Carl Sandburg Music Festival offered on Saturday, June 3.

This free festival offers live music performances between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the amphitheater and barnyard areas. Seating is available, and visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. Due to expected large crowds, pets will not be allowed at performances. 

“We moved the Sandburg Music Fest from its previous late May date into June, to honor Sandburg family history and the love of music passed down to the Sandburgs’ children and grandchildren,” said Superintendent Polly Angelakis. “Carl Sandburg and Lilian Steichen were married on June 15, 1908. Music Fest dates will now occur closer to their June wedding anniversary.”

Amphitheater

At 11 a.m., Dr. Jhon Akers presents “Sandburg and the Guitar.” Come hear the music that Sandburg loved to listen to, what he wrote about the guitar and how the guitar inspired him. Dr. Akers is an Associate Professor of Modern Languages at Wofford College. An avid classical guitarist, Akers has performed at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Notre Dame University, Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, and the Free Library of Philadelphia. 

At 1 p.m., James “Bo” Taylor will bring Cherokee traditional song and dance to the Sandburg stage. Bo Taylor is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Growing up in the Wolftown community, elders in the tribe presented traditional songs and dances, which Bo now performs in their honor. Important subjects, such as native language, history, and stereotypes will be intertwined within the performance, giving the audience a more complete understanding of the Cherokee culture.  

Barnyard

From 12 to 2 p.m., Patrick Ballard will play acoustic guitar and banjo. Patrick has performed all over western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and Georgia. He plays eight instruments and performs primarily as a volunteer at care centers. He has more than 40 years of musical experience.