Folkmoot brings music, dance to Franklin
Folkmoot USA, North Carolina’s official international folklore festival, will hit the stage for a special performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
Folkmoot USA is headquartered in Haywood County and was established by Waynesville surgeon Dr. Clinton Border. He believed Western North Carolina and its history of preserving traditional culture would be the ideal location for an American folk festival. The first Folkmoot USA festival was held in 1984. The Southeast Tourism Society has named Folkmoot USA one of its top twenty events for two decades. Today, Folkmoot USA attracts 75,000 spectators from over 40 states.
Each group chosen is dedicated to giving a top-quality performance that represents everything from holidays and battles to occupations. This year, visiting performers will travel from their homes in Chinese Taipei, Trinidad, Colombia, Russia, Turkey, and Romania, as well as from Hawaii. There will also be groups representing Appalachian and Cherokee cultures. More than 350 talented performers will demonstrate their cultural heritage through colorful and authentic costumes, lively dance, and traditional music.
Tickets start at $22.
www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.
