Category Archives: Newsletter

Hello Friends of the Brasstown Community Center,

The Brasstown Community Center is proud to welcome back Jonah Riddle and the Carolina Express on Saturday, August 10th 2019 in the next to the last event of our Summer Concert Series.

Born and raised in the hills of Western North Carolina, Jonah and Grayson Riddle have grown up with bluegrass heritage all around them.  At ten years of age, Jonah’s grandad began to teach him to play dobro. With his grandad at his side, he began to dive deeper into music, until one day he picked up a banjo and knew that this was the instrument for him!

At a very early age, Grayson also learns to play guitar from his grandad. His love for this instrument quickly grew as he would stand in church ad hold his guitar and just strum, even though he didn’t know how to fully play it yet. In addition to guitar, Grayson can play the upright bass and electric bass.  No matter the crowd, he wants to put a smile on every face, and a love for bluegrass in their heart.

From left to right: Grayson and Jonah Riddle

The Brasstown Community Civic Center is proud to be a part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails. Visit BlueRidgeMusicNC.com to find more traditional music of Western North Carolina.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $8, children under 12 are free. Hot dog and barbecue sandwich plates, homemade cobbler, ice cream and root beer floats will be available for purchase.

Fundraiser concerts are held May through August on the second and fourth Saturdays. The center is a non-profit, and all proceeds from the concerts and facility rentals are for maintenance and upkeep of the building. For details, call 828-361-3040.

Hello Friends of the Brasstown Community Center,

The Brasstown Community Civic Center Summer Concert Series is proud to present for the first time Blue Ridge Grass on Saturday July 27th, 2019.

The band was formed out of a jam session in 1981. Founding members were Ray Ritchie, Greg Brooks, Jim Ritchie, Buddy McClary and Don Miller. The band traveled across the North Georgia mountains for about 30 years participating in festivals, private events, fund raisers, community events and what ever else they were invited to be a part of. There were limited band member changes during those years.

2019 brings new life to Blue Ridge Grass (BRG). Longtime members Greg and Jamie have joined with Perry Suits, Jeff Graves and Robbie Mathis to revive the music of BRG. Jeff can bring a tear to a glass eye with his lonesome vocals, Robbie keeps the group in time with a solid bass line and Perry needs no introduction as bluegrass is a family tradition in the Suits family.

Photo from left to right: Jeff Graves – mandolin, Robbie Mathis – bass, Greg Brooks – fiddle, Perry Suits – guitar, and Jamie Mason – banjo

The Brasstown Community Civic Center is proud to be a part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails. Visit BlueRidgeMusicNC.com to find more traditional music of Western North Carolina.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $8, children under 12 are free. Hot dog and barbecue sandwich plates, homemade cobbler, ice cream and root beer floats will be available for purchase.

Fundraiser concerts are held May through August on the second and fourth Saturdays. The center is a non-profit, and all proceeds from the concerts and facility rentals are for maintenance and upkeep of the building. For details, call 828-361-3040.

Please come out and support our Community Center!  Raffle tickets for the beautiful quilt Deanna Skubal has donated will be available.  Please consider purchasing one or more.

Your Brasstown Bell Crier,
Virginia Miller

Hello Friends of the Brasstown Community Center,

The Brasstown Community Civic Center Summer Concert Series is proud to present Georgia Mail on Saturday July 13th, 2019. This will be the first time this group performs for us, so we hope you will all come out and make them feel welcome!

Georgia Mail is a new group whose members are from North Georgia and Western NC. Their focus is old-fashioned, traditional bluegrass music. Their sound is based on the strong, soulful lead singing of Jeff Haynes, who also plays rhythm guitar. Kerry Warbington, from Cleveland, GA, is well respected as one of the best banjo pickers in the region. Scott Ferguson from Warne, NC plays fiddle in the old style which stays close to the melody and draws on the blues. He also sings baritone. William Pruitt from Dahlonega GA is a driving dynamic mandolin player. And last but not least, Wyatt Turner from Clarksville GA. Wyatt sings tenor and keeps it all together on the upright bass.

Photo from left to right: William Pruitt, Kerry Warbington, Wyatt Turner, Scott Ferguson, Jeff Haynes

The Brasstown Community Civic Center is proud to be a part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails. Visit BlueRidgeMusicNC.com to find more traditional music of Western North Carolina.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $8, children under 12 are free. Hot dog and barbecue sandwich plates, homemade cobbler, ice cream and root beer floats will be available for purchase.

Fundraiser concerts are held May through August on the second and fourth Saturdays. The center is a non-profit, and all proceeds from the concerts and facility rentals are for maintenance and upkeep of the building. For details, call 828-361-3040.

Please come out and support our Community Center and hear some great bluegrass at the same time!

Your Brasstown Bell Crier,
Virginia Miller

Hello Friends of the Brasstown Community Center,

HAPPY JULY 4TH!  Have a wonderful and safe holiday.  There are a lot visitors in our county this week and as a result a lot more traffic.  Be aware and be safe!

The Summer Concert Series – The next bluegrass concert will be performed by The Georgia Mail on Saturday, July 13th.  Doors open at 6pm and the music starts at 7pm.  Admission is $8, children under 12 are free.  Hot dogs and BBQ sandwich plates, homemade peach cobbler, ice cream and root beer floats will be available for purchase.   Please consider buying some raffle tickets for the beautiful quilt that Deanna Skubal made and donated for a fund raiser.  The winning ticket will be drawn at the annual Thanksgiving Potluck.  The center is a non-profit, and all proceeds from concerts and facility rentals are used for maintenance and upkeep of the buildings.  For details call 828-361-3040.  Fundraiser concerts are held May through August on the second and fourth Saturdays.

Our Community Pot Luck Dinner is held every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm in the Brasstown Community Center on Settawig Road.  The July potluck will be held on Tuesday, July 16th.  Bring children, family, friends, and neighbors, along with a dish to share.  This wonderful Clay County tradition provides an opportunity to share food and fellowship with friends, neighbors, and new people in our community.

Back to Balance Massage Therapy & Bodyworks is having an acupuncture clinic on Saturday July 27th and Sunday July 28th.   Dr. Shi Ying Kuai, O.M.D. of Asheville, North Carolina has been invited to come to Brasstown for this clinic..  Dr. Kuai has been practicing Traditional Oriental Medicine for over 50 years.  He was one of the very first acupuncturists in the Asheville area since 1986.  Whether you have minor aches and pains or a serious medical condition, the results are amazing.  Dr. Kuai is specialized in treating many physical, mental and emotional conditions.  Acupuncture uses very fine, flexible needles to stimulate points along channels on the body. Points may be used in the affected area, or other areas of the body.  (Here is a link that will help explain Acupuncture and how its application.) http://www.itmonline.org/arts/acuintro.htm. Please contact Cyndi Singh at 828-644-8425 to schedule your appointment today, as spaces are limited.  If the turnout is good, this could be an ongoing clinic. The first visit is $125 and if you are already an established patient, $85.  We are looking forward to introducing this ancient healing art, which has been used effectively for over 10,000 years, naturally, without the use of drugs, and invasive surgical procedures.

Clay’s Corner is open.  Hours are 7am – 7pm, Monday – Saturday.  They have gas, as well as the usual assortment of snacks, drinks and other items you might need.  Stop by and say hello to Clay and the Logan Family.  Clay’s Corner hosts an open jam starting around 7 pm on Friday nights.  Please spread the word that our much loved local business is open again.

The Brasstown Community Center Education Building is being rented and has dates available for rent; for information and reservations contact Shannon at 828-361-3040 text or call or send email to brasstowncommunitycenter@gmail.com.  Click here to see is a document prepared by Sarah Staugler which details the many ways you can help support our Community Center.  The Brasstown Community Center is a 501C3 charitable organization.  Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated!  Checks can be sent to Brasstown Community Civic Center, PO Box 111, Brasstown, North Carolina 28902

The Kula Wellness Center offers yoga, massage by Renee Lamance, Ayurveda consultations with Hannah Levin, and special workshops. Many classes have recently been added.  Check their calendar and events pages at the Kula website at Kula.Love. for scheduled classes and special events.  The Kula Center is located on the hill above Clay’s Corner.

The John C. Campbell Folk School has a wealth of classes, dances, concerts and activities.  Information is available on their website: https://www.folkschool.org/index.php?section=articles&article_cat_id=5&article_id=4

Walnut Hollow Ranch: Check out all they have to offer on their website:   http://walnuthollowranch.com

Your Brasstown Bell Crier,
Virginia Miller

Hello Friends of the Brasstown Community Center,

This is a reminder that we have a great concert at the Brasstown Community Center tomorrow evening.  Just Us is one of the best bands you will find anywhere and you don’t want to miss them!    Doors open at 6:00 pm, and don’t forget, there will be homemade peach cobbler and ice cream for sale, as well BBQ sandwiches and hot dogs.  Please come out and support your Community Center and enjoy some great bluegrass!

Your Brasstown Bell Crier,
Virginia Miller

Hello Friends of the Brasstown Community Center,

Just Us is back at the Brasstown Community Center to perform on Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 as part of our Summer Concert Series.

Just Us Bluegrass Band is an exciting band based out of East Tennessee. The band was formed in September of 2006 and features a unique blend of bluegrass, country and contemporary bluegrass. The band prides itself with strong vocals, tight harmonies and solid picking.

Stacy Wilson plays guitar and sings lead. He is also an accomplished banjo, mandolin and bass player. Teresa Wilson plays bass and sings tenor. She is also married to Stacy and has become his finest accomplished bluegrass student.

Blake Atkins is Stacy and Teresa’s son and he plays banjo and sings harmony vocals. He started playing bass at 13 and joined the band in 2009 playing rhythm guitar and singing harmony vocals. Brent Womac is the newest member the band and plays lead guitar. Brent comes from a blues background and can play any style of music well.

Band members (from left to right): Blake Atkins, Stacy Wilson, Teresa Wilson and Brent Womac

The Brasstown Community Civic Center is proud to be a part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails. Visit BlueRidgeMusicNC.com to find more traditional music of Western North Carolina.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $8, children under 12 are free. Hot dog and barbecue sandwich plates, homemade cobbler, ice cream and root beer floats will be available for purchase.

Fundraiser concerts are held May through August on the second and fourth Saturdays. The center is a non-profit, and all proceeds from the concerts and facility rentals are for maintenance and upkeep of the building. For details, call 828-361-3040.

Hello Friends of the Brasstown Community Center,

The Brasstown Community Civic Center Summer Concert Series continues Saturday, June 8th, 2019 with The Lone Mountain Band, so mark your calendars and come listen to some great bluegrass!

The Lone Mountain Band has established itself as one of the top Bluegrass bands of the Tennessee valley, since it was formed in the late 90’s by former High School classmates Bobby Burns and Diana Phillips.

Bobby Burns was born into a musical family. He plays many instruments, but with the band plays mostly the mandolin and sometimes the fiddle or guitar on selected tunes. Bobby has played in professional bands since his teenage years. He is a full time luthier and repairman. Bobby sings lead and harmony vocals and does most of the MC work for the band.

Diana Phillips was trained as a classical pianist. While in college in Virginia she was exposed to Bluegrass music and fell in love with it. After school she moved back to Chattanooga where she teamed up with former classmate Bobby Burns. In addition to her skills on the bass fiddle, Diana is an excellent singer and songwriter.

The Brasstown Community Civic Center is proud to be a part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails. Visit BlueRidgeMusicNC.com to find more traditional music of Western North Carolina.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $8, children under 12 are free. Hot dog and barbecue sandwich plates, homemade cobbler, ice cream and root beer floats will be available for purchase.

Fundraiser concerts are held May through August on the second and fourth Saturdays. The center is a non-profit, and all proceeds from the concerts and facility rentals are for maintenance and upkeep of the building. For details, call 828-361-3040.

As many of you already know, Pat and Henry Meineke are going to be leaving our area to relocate in Washington State, near their children and grandchildren. The Meineke’s have had a great impact on the community on multiple levels over the years.

Please join us to give them a farewell sendoff on Friday, June 21, at 6:00 pm at the Brasstown Community Center. This will be a potluck, barbeque will be provided by Chef Clay Logan, please bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share. Mostly bring your good wishes for the Meineke’s as they move into a new phase of their lives, they will be truly missed here in Brasstown.

There is a “Book Now” feature on the Brasstown Community Center Facebook page which is the best way to inquire about available dates and scheduling for space rental.

Your Brasstown Bell Crier,
Virginia Miller

Hello Friends of the Brasstown Community Center,

The Summer Concert Series – Lone Mountain Band in Concert Saturday, June 8th.  This will be a great concert, Folks.  Those who have heard Bobby and Diana before will know they don’t want to miss it!  If you haven’t heard them before, you don’t want to miss it either!  Doors open at 6pm and the music starts at 7pm.  Admission is $8, children under 12 are free.  Hot dogs and BBQ sandwich plates, homemade cobbler, ice cream and root beer floats will be available for purchase.  The center is a non-profit, and all proceeds from concerts and facility rentals are used for maintenance and upkeep of the buildings.  For details call 828-361-3040.  Fundraiser concerts are held May through August on the second and fourth Saturdays.

Our Community Pot Luck Dinner is held every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm in the Brasstown Community Center on Settawig Road.  The May potluck will be held on Tuesday, May 21th.  Bring children, family, friends, and neighbors, along with a dish to share.  This wonderful Clay County tradition provides an opportunity to share food and fellowship with friends, neighbors, and new people in our community.

The Brasstown Community Center Education Building is being rented and has dates available for rent; call (828) 361-3040 or use the web site www.brasstowncommunitycenter.org for information and reservations.  The Brasstown Community Center is a 501C3 charitable organization.  Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated!  Checks can be sent to Brasstown Community Civic Center, PO Box 111, Brasstown, North Carolina 28902.

Clay’s Corner is open.  Hours are 7am – 7pm, Monday – Saturday.  They have gas, as well as the usual assortment of snacks, drinks and other items you might need.  Stop by and say hello to Clay and the Logan Family.  Clay’s Corner hosts an open jam starting around 7 pm on Friday nights.

Cyndi Singh with Back to Balance Massage Therapy & Bodyworks,  has over 20 years experience as a massage therapist.  She is also certified to teach Massage. Her address is 10886 Old Highway 64 West, Brasstown, NC.  You can also contact her at 828-644-8425, or at cyndi@cyndisingh.com  Check out her website at http://www.cyndisingh.com.

The Kula Wellness Center offers yoga, massage by Renee Lamance, Ayurveda consultations with Hannah Levin, and special workshops. Many classes have recently been added.  Check their calendar and events pages at the Kula website at Kula.Love. for scheduled classes and special events.  The Kula Center is located on the hill above Clay’s Corner.

The John C. Campbell Folk School has a wealth of classes, dances, concerts and activities.  Information is available on their website: https://www.folkschool.org.

Walnut Hollow Ranch: Check out all they have to offer on their website:   http://walnuthollowranch.com.

Your Brasstown Bell Crier,
Virginia Miller

Hello Friends of the Brasstown Community Center,

The Brasstown Community Center is proud to welcome back Brush Fire on Saturday, May 25th 2019 as part of our Summer Concert Series.

Brush Fire started as a band over 40 years ago. Their strong vocals and instrumental work, enthusiastic performances and varied repertoire keeps creating demand for their brand of bluegrass music.

Mike Fleming has played guitar with the group since it’s inception. He also contributes lead and harmony vocals and, by default, serves as emcee for the stage shows.

Eddie “Dumplin” Turner is a founding member and adds to the group with strong lead and tenor vocals as well as his mandolin work.

Kerry Warbington joined the group in 1989 on banjo and vocal harmonies. He is well known in the bluegrass community as an exceptional banjo player and has performed with numerous groups over his career.

The newest member of the group is Hiawassee resident Robert Brewer who has played bluegrass around North Georgia for the past 26 years. He plays guitar and mandolin as well as upright bass.

Photo from left to right: Scott Ferguson, Eddie “Dumplin” Turner, Kerry Warbington, Robert Brewer and Mike Fleming

The Brasstown Community Civic Center is proud to be a part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails. Visit BlueRidgeMusicNC.com to find more traditional music of Western North Carolina.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $8, children under 12 are free. Hot dog and barbecue sandwich plates, homemade cobbler, ice cream and root beer floats will be available for purchase.

Fundraiser concerts are held May through August on the second and fourth Saturdays. The center is a non-profit, and all proceeds from the concerts and facility rentals are for maintenance and upkeep of the building. For details, call 828-361-3040.

Your Brasstown Bell Crier,
Virginia Miller

Hello Friends of the Brasstown Community Center,

The Brasstown Community Civic Center Summer Concert Series is proud to start the season on Saturday May11, 2019 with a local family favorite: The Wilsons! We all know and love this local group that has played bluegrass and gospel music for us and countless other groups, festivals, community gatherings and churches.

The group consists of Jimmy Wilson, (guitar/voice), son David (bass/voice), daughters Jessica (mandolin/voice) and Anna (guitar/voice). They are joined on stage by their friend Bill Pruett (banjo) from Robinsville, NC. Come join us for a family friendly evening of food and music and let’s kick off the Summer Concerts with a bang!

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $8, children under 12 are free. Hot dog and barbecue sandwich plates, homemade cobbler, ice cream and root beer floats will be available for purchase.

Fundraiser concerts are held May through August on the second and fourth Saturdays. The center is a non-profit, and all proceeds from the concerts and facility rentals are for maintenance and upkeep of the building. For details, call Shannon at 828-361-3040.

The Brasstown Community Civic Center is proud to be a part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails. Visit BlueRidgeMusicNC.com to find more traditional music of Western North Carolina.

From left to right: Anna, Jessica, Daniel and Jimmy Wilson

Your Brasstown Bell Crier,
Virginia Miller