Gala Preview has a new home
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
Folkmoot USA’s Gala Preview will celebrate its first year in its new home at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 20 at Eaglenest Entertainment in Maggie Valley.
The Gala Preview is one of Folkmoot’s special performances, held privately for Friends of Folkmoot contributing $100 or more and sponsors. The Gala has long been held at Maggie Valley’s Stompin’ Grounds, known throughout the dance community for its excellent wooden dance floor, surrounded on three sides by audience seating.
“Our dancers sure do love that floor,” said Folkmoot Executive Director Jamye Cooper.
However, Folkmoot organizers were looking to grow their Gala Preview offerings and spread the festival’s wealth of performances throughout the region. With its state of the art sound system, raised stage, and facility offering both indoor and outdoor venues, Eaglenest Entertainment was chosen as the new site for the Gala.
On its own the venue is billed as a family-oriented site, originally focusing on bluegrass music. Over time the roster has evolved to feature such performers as James Gregory, Rhonda Vincent and Marty Rabon. Eaglenest will be hosting a classic rock show Aug. 26 and Eddie Miles’ “Tribute to Elvis” Sept. 16.
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The plan never was to host nightly or even weekly concerts, say managers Joe and Selina Keller. Rather the venue is available for organizations such as Folkmoot to lease to put on their own performances. Joe, with his 30-year career in music, provides the technical expertise, and Selina works as the venue’s general manager.
The arrangement allows the Keller’s to work more on production than booking and selling a show. Consequently, the Keller’s can devote their time and attention to whatever is coming up, such as Folkmoot’s Gala.
“At the time they’re the most important,” Selina said.
The hope is for Eaglenest to become akin to a civic center for Haywood County, and productions like the Folkmoot Gala — and a performance by the Voices in the Laurel children’s choirs held earlier in the year — will help the venue build a reputation with the public.
While Eaglenest may host Folkmoot’s Gala Preview, international dancers will take to the Stompin’ Ground stage for Folkmoot’s official Grand Opening.
“The Stompin’ Ground is home for Folkmoot,” Cooper said.
The grand opening performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 21 and will feature all groups in the festival. Tickets are $25 and $20 reserved, $15 general admission, children 12 and under half price. For more information about this or any other Folkmoot performance, call 1.877.FOLK.USA or visit www.folkmootusa.org.
