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Labor Day Weekend brings the annual Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention to the foothills, and there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the music that dates back to the 18th century when settlers first began to establish the mountain towns in North Carolina. It all happens Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3590 Highway 268 in Lenoir (happyvalleyfiddlers.org).

Here are some of the fine performers on the 2016 roster:

Laura Boosinger & Midnight Plowboys, a roots music string band from Asheville, NC. During their recording career from 1980 to 1990, they focused on fiddle tunes but also ventured into Cajun, Texas swing, waltzes and even honky-tonk and early rock ‘n’ roll.

Strictly Strings began as an old-time fiddle class in the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program and branched out to become a popular band that’s appeared at festivals, dances and private events. They’re best friends and love performing together.

The acoustic trio Strictly Clean and Decent features the vocal harmonies of Patrick Crouch, Ron Shuffler, and Kay Crouch over a solid instrumental foundation. Their eclectic repertoire includes modern American, Canadian and Irish folk songs, traditional and contemporary bluegrass breakdowns Celtic airs and dance tunes and many other genres.

You’re sure to enjoy the classic family harmonies of the Cockman Family. They’ve been performing their sweet blend of bluegrass and traditional gospel since 1988. Adding to their popularity is the warmth of the strong family bond that is so apparent in all their music.

The Harris Brothers, often called “the people’s band”, stay close to the roots of early American music, expressing deep, honest feelings and true emotion that resonates even with today’s audiences. But they’re versatile as well, and you’re guaranteed to become a fan once you see them perform live.

You’ll hear everything from swing tunes to sweet waltzes when Spirit Fiddle takes the stage. Champion fiddler Robin Warren and guitarist Brian Clancey keep the energy level high as they take you on an entertaining musical journey through bluegrass, French Canadian and Celtic jigs and reels, Parisian musette and even old popular songs.

Watch the Jeff Little Trio perform and you’ll soon lose any doubt you might have had about the piano as an instrument of early American music. Influenced by the flat-pick method of guitar playing, the Blue Ridge native will surprise you by the speed, precision and clarity of his playing. Jeff has appeared on National Public Radio, PBS and at the American Folk Festival, Smithsonian Folklife Festive and the America Piano Masters Series.

And Steve and Donna Bing display their remarkable talent and versatility as they demonstrate the diverse playing styles of Cajun, Appalachian old-time, Texas swing and roots tunes from Texas and Louisiana at their Cajun Music Workshop.

The Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention is a volunteer project committed to the preservation and promotion of the music that’s such a rich tradition in this part of the country. In conjunction with the Caldwell County Arts Council and the Happy Valley Ruritan Club, it’s been a popular event for twelve years.

This is another example of the cultural treasures that are yours to enjoy in and around the mountain towns in North Carolina. Happy Valley is also home to quilters, woodworkers and other craft artists, painters, and storytellers. It also boasts thirteen sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you’re looking for the ideal place to settle down, we think you’ll find it when buying real estate in Lenoir NC. Western North Carolina land for sale is long known for its natural splendor, year-round mild weather and friendly residents, the area offers just the right combination of rural ambiance and easy accessibility to things you might need and places you want to go.

The Coves Mountain River Club in Lenoir is impressive not only for its perfect location on the Johns River but also for its remarkable, affordable home designs. Real estate in Lenoir NC is an integral part of its environment, with every element carefully designed to complement its breathtaking natural setting. When you’re looking at Western North Carolina land for sale, be sure to visit The Coves and see how it epitomizes all that’s good about living in the foothills.

Call us directly at 828.754.0700 to schedule a tour.

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 84-page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide, which gives you more information about living in the foothills of North Carolina.