When she was just in elementary school, fiddler/vocalist Lake Carver graced the cover of the Down the Road magazine, an annual publication put together through a partnership between The Smoky Mountain News and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area based in Asheville.
And much like her current life, Carver was heavily invested in the music scene in her native Wilkes County, finding herself headlong in local jams, all while soaking in as much knowledge and technical ability as possible.
“It was just so crazy,” the 16-year-old said. “I was so young and it was just so cool to me [to be on the cover].”
Growing up in Wilkesboro, there was always music around in the Carver household. And when she was just four years old, Carver was handed a fiddle.
“It was the smallest thing that could fit into my hands,” Carver chuckled. “And I like just being able to get into a simple jam, where you don’t even have to know anybody and you can just connect by playing fiddle.”
Attending her first MerleFest as a newborn, Carver hasn’t missed one spring installment of the cherished Wilkesboro musical gathering, which showcases the finest local, regional, national and international acts in the realms of bluegrass, folk, Americana and country music.
“We know so many people [at MerleFest], and it’s such a great community to play music and be with friends and family,” Carver said.
Carver fondly remembers those early days of jamming with other musical children on the Austin Stage at MerleFest during the “Acoustic Kids with Andy May” portion of the weekend.
Eventually, as with all young aspiring musicians, comes the notion to finally put together a band of your own, an ensemble of talent, passion and purpose that ideally radiates all the intricate influences that make up not only your unique sound, but also your love for music.
Cue the group Carolina Detour. Formed four years ago, the outfit features Carver, guitarist Lyla Cherry (Mooresville), mandolinist Tae Childress (Statesville), banjoist Malachi Bulman (Pinnacle), guitarist Hudson Mikeal (Jefferson) and bassist Elijah Bulman (Pinnacle). Of note, all members of the group provide vocals, with the multiple harmonies adding layers to the tone.
“We’ve been playing gigs, competitions and festivals,” Carver said. “I just can’t imagine playing with anybody else, honestly. They’re all so talented.”
With a thick thread of bluegrass running through Carolina Detour, the group blends traditional acoustic melodies with contemporary takes on modern songs. The quintet has not only performed at MerleFest but also other esteemed festivals, including FloydFest (Virginia), The Caverns (Tennessee) and Shakori Hills (Pittsboro).
“We have a playlist that we add songs to that we want to do,” Carver said. “And when we do get to see each other and practice, we think about the songs, write them down and play them. If we like them, we keep them. If we’re not feeling it, we’ll just move on to the next one.”
At this juncture, Carolina Detour is aiming to gather enough original material to finally head into the studio and record a debut album.
“Right now, we’re trying to work together and write songs,” Carver noted.
And with a personal motto of “captivating hearts, transcending genres,” Carolina Detour is well on its way to finding not only its own signature tone, but also its way in the vast world of live performance.
“It’s kind of just taking people on a bluegrass journey in a way,” Carver said. “Bluegrass tells so many stories in so many different ways. Bluegrass is just heartfelt. You can either fire it up with a bunch of fiddle playing or you can slow it down. It brings people together. It’s just so beautiful.”
Editor’s Note: The story was brought to you by a partnership between The Smoky Mountain News and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Located in Asheville, the BRNHA is a beloved organization focused on the preservation and perpetuation of the rich, vibrant music and culture in Western North Carolina. These two entities are also responsible for the Down the Road magazine, an annual publication that gets officially launched each year at MerleFest. For more information, visit blueridgeheritage.com.