Musician Bing Futch in town for Piedmont Folkways and Carolina BalloonFest

Bing Futch performs at Piedmont FolkwaysPhoto by Kim McKinney

Musician Bing Futch returned to Statesville on Wednesday night for a special show at the WAME radio station studios in the clocktower building for Piedmont Folkways.

Futch has become a local favorite from his performances at Carolina BalloonFest, where he will be leading off the entertainment Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at the Statesville Municipal Airport.

Photo by Kim McKinney

Futch’s main instrument is the Appalachian dulcimer, but also plays the Native American flute and the ukulele. His love for all kinds of music is evident in his shows as he plays old folk and blues tunes, and more contemporary songs, including those he has written himself.

From Orlando, he is even known to play a Disney tune or ten.

He has shot a video series called Dulcimerica, on YouTube for 15 years.

During the COVID slowdown, Futch recorded and released his latest CD, The Beauty and the Terror. He said during such an emotional time he wanted this CD to reflect all the emotions people were experiencing.

Photo by Kim McKinney

Thursday afternoon (October 13) Futch will make a special appearance at the he Boys and Girl’s Club of the Piedmont and Girl’s Club of the Piedmont. He’ll be back in town on October 20 for the Children’s Hope Alliance Heartstrings Therapeutic Music & Art Program.

Piedmont Folkways has performers live most Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m., at the WAME studios. The show is hosted by David Hamm and Danny Wicker, along with Jason Wood. Most performances are free to the public, though a few special shows (like Futch) are ticket-based.

Coming up soon for Piedmont Folkways will be their Halloween show on October 26th with Danny Wicker and some Folkways favorites, the Broad Puckups Unplugged on November 2nd, Charlotte Bluegrass All Stars on November 9th, Wicker & Wood November 16th, Gospel Weekend November 19th and 20th, Munn & Nunn on November 30th, and the Jack & Paddy Show on December 7th.

Follow the Piedmont Folkways Facebook page for more information on upcoming performances.

Carolina BalloonFest has a great schedule of entertainment this year.

Besides Futch, another festival favorite Albannach will fill the air with a bit of Scottish flare. They will be performing Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

Check out the schedule to find when your favorites are performing, or grab a seat around the stage and watch all day long.

Great music is going on all around you in Statesville. Join in.