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Merry Musical May
Written By: Laurel Magazine Staff | Issue: May 2023
May brings the sounds of the Plateau springing to life.
We celebrate the new season with joyful mountain music.
Songs romanticizing May date back centuries. In 1595, Thomas Morley wrote Now is the Month of Maying, a madrigal that includes the lyrics:
Now is the month of maying
When merry lads are playing.
Each with his bonny lass,
Upon the greeny grass.
Fie then why sit we musing
Youth’s sweet delight refusing.
Shall we play at barley-break?
“Barley-breaking” translates “rolling in the hay.” Going from Marley’s “maying” to Lerner and Loewe’s “Lusty Month of May” is a short musical step. And, like that short step, many a June wedding has followed a passionate May frolic.
We have our own May music here in the mountains. You can hear it this month at free concerts featuring local musicians holding forth with pure musical joy.
On Saturday, May 6, at 4:30 P.M., the Pop-Up Pipers, a bagpipe duo, will pipe-up at various locations around downtown Highlands. This monthly musical event occurs May through October.
On Saturday, May 13, the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau will host Mayfest from Noon to 3:00 P.M. There’ll be storytelling, face painting, arts and crafts, food, and music. Go to 558 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers.
On May 19, 6:00 to 8:30 P.M., Friday Night Live in Highlands will feature Jay Drummonds at Town Square. Expect blues, folk and rock music.
Saturday, May 20, from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. in Highlands, Meander in May will be a walking opportunity. Music from bluegrass to jazz, as well as art and crafts will be staged at various locations around town. A self-guided map will be provided.
Also on May 20, from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park will host The Boomers. This well-traveled band has performed at a presidential inaugural ball, NFL owners meeting and local weddings.
Friday, May 26, presents concurrent musical opportunities. From 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. Highlands-based Silly Ridge (banjo, mandolin, guitar, harmonica) will perform in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
Also on the 26th, from 6:30 to 9:00 P.M., Nitrograss will sound off at the first monthly Groovin’ on the Green event in Cashiers. Bring lawn chairs to this event sponsored by our own Laurel Magazine.
On May 27, 6:00 to 8:30 P.M, Saturdays on Pine Concert will present The Swingin’ Richards. Expect “Megaphones,” “Daddy Blue” and other Southeastern favorites to rock at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands.
Merry musical May from
The Laurel Magazine!
