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Listen to the music of the Appalachian Mountains at the ninth annual RiddleFest at Burnsville Town Center, Saturday, June 25, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The concert honors the life of Burnsville native Lesley Riddle (1905-1979) and his contributions to country music through his work with A.P. Carter, of the Carter Family. In the late ’20s and early ’30s, Riddle, an African-American musician, traveled with Carter to collect music from the Appalachian Mountains. Riddle worked with Carter to revise the music into songs eventually recorded on the Carter Family’s albums.
This year’s RiddleFest theme is Jubilee Revival. The Burnsville Jubilee Choir featuring the Griffith Chapel Singers will headline the concert. The 30-person choir, organized this past spring, comprises choir members from local churches. The choir’s music is rooted in the African-American traditions of spirituals, blues and gospel shout.
The Griffith Chapel Singers represent the nondenominational Griffith Chapel in Burnsville, where Riddle attended church. Several singers are direct relatives of Riddle, and some church members remember him and his music.
“The community participation in old-time music is really terrific,” says Ellen Denker, vice president of Traditional Voices Group, which puts on RiddleFest each year. The nonprofit organization preserves the music and stories of the Toe River Valley in the southern Appalachian Mountains. “Our goal is to help preserve and remember the past, so RiddleFest, especially this year, is part of that mission.”
Blues singer/songwriter Steve Barnes will open the evening with his original composition “Esley’s Blues,” in honor of Riddle. The first set also includes “Celtalachian” harmony group Thistle Dew and Americana singer Ash Devine.
Tickets for RiddleFest are $15 for adults and $5 for children younger than 12. Advance tickets are available by calling Burnsville Town Center at (828) 682-7209. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information about RiddleFest, the life of Lesley Riddle and the work of Traditional Voices Group, call (828) 682-9654 or visit www.TraditionalVoicesGroup.com.
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