An energetic, toe-tapping dance and concert by Tyler Hughes and the Empty Bottle String Band will inaugurate the brand-new Billee Moore Folklife Series, named for one of this region’s most creative storytellers, innovators, and supporter of traditional arts. The series plans to offer a variety of heritage programs at Exchange Place and other locations around the Tri-Cities. This highly anticipated dance concert will be held on Friday, November 1 at the Kingsport Farmers Market, beginning at 7 PM. Tickets are $12 in advance and can be purchased on Eventbrite until 5 PM the day of the concert; please use this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benefit-concert-for-the-new-billee-moore-folklife-series-tickets-1039124227537 Tickets will also be sold at the door that evening for $15. No family will pay more than $40 for tickets.
Nothing could be a more perfect kick-off than a rollicking performance by Tyler Hughes and the Empty Bottle String Band! Graduates of the Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Studies program at ETSU, these musicians are known for their upbeat tunes, feel-good music and inventive sound, which still stays close to the classic string band tradition of the 1930’s.  One of the Appalachian region’s most popular old-time groups, attendees can come just for the tunes, but the band’s music is extremely danceable, so anyone who cares to dance should do so with carefree abandon; there is plenty of room at the Kingsport Farmers Market Pavilion!
Funds from the kickoff and the series will be used to build a new folklife series, honoring Billee, an indomitable woman whose artistic imagination created such enduring events as murder mystery plays, guest tours, bus “hijackings,” and the ongoing storytelling event at Exchange Place known as Witches Wynd. A community activist, she was involved in the creation of Darrell’s Dream, the unique Warriors Path State Park playground. Billee was also a staunch supporter of the rich history and culture that is so abundant in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. This folklife series, following her legacy, will feature programming that engages community members of all ages in family-friendly explorations of regional folk culture and arts. The series will be as lively and joyful as the woman who inspired it, while bringing attention to the role of Exchange Place: interpreting the region’s history and culture in ways that bring people together for both education and enjoyment.
For more information, please write to Exchange Place at exchangeplacefarm@yahoo.com

Learn how to create a beautiful tree of life pendant.

In this class you will learn to saw and pierce, file, texture, and form, as well as finish a fine crafted copper pendant/ornament. We will texture and saw the main pendant, then make a bale with wire. We will patina and polish to finish.
Please wear natural fibers, close-toed shoes, full length pants, and have any long hair pulled back. If you would like to bring your own safety glasses you may; otherwise, we will have extras here.
*Age 16+ (under 18 MUST be accompanied by a guardian)

Brandon Harrell is the new Director of the Inventor Center an accomplished artist and metalsmith. She is an ETSU alumni and has a Masters of Fine Arts from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. Brandon’s own work has been published, shown in multiple exhibits including SOFA Chicago, and she has been awarded at several juried exhibitions. Her work spans from fine art, to jewelry, to craft pieces.
Brandon has over 15 years of teaching experience including workshops, camps, and college classes. She enjoys teaching and showing others how to bring their ideas to tangible realities and experience the joy of creating. Brandon grew up here in East Tennessee and enjoys helping keep the maker spirit history of this region alive.