Art Circuit: Fiddles and Banjoes on Every Corner in Stone Mountain

No matter where you look, strumming, singing and foot-stomping will be the order of the day on March 26 in the City of Stone Mountain when nearly 200 musicians gather to play old-time country and bluegrass music. Sidewalks, stores, restaurants and street corners will be filled with musicians gathering to play banjoes, fiddles, mandolins and basses.

 Stop and listen awhile or join in with your instrument, it’s all good and it’s all free.

“You’ve never seen anything like it,” says festival co-producer Jack Sartain. “We put out the call for old-time country and bluegrass musicians and they just come out of the woodwork. Last year 125 showed up and we’re expecting 200 musicians this year.”

All that music is likely to make you want to move your feet and dance. Afraid you can’t cut a rug country style?  No worries. There’ll be lessons if you want them or you can just hang back and enjoy watching them whirl.

Country dancing includes square and round dances and the more modern “Contra” dance. The moves will be taught before each dance and a caller gives instructions. No experience is necessary as long as you know your “right hand from your left,” says festival co-producer, Dr. John Kelley.

Kelley, who plays with the Peachtree Rattlers, has been playing the banjo since he was 19. “I inherited a banjo but I didn’t know how to play until one of my classmates who knew how to play the fiddle taught me.”

“I have one foot in old-time country music and one foot in bluegrass, Kelley said. Old-time has its roots in folk music and usually tells a story. The songs are played and sung unplugged like the Carter Family’s “Keep on the Sunny Side.”

Bluegrass playing style is heavily influenced by jazz where each musician is highlighted for a riff. The music is usually layered with four or five instrumental parts and played faster. The lively swing of the rhythmic music is often the backdrop for dancing.

“This festival gives bluegrass musicians a chance to interact with an ensemble and old-time musicians a chance to make dancers dance,” said Kelly. “Bring your lawn chairs and your dancing shoes to join the fun,” said Sartain.

Music workshops and Folk Art demonstrations will be held at ART Station and visitors can see a display of banjos dating back to the Civil War.

Spend the whole day and join in the fun for the . Wear your favorite funky hat and win a prize. Judges will be on the street looking for best hats and taking photos.

Look for merchants displaying “Come on In” signs and pick up a free flower wherever you make a purchase, then show your bouquet at the Village Corner German Bakery Restaurant for a free fruit drink. Make a reservation for high tea from 4 to 5 p.m. $12 per person.

Join the Art Stroll from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and pick up an art pass at any gallery or the ART Station to qualify for the drawing and enjoy live bluegrass music at each location. The festival is March 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is free. 

Art Shorts

Music for Missions, 3142 Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church, 3142 Lawrenceville Highway, today, March 13, 7 p.m. Hear Old-Time Buddies and the Peachtree Rattlers and join in with sing-along tunes and Gospel favorites. Sponsored by the United Methodist men. Donations for concerts go to charities and missions.  

at ART Station, 5384 Manor Drive, Historic Village Stone Mountain. March 21, noon to 1 p.m. Gospel singer Mildred Brown accompanied by Kenny Brandon with back-up singers Reginal Hill and Ezola Simmers. Discussion to follow performance. Tickets are $10 for lunch and performance and $5 for performance only. www.artstation.org.

, ART Station, 5384 Manor Drive, March 17, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Live Auction and Silent Auction featuring everything from fine works of art to evening out with theatre and dinner. Raise a glass of green beer and sample food from restaurants around Stone Mountain. Raffle at 9:30 p.m. for $1,000. Tickets are $20. www.artstation.org.

, Innocence 5384 Manor Drive, March 25 through May 14. Artist H.C. Warner former owner of Alcove Gallery in Avondale Estates’ presents works based upon the “Innocence” of youth producing imagery that connects with children as well as adults, with works in acrylics and mixed media, as well as digital design. www.artstation.org.

About this column: Art is everywhere. Music, visual arts, drama, dance and the literary arts help us express our feelings about the world around us. Once a month we will highlight artists to enjoy in the Stone Mountain/Redan community.