Asheville, August 20, 2025

News Summary

Asheville is celebrating a century of country music with a concert series and album release honoring The Asheville Sessions. This special celebration on November 7 and 8 will highlight the group’s early recordings of Appalachian sound and their influence on American music. Local musicians will perform, and descendants of The Asheville Sessions will share their stories. The event aims to uplift the community and honor the musical heritage that shaped the region. An album featuring 28 restored tracks from original 78 RPM discs will also be released.

Asheville Commemorates 100 Years of Country Music Legacy with Special Celebration

Asheville is set to celebrate a century of country music history with a concert series and album release honoring the music group The Asheville Sessions, known for their early recordings of Appalachian sound. This celebration will kick off on November 7 and 8, marking 100 years since the first recording session that helped shape America’s country music landscape.

The announcement was made during a press conference held on August 19, which highlighted the significance of the event. Local musicians performed a rendition of “I’m Going Back to North Carolina,” a song recorded by The Asheville Sessions in the early 1900s, showcasing the rich musical roots of the region.

The original recordings took place at what was then the George Vanderbilt Hotel in 1925, playing a pivotal role in preserving traditional Appalachian music. Richard Emmitt from the Blue Ridge Music Center emphasized the profound influence these early musicians have had on country and roots music today.

To commemorate this milestone, the concert series is aptly titled “Celebrating 100 Years of Americana & Appalachia.” The concerts will feature performances that connect the groundbreaking work of The Asheville Sessions to the vibrant modern music scene in Asheville.

In addition to the concerts, the celebration will also see the release of an album featuring 28 restored tracks from rare original 78 RPM discs. This album, remastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Bryan Wright from River Mont Records, offers unprecedented clarity in the voices and instruments, allowing listeners to experience the music in a whole new way.

Vic Isley, CEO of Explore Asheville, expressed that the celebration aims to spotlight the creative community in light of challenges faced after Hurricane Helene. The concert series and album release are designed to uplift and bring together the community through shared musical heritage.

Throughout the event, descendants of The Asheville Sessions will share stories of their ancestors’ legacy, enriching the audience’s understanding of this vital piece of musical history. Additional panels and symposiums will also be included in the agenda, further exploring the impact of Appalachian music on a national scale.

For those interested in attending the concerts or purchasing the album, details regarding ticket sales and availability of the album have been provided, ensuring that the legacy of The Asheville Sessions continues to inspire audiences.

Key Features of the Celebration

• Event Name: Celebrating 100 Years of Americana & Appalachia
• Dates: November 7-8
• Album Release: 28 tracks from original recordings
• Location: Asheville
• Artist: The Asheville Sessions
• Highlights: Concerts, stories from descendants, symposiums

Background

The Asheville Sessions were instrumental in documenting Appalachian music traditions during a time when they faced the risk of being lost. Their recordings from the 1920s have contributed significantly to the canon of American folk and country music, showcasing the unique sound of the Appalachian region.

This centennial celebration is not only a tribute to the past but also a way to ensure the continuation and appreciation of Appalachian musical heritage for future generations.

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Additional Resources

• News Channel 9
• Wikipedia: Appalachian Music
• WLOS
• Google Search: Asheville country music celebration
• 828 News Now

Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER

The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.