Musical artists announced for summer concert series at St. John’s

The concerts showcase some of the High Country’s finest musicians along with regional artists of national prominence. Attendees linger until sunset to mingle with the artists after their performance. All concerts begin promptly at 5 p.m., are approximately 60 minutes in duration, and followed by a potluck supper. Suggested admission is $10 per person to offset artists fees, with children 12 and under admitted free of charge.

On Sunday, Aug. 7, the eight-member Raleigh Flute Choir graces the chancel at St. John’s for a farewell concert immediately prior to their departure for Chicago where they will be performing at the National Flute Association’s Annual Convention. Founded in 1986, the RFC is a chamber ensemble of professional flutists from central North Carolina. They have distinguished themselves as one of the nation’s leading flute choirs. Utilizing all members of the flute family, they perform an exciting repertoire spanning the centuries from the Renaissance to the present, including transcriptions and original compositions.

“After their scheduled performances in both 2020 and 2021 were postponed due to the pandemic,” said McCaslin, “we are delighted to welcome this outstanding group home to St. John’s, and believe me when I say they are well worth the wait!”

Back by popular demand, Four Leaf Peat, a premier Irish band from Knoxville, closes out the 2022 season on Sunday, Sept. 4, by performing traditional Celtic music, along with jigs, reels, songs, and hornpipes. Four Leaf Peat’s performances are always marked by a keen sense of the tradition, mixed with just the right amount of influence from the rich musical history of East Tennessee. They have built their own brand of Irish music which celebrates the musical bridge that spans the Atlantic from Appalachia to Ireland.

Attendees traditionally bring a dish to share during the potluck supper on the lawn that follows every summer concert, with dozens of folks arriving early to begin the social aspect of the evening’s festivities. Many audience members prefer to set up lawn chairs near the open windows of the chapel and listen to the music as it resonates throughout the valley. All are welcome as local residents mingle with newcomers and visitors to the melting pot that is historic St. John’s.

St. John’s Chapel is located at 645 Herb Thomas Road, off of Mast Gap Road in the Sugar Grove community near Valle Crucis, NC. Signs are posted throughout the valley directing audience members to the concert location. For more information, please visit the concert website at www.holycrossvallecrucis.net or call (828) 963-4609.