio's high-energy dance numbers, sweet Appalachian vocal arrangements, and old-time rhythmic flair draw from the music passed down to them from their families. More info |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Traditional old-time and bluegrass music. Larry Barnett of Grandpa's Music has been a staple of the music scene in Bryson City for over a decade. He plays a variety of instruments including guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and squeeze box and was a co-founder of the Sawmill Creek Porch Band. The friends are Push McCann, on guitar, and Sarah Ogletree, a talented young fiddler with a beautiful singing voice. |
7:30 pm. The Kickin Grass Band takes the stage, and suddenly you’re captivated by pure, strong voices telling true-to-life stories spiced with innovative bluegrass instrumentation. You fall in love with the rootsy, Americana style, and can’t wait for more. More info |
Saturday, August 11 7:30 pm. Two-time Emmy winning comedian, NY Times bestselling author, Grammy nominee, 2009's GLAAD Vanguard recipient and 2011 Trevor Project Life Award honoree Kathy Griffin is a multi-faceted performer with rapid fire wit. She has been making audiences laugh for years discussing Hollywood gossip and celebrity blunders. She has had recurring roles on ER, Seinfeld, Suddenley Susan and Law & Order SVU plus numerous HBO and Bravo comedy specials. |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Liz Nance is an american folk singer, songwriter and musican playing acoustic guitar and banjo, living in Swain County. |
7:30 pm. With few exceptions, the piano does not play a prominent part in Appalachian music, and is rarely the lead instrument. But Jeff Little is an exception – and a remarkable one. His distinctive two-handed style, much influenced by the mountain flatpicked guitar tradition, is breathtaking in its speed, precision and clarity. More info |
Thurs-Sat at 7:30 pm; Sun. at 2:30 pm. Drawing on letters, diaries, firsthand accounts, and the words of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Walt Whitman, The Civil War is a thrilling, gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring dramatic theatrical concert. This epic thematic revue, puts a human face on the greatest tragedy of American history, exploring not only the experiences of the soldiers and leaders who fought for their way of life and the loved ones and families they left behind, but also the hopes and fears of the slaves and citizens whose freedom was at stake. A two-act theatrical presentation. |
Saturday, August 25 Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Jared Smith or "Blue". A multi-instrumental performer, Blue is known for a wide range of fun, folk songs as well as traditional "blue"grass. |
7:30 pm. The Snyder Family Band features the talents of siblings Zeb and Samantha Snyder from Lexington, NC. Backed by their dad, Bud, on upright bass, this band has delighted and surprised audiences at venues including Merlefest, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, the Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Festival in Columbus, OH, and the Red White and Bluegrass Festival in Morganton, NC. More info |
SEPTEMBER |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. The Caribbean Cowboys Band will provide you with a wide variety of music from Jimmy Buffett to the best of classic rock along with the Caribbean Cowboys originals! Their original tunes bring you an island-sound consisting of reggae, calypso, and good old rock 'n roll. |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Classic country and gospel music performed in an acoustic setting. The Smoky Mountain Melodies consist of Ron and Julia Thompson and Ron Smith. Ron Thompson plays rhythm guitar and Ron Smith plays lead slide electric guitar, dobro and banjo. Julia does most of the lead singing with Ron T helping out once in a while. |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Award-winning southern gospel duo from Chattanooga TN. |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Acoustic blues and rockabilly music played on fiddle, washboard, guitar, and washtub bass. |
Saturday, September 29 Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm |
OCTOBER |
7:30 pm. Set in the 1930s, this musical tale introduces the singing Sanders family, who perform their traditional and bluegrass gospel songs for the members of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in celebration of their new electric light bulb. Consisting of almost thirty gospel tunes and the rich stories of the Sanders family's history on the gospel circuit, Smoke on the Mountain is full of laughs and toe-tapping bluegrass as the characters and the audience realize with a little bit of faith and a whole lot of heart, anything is possible. A two-act theatrical presentation. |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Authentic bluegrass music with a hard driving sound that reflects the traditions of the mountains. |
Saturday, October 13 Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. Avelina is made up of musicians from a variety of backgrounds and influences, from southern rock to post-metal, bluegrass, country, AAA and gospel. |
Free concert, 6:30 - 8 pm. If you are an Elvis fan you will find no one who will look or sound more like the King himself than Chris Monteith. Although Monteith bears an uncanny resemblance to the young Elvis, he goes for the King's fashion flair of the 1970's and keeps an ample supply of scarves for tossing into the audience or wrapping around the necks of fans seeking a souvenir. |
NOVEMBER |
7:30 pm each night. It's the first day of school for Charlie Brown and he is determined that this year will be the best yet! Made up of little moments picked from all the days of that "block-headed boy", such as Valentine's Day to the baseball season, from wild optimism to utter despair, mixed in with the lives of his friends and faithful dog, Snoopy. A hilarious lesson on friendship, growing up and how the simplest things can be the most exciting moments in life, all rolled into a comic strip of silly laughs. Approximately 65 minutes in length. |
DECEMBER |
Friday thru Sunday, December 7-9 Fri & Sat, 7:30 pm. Sun, 2:30 pm. Take a trip back in time to a Christmas celebration World War II style as the USO brings music, Hollywood Stars and comedy across the Atlantic to honor and cheer soldiers during the holiday season. Taken from actual USO shows of the period, Christmas Memories will remind us all that there is no place like home for the holidays. |
Friday, May 18
Saturday, May 19
Friday, May 25
Saturday, May 26
Friday & Saturday, May 25-26
Sunday, May 27
Thursday, May 31
Saturday, June 2
Saturday, June 2
Saturday, June 2
Friday, June 8
Saturday, June 9
Saturday, June 16
hursday thru Sunday, June 21 - June 24
aturday, June 23
Friday, June 29
Saturday, June 30
Saturday, June 30
Sunday, July 1
Wednesday, July 4
Saturday, July 7
Saturday, July 7
Friday, July 13
Saturday, July 14
Saturday, July 14
Saturday, July 14
Saturday, July 14
Friday, July 20
Saturday, July 21
Saturday, July 21
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Thursday, July 26
Saturday, July 28
Saturday, July 28
Saturday, July 28
Saturday, August 4
Saturday, August 4
Saturday, August 11
Saturday, August 11
Saturday, August 18
Saturday, August 18
Thursday-Sunday, August 23-26
Saturday, August 25
Saturday, September 1
Saturday, September 8
Saturday, September 15
Saturday, September 22
Tuesdays & Fridays - October 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23
Saturday, October 6
Saturday, October 20
Saturday, October 27
Thursday & Friday, November 16 & 17
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES: POSTCARDS FROM THE USO| Search this site |
TUCKAsegee TAvern
9 pm; call for line-up
Across the tracks from the Smoky Mountain Train Museum
828-488-9880
HARRAH'S CHEROKEE
Essence Lounge
Everything from big screen sports to karaoke to live comedy, to rock bands.
First and Third Thursdays
Community Music Jam
Marianna Black Library
6-7:30 pm
Old-time mountain music jam led by Larry Barnett of Grandpa's Music
Up the hill from the Old Courthouse (Rector St.). In summer regional musicians perform on alternate Thursdays.
828-488-3030
First and Third Sundays
MOUNTAIN STRINGS DULCIMER CLUB
2-4 pm
Mountain & hammered dulcimers. Group uses the tablature method - knowledge of music is not required. Come to play or listen.
Bryson City United Methodist Church,
76 Main Street
828-488-6697
Third Saturday
OCONALUFTEE VISITOR CENTER
1 - 3 pm
Oconaluftee Old Time Music Jam Session. Anyone is welcome to bring their instrument and join the jam or just
come out to listen. US 441 N. of Cherokee at the Park Entrance.
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Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
& Visitor Center
210 Main Street
P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713
Karen Proctor Wilmot,
Executive Director
800-867-9246 toll-free
828-488-3681 local
828-488-6858 fax