July in WNC

By Missy Schenck

Little Rainbow Row in Hendersonville, N.C. Image by the author.

The hills are alive with the sound of music … and everyone’s singing and dancing. Come join the party in the WNC mountains and enjoy an outdoor concert or test your dancin’ shoes out on a street dance.

Live music venues are offered in Hendersonville, Saluda, Brevard, Asheville and Cedar Mountain on the weekends. Visit community calendars and events for dates and times.

Saluda concerts return

The Top of the Grade Concerts at McCreery Park in historic downtown Saluda resume this summer with shows on July 23 and August 20. The concerts will be held on the Ella Grace Mintz Stage from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free to the public. On July 23 the Paper Crowns Band will bring its mix of blues, psychedelic and Southern rock, American folk, Gospel and funk to the stage. On August 20 Bob Sinclair and the Big Deals will play “front porch swing music played by happy people.”

Hendersonville and Flat Rock

The Flat Rock Playhouse is excited to present the music of Queen as part of its Music on the Rock series on Saturday, August 14 at 8 p.m. at West Hendersonville High School’s athletic stadium, Johnson Field.

Brevard Old Time Street Dances

A decades-long tradition, Brevard’s Summer Street Dances celebrate Appalachian heritage with a free, fun-loving and family-friendly event that’s sure to give you happy feet. A lively bluegrass band and an experienced caller will take you step by step through a collection of moves that combine square and contra dancing styles. Tuesday evenings July 6- August 3, 6:30 -9 p.m.

Fishing tips for July

Hannah Myers of Headwaters Outfitters says, “Our cold mountain water will soon start climbing in temperature. Fishing higher elevation streams throughout the summer will be your best option for the most active fish. Keep your box simple for these streams with the following: terrestrial patters (ants, beetles, crickets, etc.), inchworms, earthworms, lightening bugs, hares ears and pheasant tails.

Missy Craver Izard was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. She resides in Flat Rock, North Carolina, with her husband, Sandy Schenck, where their family runs a summer camp.