By Victoria Ewing Ware
Guest Writer
Clay County Communities Revitalization Association Inc. welcomes the “Hello Trouble” band for the third concert of its 2023 summer concert series “Friday Night Lights on the Hayesville Square” at 7 p.m. on Friiday, June 23. Friday’s concert is sponsored by the Clay County Historical & Arts Council with support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
Brasstown’s “Hello Trouble” is a honky-tonk two-stepping’ band. Formed by friends and employees of the John C. Campbell Folk School, the band takes their acoustic old-timey chops up a notch, offering a contagious, electric rhythm. Back line vocals hold down the ensemble with David Liden on bass, Lindsey Liden on drums and Zach Kilmer on pedal steel.
The front-line features a rotating cast of Charlie Beck, Charmaine Slaven, T-Claw and Bridget Esterhuizen on vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and fiddle. With all the ingredients of a traditional boot-scootin’ band, they play mostly classic country covers but also dabble in Cajun and swing. It’s been said this band is best enjoyed with a cold drink and a hot dance partner.
Local proprietors Hayesville Q and Laughing Dogs Brewery will provide the food and beverage service at this week’s concert. The American Legion Auxiliary will roast and sell their crowd-favorite hot dogs to raise funds for veterans. Bring your family and friends and lawn chairs or blankets. Food and beverage service starts at 6 p.m. and music at 7 p.m.
Free transportation to-from nearby parking areas is provided on the Red Rider, courtesy of Historic Hayesville Inc. The Hayesville United Methodist Church parking lots will be closed to the public this week.
After this week, four concerts remain in this year’s series. Mark your calendars for July 14 , July 28, August 4 and 18. CCCRA’s free concerts are made possible through sponsorships from private individuals, businesses and organizations and from donations to the red bucket on concert nights. Key sponsors of this year’s concerts are the Rotary Club of Lake Chatuge and Clay County Historical & Arts Council.
If we are forced to make a difficult decision to cancel or reschedule any of our Friday night concerts due to weather, an announcement will be made on both the CCCRA website and the CCCRA Facebook page. You can also email us at claycountycommrevitalization@gmail.com.