Black Mountain Blues Festival 2025
- 50Plus
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
Local Music Makers
By Peggy Ratusz
During the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, White Horse Black Mountain played a vital role in the community’s recovery efforts. Located in the center of Black Mountain, NC, the venue became a hub for receiving and distributing donated supplies and hosting meetings for community members seeking information and resources.
While nearly all events were cancelled due to the wide devastation of the flood, White Horse Black Mountain kept its doors and heart open to actively encourage folks to visit, enjoy music, and rebuild a sense of community. They did so with nearly all volunteer staff.
Benefit concerts to support local organizations as well as area musicians and music related nonprofit organizations were regularly hosted by the venue. Everyone could attend these shows and events, all on a pay-what-you-can pricing basis. White Horse adopted this payment structure and it continues to this day.
As we approach the first anniversary of this geologically shape shifting weather occurrence, White Horse Black Mountain is once again aligning itself with Hurricane Helene relief. Together with the Town of Black Mountain, the newly formed Black Mountain Blues Society as well as the state of North Carolina’s new campaign “Rediscover the Unforgettable,” and a plethora of local and area sponsors, this month they will present the second annual Black Mountain Blues Festival.
This weekend-long event, September 26th-28th, gives us the opportunity to join together and celebrate the resilience and strength of WNC.
Experience nonstop Blues music in all its forms, from national, regional and local acts, all taking place across several venues in the heart of downtown: White Horse Black Mountain, Old Town District, The Grange “Cherry Pit,” Peri Social House and Town Square.
The festival also includes educational workshops, VIP experiences, and family-friendly activities, showcasing the town’s unique blues heritage and community spirit.
Last year’s local line up was indeed incredible for those lucky enough to hear them. As a member of the artist curator committee, it’s been my focus and my pleasure to help book the local acts who will appear at this year’s event.
We’ll have a few repeats, but I’m here to tell you that it was a difficult task having to turn down acts this year in order to spread the love around to include those turned down last year.
The queens of WNC Soul and Blues, two power packed vocalists, Kat Williams and Rhoda Weaver, both have full band sets during the festival; Rhoda on Friday and Kat on Saturday.
One of the most passionate roots and Blues music duo’s in the area, harmonica player and singer songwriter Joshua Singleton and his masterful guitar player and singing, songwriting partner, Patrick Dodd are back by popular demand.
They’ll be playing a set on Friday. Asheville and Hendersonville-hopping multi-instrumentalist (banjo and fiddle mostly), the fabulous and sought after, Elizabeth McCorvey and her trio will be playing their set of originals on Sunday afternoon.
Making their festival debut, newly formed Psychedelic Blues, Rock and Soul band, Fairlight and the Magik will play a set on Saturday afternoon. The incredibly popular and extremely beloved Mr. Jimmy, who will be bringing his quintet to the stage, is playing on Friday.
Could we be more excited to welcome Lyric Jones and her band? I don’t think so! I booked Lyric for one of her very first gigs while she was still in high school. I am very excited that she’s on the roster.
Pleasure Chest is one of Asheville’s favorite acts and front man Kip Veno never disappoints. He’s bringing his little big band to the stage, and when I say big band, I mean horns.
The phenomenal, gifted and emotive singer, songwriter and fan favorite, Lillie Syracuse is bringing a 5pc band to play a Blues centric set, honoring some of the significant female contributors to the genre.
Adi the Monk played solo last year to a full crowd at the Monte Vista Hotel. This year, he’s bringing to the festival, his trio called Mojo Mountain. They’ll be servin’ up the Blues just right, on Saturday afternoon.
After wowing us with her delightful and educational Ukulele Lady set of Appalachian Blues last year, Kelle Jolly returns this year with a full band. Expect a bending and blending presentation of Appalachian and Jazz infused Blues.
Returning again this year for a progressive set of Jazz, Funk and Soul music is the extraordinary bassist, E’Lon JD. He will be mixing up all the good feelings with his trio on Sunday afternoon.
Headliners for Black Mountain Blues Festival 2025 are nothing short of incredible. Scheduled to appear are the following remarkable and thrilling Blues acts: Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Annika Chambers & Paul Deslauriers, Eric Gales, Ra’Shaad the Blues Kid and fresh off her European tour, phenomenal bassist and multi-instrumentalist, Nik West.
Supporting the headliners will be 2024 International Blues Challenge winners, Piper & the Hard Times, Greenville Spartanburg legend Mac Arnold and his Plate Full O’ Blues band, Kelli Baker band out of NYC, West African drum troupe, Africa Unplugged, Sam Fribush Organ Trio from Greensboro, as well as solo acts Lightnin’ Wells, Doug McLeod and Reverend Billy C Wirtz.
Just typing up all their names fills me with excitement! Here’s hoping you feel it too because it’s not too late to get tickets. Visit: https://blackmountainblues.org/all-tickets/
There’s a launch party for all Black Mountain Blues Festival 2025 ticket holders and the general public on Thursday, September 25th at White Horse Black Mountain.
On the docket is Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs Band followed by Bill Mattocks Blues. See the White Horse Black Mountain website for updated information on this show.
It’s been a long road to recovery and the need continues in very significant and specific ways for particular areas of Western North Carolina. So remember, a portion of the net proceeds made from Black Mountain Blues Festival 2025, will support ongoing Hurricane Relief; turning your good time into real impact for those still in need.
Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach,
song interpreter, and songwriter.
For vocal coaching email her at