Laura was my first banjo instructor, at Swannanoa Gathering, at Warren Wilson College, back in the 80's. I also learned Shape Note singing from her there. She was funny, irreverent, patient, and a great instructor. One of my fondest memories of Fiddler's Grove was listening to her and John Hartford swap songs and stories on Saturday night in the campground, then getting up early Sunday morning to take part in her Shape Note service. A few years after that, I was teaching a South Carolina Folklore course at Coker College (Hartsville, SC) where i was on the faculty, and I managed to convince her to come and be the keynote speaker/entertainer at the end of the week. She's a wonderful folklorist and was the best part of the week.
Sean, Wow what great memories. Sounds like you've been fortunate to learn from her and have enjoyed a long relationship. She is certainly a treasure to us all.
Awsome banjo playing!, love folk, mountain music, and it makes me miss my Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville N.C., I live in Virginia now, and the Shenandoah Mountains are beautiful too. Loved your stories, thanks for your wonderful music, ❤️ 😊
I moved from Tennessee to North Florida and oh do I miss all this, even her home.I learned to cook on a wood stove up there, had kerosene lamps when the electric went out. I am 88 years old now. But this brings back memories.
Betty; What great memories. I am glad this story connected with you. Be sure to check some of our others. I especially like the Analo Philips we just posted and all his family stories.
So glad I found your channel,!! My wife bought me one of your books, 10 years ago, because I love the mountains and it’s cultural beauty, ppl , et al. It reminds me so much of my younger days growing up , downeast NC. “The new , faster “ way came to us much sooner than beautiful western NC, and I will always commend those mountain folks for holding on to the ole ways, as long as they could!!! Thank you, for preserving all of this, and respecting, and honoring your heritage!
Jobo, Thanks for sharing your story and that you are enjoying the programs. We are committed to preserving this older way of life, as I have tried to do with my books and now this channel, so stay tuned for more great stories.
We had a Grandmother just like that She played a very old hammered Dulcimer. And when she died the family of dozens of kin folk came for the first Wake where everybody ate, drank and reminisced. Then there was a separate wake just for her Cooking the following month during Thanksgiving where everybody tried to cook like her. But nobody could come close. Families have hidden "Treasures" that they never knew they had until they are gone. The old folks.
Thats a wonderful story and a great memory for you and your family. You are lucky to have that experience with her. There's a big difference in having someone's recipe and being able to cook the dish like they did, I have found out in personal experience.
Yes!! I surely miss both sides of my grandparents…was blessed to have them all, until I was in my mid twenties,.. they were/are pure “treasures”. Thanks for sharing your family’s good times together
My grandmother in South Louisiana hosted close to 100 people some hollidays. After she passed a few years ago, the family has completely dissolved. I miss those days.
I think that has happened a lot to families. We used to get together at Thanksgiving at my aunts house but after she passed no one picked up the mantle, and kids got older and such. We still try to get together, just in smaller groups and less frequently it seems.
@@thefaceofappalachia It's such a painful experience. We live in Germany and celebrated Thanksgiving every year with the only other American family in our village, plus other friends. A few years ago, the father of the other family, our dear friend, died. It was devastating. And our Thanksgiving just sort of fell apart after that. I hope someday we will be able to celebrate it again, but for now, it's still too closely tied to his loss.
awesome video/interview. i had to subscribe! i grew up in rural Southern Illinois and i can relate to a lot Laura mentions. we lived on a farm and my childhood was the best. i have to say though my love is appalachia, specifically the Smokies east TN/west N.C. i feel a deep connection there, especially Cades Cove. I plan to retire there in the future. I have started learning clawhammer banjo and i have fallen in love with the sound. i also hope to learn shape note singing, i believe they still have shape singing at one of the churches in Cades Cove. looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Sounds like you love the area as we do. I've been going to Cades Cove for over 40 years and still go once or twice a yea to camp there and see the valley. East Tennessee on the west side of the Smokies is certainly beautiful as well.
I love it, I play guitar myself.I grew up east part of north Carolina on the Pamlico river I've been a jack of all trades was raised to be a commercial fisherman which I did for years I would love to move to the western part the state it reminds me of how it use to be down home.i would move but don't have the money I have income to take care myself but not enough to move my wife passed away 5 years ago my children are grown im 53 years old & would love to move there love the places & people from all I've seen I've never been past Releigh far as going west God bless 🙏 great video's
Edward, Thanks for sharing your story. Hopefully circumstances will improve and you can make your way to the western counties for a visit. I must say I love the coast and the fishing where you are.
I'm not complaining about my life, but I am complaining that it did not include music in my family get-togethers and shindigs every (or, any for that matter) Saturday night! And let's not even get into the part about people like Monroe showing up to those.
Yes, everyone has been effected differently As she was with the Madison County Arts Council for years many of her friends in Marshall have been drastically affected.But all of us in Buncombe, like Laura, are without water and power is still out in many areas. We hope that all are safe, at least.
Laura was my first banjo instructor, at Swannanoa Gathering, at Warren Wilson College, back in the 80's. I also learned Shape Note singing from her there. She was funny, irreverent, patient, and a great instructor. One of my fondest memories of Fiddler's Grove was listening to her and John Hartford swap songs and stories on Saturday night in the campground, then getting up early Sunday morning to take part in her Shape Note service. A few years after that, I was teaching a South Carolina Folklore course at Coker College (Hartsville, SC) where i was on the faculty, and I managed to convince her to come and be the keynote speaker/entertainer at the end of the week. She's a wonderful folklorist and was the best part of the week.
Sean, Wow what great memories. Sounds like you've been fortunate to learn from her and have enjoyed a long relationship. She is certainly a treasure to us all.
SEAN!!!! Are you still out west??? lemme know
Awsome banjo playing!, love folk, mountain music, and it makes me miss my Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville N.C., I live in Virginia now, and the Shenandoah Mountains are beautiful too. Loved your stories, thanks for your wonderful music, ❤️ 😊
Julie;
So glad you enjoyed the music. Laura is certainly a talented lady. Your area is a beautiful place for sure. Thanks for getting in touch.
“Old time banjo has so much emotional capacity” sums it up wonderfully!
We agree and appreciate you tuning in and glad you enjoyed meeting and hearing Laura play.
Thank you for the playing and the history.
So glad you are enjoying watching. Stay tuned for new episode later today, Friday, June 30th!
So glad you stopped by the channel. You are welcome anytime.
I moved from Tennessee to North Florida and oh do I miss all this, even her home.I learned to cook on a wood stove up there, had kerosene lamps when the electric went out. I am 88 years old now. But this brings back memories.
Betty;
What great memories. I am glad this story connected with you. Be sure to check some of our others. I especially like the Analo Philips we just posted and all his family stories.
So glad I found your channel,!! My wife bought me one of your books, 10 years ago, because I love the mountains and it’s cultural beauty, ppl , et al. It reminds me so much of my younger days growing up , downeast NC. “The new , faster “ way came to us much sooner than beautiful western NC, and I will always commend those mountain folks for holding on to the ole ways, as long as they could!!! Thank you, for preserving all of this, and respecting, and honoring your heritage!
Jobo, Thanks for sharing your story and that you are enjoying the programs. We are committed to preserving this older way of life, as I have tried to do with my books and now this channel, so stay tuned for more great stories.
Great history, fabulous playing, and cute lil schnauzer in the banjo case! Haha thanks for sharing 🙏❤️✌️
Thanks for the visit. We appreciate you letting us know what you enjoyed about the episode.
We had a Grandmother just like that She played a very old hammered Dulcimer. And when she died the family of dozens of kin folk came for the first Wake where everybody ate, drank and reminisced. Then there was a separate wake just for her Cooking the following month during Thanksgiving where everybody tried to cook like her. But nobody could come close. Families have hidden "Treasures" that they never knew they had until they are gone. The old folks.
Thank you for that and thanks for watching! Hope you keep coming back
Thats a wonderful story and a great memory for you and your family. You are lucky to have that experience with her. There's a big difference in having someone's recipe and being able to cook the dish like they did, I have found out in personal experience.
Yes!! I surely miss both sides of my grandparents…was blessed to have them all, until I was in my mid twenties,.. they were/are pure “treasures”. Thanks for sharing your family’s good times together
My grandmother in South Louisiana hosted close to 100 people some hollidays. After she passed a few years ago, the family has completely dissolved. I miss those days.
I think that has happened a lot to families. We used to get together at Thanksgiving at my aunts house but after she passed no one picked up the mantle, and kids got older and such. We still try to get together, just in smaller groups and less frequently it seems.
@@thefaceofappalachia - Nice playing. Did your home survive the recent hurricane?
@@thefaceofappalachia It's such a painful experience. We live in Germany and celebrated Thanksgiving every year with the only other American family in our village, plus other friends. A few years ago, the father of the other family, our dear friend, died. It was devastating. And our Thanksgiving just sort of fell apart after that. I hope someday we will be able to celebrate it again, but for now, it's still too closely tied to his loss.
That was beautiful, thanks for sharing and im looking forward to seeing the next one.
Frank, so glad you enjoyed the episode. Stay tuned for more, as we have some great things in the works!
Frank, keep coming back often, you are always welcome.
My husky does fit in my banjo case...
Nice playing!
Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for getting in touch.
Thank You, Tim and Scott for this excellent video! I really enjoyed it! Keep up your Great Work!
Thanks for support. We are certainly happy to hear you are enjoying the episodes.
Donald, thanks for tuning in and your kind comment. Your encouragement is appreciated.
awesome video/interview. i had to subscribe! i grew up in rural Southern Illinois and i can relate to a lot Laura mentions. we lived on a farm and my childhood was the best. i have to say though my love is appalachia, specifically the Smokies east TN/west N.C. i feel a deep connection there, especially Cades Cove. I plan to retire there in the future. I have started learning clawhammer banjo and i have fallen in love with the sound. i also hope to learn shape note singing, i believe they still have shape singing at one of the churches in Cades Cove. looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Sounds like you love the area as we do. I've been going to Cades Cove for over 40 years and still go once or twice a yea to camp there and see the valley. East Tennessee on the west side of the Smokies is certainly beautiful as well.
This was so beautiful I love this ❤️ God bless you 🙏❤️
Dorene; very nice of you to comment and so happy you are finding meaning in these episodes.
Dorene, God Bless You and thanks for spending some time with us.
Great video!!!💗💗
Thanks. We appreciate your feedback and so glad you enjoyed it.
I love it, I play guitar myself.I grew up east part of north Carolina on the Pamlico river I've been a jack of all trades was raised to be a commercial fisherman which I did for years
I would love to move to the western part the state it reminds me of how it use to be down home.i would move but don't have the money I have income to take care myself but not enough to move my wife passed away 5 years ago my children are grown im 53 years old & would love to move there love the places & people from all I've seen I've never been past Releigh far as going west
God bless 🙏 great video's
Edward, Thanks for sharing your story. Hopefully circumstances will improve and you can make your way to the western counties for a visit. I must say I love the coast and the fishing where you are.
I'm not complaining about my life, but I am complaining that it did not include music in my family get-togethers and shindigs every (or, any for that matter) Saturday night! And let's not even get into the part about people like Monroe showing up to those.
Wow, that sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing your memories.
I sure hope you're ok, being in the Asheville area.
How could he "tell 'er" by how low her apron strings hung?
Thanks for watching and asking the question. Keep coming back. You are always welcome. Unsure of the answer to your question.
'cause she wasn't pregnant~ or FAT!!!
Wow! I did not get it. That is awesome. Laura, thanks for the knowledge drop
@@scottallen6062 when her apron rides high or the strings don't tie....then you have a problem!
I hope Laura is ok after those damned hurricanes.
Yes, everyone has been effected differently As she was with the Madison County Arts Council for years many of her friends in Marshall have been drastically affected.But all of us in Buncombe, like Laura, are without water and power is still out in many areas. We hope that all are safe, at least.