Augusta Heritage Center to bring in renowned musicians for Bluegrass Week’s closing concert

ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY) — After a week filled with fiddles, Augusta Heritage Center’s Bluegrass Week is coming to a close, but not without a proper send-off.

On Thursday, July 18, the Augusta Heritage Center will hold its culminating concert and square dance at the Harper McNeely Auditorium in Elkins from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

While the concert starts at 7:30 p.m., square dancing won’t begin until 9:45 p.m. Admission for both the show and dancing is $15, while square dancing by itself is $10.

The show will be held “round robin style,” meaning all instructors will sit on stage in a circle and take turns playing. This is unique as this may be the only time this set of musicians will play together because each show is different.

These musicians include Mike Compton, a mandolin player who has been featured on hundreds of Nashville Records including ‘Constant Sorrow’ from the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack, as well as vocalist, Greg Blake, who has won multiple International Bluegrass Association’s Vocalist of the Year and virtuosic up and coming fiddle player, Grant Flick.

12 News spoke to Augusta Heritage Center CEO Seth Young on the significance of holding bluegrass week right here in the heart of Appalachia.

“For us, musically, that is at the crux of the meaning of bluegrass, early country and old-time music and so, we very much celebrate all three of those music genres in and with each other and so that gives people a whole holistic insight into the power of Appalachian traditional culture,” said Young.

If you’re unable to attend the Bluegrass Concert and Square Dance, the Augusta Heritage Center offers a variety of shows, dances, jam parties, courses and mini-classes that provide something for everyone to enjoy. You can find more information on upcoming events through its website .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.