Medicine for living: Alexa Rose plays Yonder Community Market
File photo
On Sunday afternoon, as a good portion of Western North Carolina was experiencing rainstorms, the early summer sunshine broke through the clouds at Yonder Community Market in Franklin. Soon, the rays of light cascaded through the large oak trees while acclaimed singer-songwriter Alexa Rose performed.
“Our job [as songwriters] is to be vulnerable and brave enough to dive into the human experience,” Rose said. “And come up for air every so often with a small treasure of reflection.”
As part of the YCM’s “Summer Songwriter Series,” the once-a-month concerts at the organic grocery store have become a popular word-of-mouth experience for locals and visitors alike. And as a few dozen folks unfolded their camping chairs, all while stocking up on snacks from the YCM, Rose echoed across the side lawn, a bustling Georgia Road in the background. It was a scene of serenity and of sacred performance.
“Songs exist to remind us that we are human, and being human have never not been a mess,” Rose said. “We need songs to call out how the world is burning and call us to action. And we also need love songs. We need songs about simple things that transport us to a place that feels safe — it’s all tied together.”
Rolling through a slew of older material and new cuts from her upcoming fall release, “Atmosphere,” Rose and guitarist Josh Oliver captivated the audience. The melodies swirled around the property, the heat and humidity of late June slowly fading in the shade of the oaks, a slight breeze from the surrounding mountains flowing through.
Alexa Rose. File photo
“To live here and represent the region musically is such a privilege and gift that is continually deepening and reaffirming itself,” Rose said.
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'An Appalachian Evening'
Nowadays, Rose calls Haywood County home. Originally from the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Rose was raised in the small railroad town of Clifton Forge, which is just north of Roanoke.
“Being Appalachian is at the core of who I am as an artist and person,” Rose said. “There is a quiet resilience to the people and the land, and so much wonder and wisdom to tap into.”
As a teenager, Rose took piano and voice lessons, but it was the guitar that felt most comfortable within her grasp, literally and figuratively.
“The moment it really clicked for me was when I was handed a guitar at 13 years old,” Rose said. “I taught myself a few chords on that guitar and started writing songs. And I think this only happened because no one was telling me how to do it. No one was pressuring me to be good or right. It was almost like a secret between me and these songs.”
Rose looks at that creative freedom as key to honing her craft.
“It was really essential that I had all that freedom to explore when I was growing up and finding music,” Rose said. “To be creative, you have to be in a state of play, and you can’t get there if there are too many rules and judgments.”
Rose conjures a genuine sense of calm and solidarity with any stage she may find herself on. It’s this seamlessness of self, and of purpose, that underlines the mere fact she’s meant to be a performer.
“Every single person sitting in a venue has their own experience of the world around them and of the show they’re seeing,” Rose said. “You’re not going to please everyone, so go out there and be yourself and do it with love. My goal is to make people feel at ease, to feel seen inside and outside of the songs.”
Sitting in her home along a mountain ridge in the depths of Western North Carolina, Rose remains as inspired as ever by the ancient beauty of what lies just outside the front door.
“There is a calm and a kindness in the landscapes I try to tap into, both in my writing and how I approach the world, though it will probably take a lifetime to get it right,” Rose said. “Our mountains are so old and weathered and gentle. Anytime I look out to see the hills turn blue in the evening, I feel cradled and at home.”
Want to go?
The “Summer Songwriter Series” is currently underway at Yonder Community Market in Franklin.
From May through October, the YCM hosts one show each month on its White Oak Stage. All concerts are free with a suggested donation of $20 (the offering plate gets passed around during the performance). Kid-friendly. Dog-friendly. Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed.
Tyler Ramsey. File photo
Upcoming artists to appear onstage include Tyler Ramsey (July 27), Holler Choir (Aug. 24), Nicholas Edward Williams (Sept. 28) and Angela Autumn (Oct. 12). All shows begin at 4 p.m.
During the show, the YCM is open to sell drinks, snacks and provisions for you to enjoy while listening to the music. As well, there is a special “Country Thursdays” showcase at 6 p.m. weekly. That event is also free and open to the public.
For more information, call 828.200.2169 or visit eatrealfoodinc.com.
What’s new at Yonder?
Although those who frequent Yonder Community Market are well-aware that it has become a beloved culinary hub in Franklin, the property itself remains one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to live music and fellowship in Western North Carolina.
“We want to create a place of good vibes, and to be good hosts to whoever plays here, to whoever finds themselves here to listen to the music,” said Hannah Edwards, co-owner of Yonder. “We’re always looking at different ways to expand our vision and to find new ways to bring the community together.”
Alan and Hannah Edwards. Garret K. Woodward photo
Located at the corner of Georgia Road and Hillcrest Avenue on the outskirts of downtown Franklin, YCM, operated by Edwards and her husband, Alan, is your one-stop shop for organic provisions and community interaction.
With its tagline of “Eat Real Food,” the grocery store offers a plethora of high-quality products and onsite events throughout the year. Local produce and meats. Live music and outdoor yoga. It’s all here and more.
And YCM has been fine-tuning the business and the property itself. Beyond recently constructing a permanent stage for live shows, YCM has expanded, both physically and also within its vast product line. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
