Meander in May: Saturday, May 22

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: Whats News

The artistic and musical impulses that provide so much flavor to the Highlands community and that have been effectively silenced for the last year will blossom once more in an explosion of sound and color called Meander in May, set for Saturday, May 22, in downtown Highlands.

This free, self-guided event spans venues throughout Highlands and extends from 11:00 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. During those hours, you’ll be able to view artists deep in their work and enjoy live music that’s been a part of the town’s soundscape since the days of Helen’s Barn. 

On the artistic side of the festival, you’re invited to visit Jeanie Edwards Fine Art on the hill on Fourth Street from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. There you’ll find Jeanie and Pauline Marr, painting new works and, since this is Jeanie, chatting with their audience.

But they’re not the only artists enjoying their time in the spotlight. 

Over at Select Bank (473 Carolina Court), look for Nature’s Art by Margie and Allaben Fine Art from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. This is a rare opportunity to chat with artists in the act of creating, and it’s enlightening and endlessly entertaining to watch a work of art take shape and achieve its final form. 

And for another form of artistic expression, visit Western North Carolina Woodturners at The Bascom (323 Franklin Road) from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. You’ll find this is a garrulous bunch of artisans and they take delight in showing off their creations and explaining their techniques. Allow yourself adequate time to absorb it all.

In a development that echoes the great European salons of the 19th century, you’ll want to stop by Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro (474 Main Street) from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and observe painter Leslie Jeffery. There’s something magical about seeing an artist create a work in front of you, and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the community’s liberation from Covid restrictions. 

Artist Barbara Desmond will present her works and, of course, herself at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce (108 Main Street) from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M.

As a background beat to these artists and their works, there’s the constant sound of music that’ll be performed throughout the day and into the evening.

Bluegrass Musicians Frank & Allie will bring their irresistible sound to Hudson Library (554 Main Street) from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. They’ll be followed by Byrds & Crows from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Byrds & Crows delivers a healthy dose of bluegrass, gospel, folk and early country music.

Doug Ramsey will perform at The Park on Main (205 Main Street) from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. One block down at Town Square, look (and listen) for Bluegrass Artist Curtis Blackwell from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.

Guitarist Paul Jones, who spans a wide range of musical genres, will perform at Highlands Wine Shoppe (269 Oak Street) from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Bluegrass Banjoist Charles Wood (of Nitrograss) performs at The Ugly Dog Pub from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Jazz artists We Three Swing take the stage at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park (Pine Street) from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Local artist Zorki brings his incredibly diverse playlist to High Dive (476 Carolina Way) from noon to 4:00 P.M. 

Local group Mountain Dulcimers performs this quintessential mountain instrument at The Bascom from noon to 3:00 P.M.

Z Alexander brings contemporary pop/rock to Bridge at Mill Creek (445 North Fourth Street) from noon to 4:00 P.M.

Brookings Anglers (273 Spring Street) hosts Scott Low from 1:30 to 4:00 P.M.

Keyboard Artist Lisa Rankin brings her sound to Park on Main from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M.

Rock Musician Chris Kohne comes to Town Square from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M.

Finally, Meander in May closes with Carribean Cowboys at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders park from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M.

If you’d like to learn more about this free artistic/musical celebration, visit highlandschamber.org or call (828) 526-2112.