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Archived Arts & Entertainment

Folkmoot welcomes Nashville songwriters

Claire Lynch. Claire Lynch.

Renowned singer-songwriters Claire Lynch, Jerry Salley and Irene Kelley will perform on Saturday, April 6, in the Queen Auditorium at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

Started in 1996 at the Balsam Mountain Inn and modeled after similar performances at Nashville’s famous Bluebird Café, the “Songwriters in the Round” series presents signature in-the-round shows featuring Nashville area songwriters who pen the lyrics performed by country’s biggest stars. Many performances feature Grammy and CMA award winners, and all include writers of many top-ranked songs.

Three-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) “Female Vocalist of the Year,” Lynch is an award-winning tunesmith and one of bluegrass’ most beloved acts. She’s thrice been nominated for a Grammy and is the 2012 recipient of the United States Artists Walker Fellowship Award. She co-wrote and recorded “Dear Sister” for Compass Records and garnered IBMA’s 2014 “Song of the Year.”

Kelley’s signature mix of bluegrass, Country and Americana appeals to music lovers across all genres. Her songs have been recorded by Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Pat Green, Brother Phelps, Rhonda Vincent, Claire Lynch, Darrell Scott, The Whites, The Osborne Brothers and others.

The 2018 IBMA “Songwriter of the Year” and the 2003 SESAC “Country Music Songwriter of the Year,” Salley has had over 500 songs recorded in his multi-award winning career. To date, his songs have sold in excess of 17 million records worldwide and internationally he has penned no less than eight No. 1 country hits in Australia.

In-the-round performances feature performers seated in a circle with the audience all around. The musicians trade anecdotes about the music industry and sing the songs they’ve written.

There will be a social from 6 to 7 p.m. with the concert to follow. Tickets are $25 for adults, $12 for students. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.folkmoot.org or call 828.452.2997. Tickets will also be available at the door.