FERRUM, VA, August 21, 2023 – The Ferrum College Jack Tale Players and Orchestra Appalachia performed at the 2023 Franklin County Agricultural Fair held Thursday, August 17 to Sunday, August 20. Both performance groups feature blends of old and new traditions, with student and community performers, that are unique to Ferrum College Performing Arts.
The Jack Tale Players at the fair included Ferrum College students TJ Baker, Django Burgess, and Gage Shelton, along with Ferrum College Performing Arts faculty and staff Rex Stephenson, Rebecca Crocker ’02, Rachel Blankenship-Tucker, and Emily Blankenship-Tucker, as well as Silas Blankenship-Tucker, the youngest Jack Tale Player ever. The group, founded by Stephenson in 1975, performs his adaptations of Appalachian folktales and traditional songs.
Orchestra Appalachia also performed from 4 to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the fair’s main stage. This show kicked off Orchestra Appalachia’s fall touring season, which will include tours to Bristol, TN/VA, for the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion September 8-10 and Raleigh, NC, for the IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival September 26-30. The group will also join Ferrum College’s newest ensemble, Bluegrass Brass, for an exciting new field show in the upcoming football season. Returning members include Ryon Johnson, Emily Walker, Rachel Blankenship-Tucker, and Emily Blankenship-Tucker. Two new members who have just arrived at Ferrum College are students Django Burgess, who joins the group on the upright bass, and Layla Newman on the cello.
Ferrum College junior Emily Walker enjoyed playing at the Agricultural Fair on Saturday, and the performance went well, especially considering that it was the beginning of fall semester. She also really enjoyed playing with the new members. “I always love performing with new folks! It’s awesome seeing what everyone is able to bring to the table.”
Walker is excited to perform with the band this semester. “Orchestra Appalachia is now teaming up with the Bluegrass Brass for the field show, so I am looking forward to sharing this cool product we’ve got going. I am most excited for the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival this September. Some major groups and players are going to be there, so to have Orchestra Appalachia there, too, is really cool,” she said.
