Through vivid storytelling, blazing instrumentals, heartfelt songs, and a whirlwind of instrument switching, masterful musicians Bryan McDowell and Josh Goforth bring the spirit and energy of the music of western North Carolina to the Jettie Baker Center stage in Clintwood on Sunday, March 24, at 2 p.m. in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 47th season. McDowell and Goforth grew up in the greater Asheville area immersed in the rich musical traditions of the region. Their show will have you tapping your toes and singing along on a musical journey through the southern Appalachian Mountains. Tickets are $10 at the door. Children and students get in free! Find more information and make reservations at proartva.org.
Bryan McDowell is a person predictable only in his consistent excellence. Fiddler, vocalist, and seducer of stringed instruments, his reputation is solidifying as a musician of great interest on the Nashville scene. With his move to the area in 2013, Bryan grounded his career in a 4-year tenure with Claire Lynch. He has logged considerable time on the road with bluegrass notables Sierra Hull, Alison Brown, Ron Block, & Molly Tuttle, and shared the stage and studio with an ever-expanding list of legendary names from the realm of roots and acoustic music. He has contributed his inventive style to recordings garnering IBMA awards and Grammy nominations. Prior accolades include his triple win—a sweep of the fiddle, mandolin, and guitar categories—at the 2009 National Flatpicking Championship and 21 other instrument contest titles from 2009 and 2010.
Josh Goforth must have been born musical—he was already playing piano in church at the age of four—but it was an experience he had in the sixth grade that lit the fuse of his precocious musical career. A performance at Goforth’s middle school by Sheila Kay Adams caused him to start thinking about the musical heritage and stories of his native Madison County, North
Carolina. Goforth is a highly accomplished storyteller and oldtime, bluegrass, and swing musician playing close to 20 instruments. His fiddling was featured in the movie “Songcatcher,” both onscreen and on the soundtrack. He has performed in all 50 states, throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia and graced such stages as the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Grand Ole Opry. He was nominated for a Grammy for his 2009 release with David Holt, “Cutting Loose.”
Pro-Art’s spring season is underway! Explore the complete schedule of events, purchase season tickets, and make reservations at proartva.org. Season tickets are valid for all performances of the 47th season and can be purchased online, in person at any show, or by calling (276) 376-4520. Dickenson County residents are eligible for free season tickets thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Columbus Phipps Foundation. Please request tickets in advance of the performance by emailing [email protected] or calling (276) 376-4520.
