Piedmont Instrument Classes for Kids

10/03/2026

Promoting and preserving the musical and cultural legacy of our region, and celebrating its influence on the development of American vernacular music. P.I.C.K.

10/01/2026

Attention Ladies! Want to help out some special kids, all while picking up a new skill and hanging out with a legend? Join our P.I.C.K. (Piedmont Instrument Classes for Kids) Ladies' Banjo Class! Classes will be held each Tuesday at 7 pm, beginning October 6th, and running through early May. You will be studying with one of the masters of clawhammer banjo, Riley Baugus, and in the process, your class fee will help to provide scholarships for the young people in our music program. Sign up, help out, and learn to make beautiful music! Call Louise Price, Program Director, at 336-253-9744 to sign up or for more information.

Riley Baugus performs Ole Belle Reed's "Undone in Sorrow" and discu...

09/01/2026

It's PICK Open Application Day! For those of you who have young students who would like to learn a traditional instrument - banjo, fiddle, or guitar - please use the QR Code below to access the application. Consideration for new students is given on a first-come, first-served basis - entry into the program is not guaranteed, due to lesson slots availability. Program fees are $26 per week, per student, but scholarships are available if financially needed. Fill out your application today - we would love to see you at PICK! You may call Louise W. Price, Executive Director, with any questions at 336-253-9744.

08/27/2026

08/25/2026

A bright light gone from our world.

06/09/2026

Charlie Poole Festival - June 11-13
Rockingham Community College

Louise Price, Executive Director, Piedmont Folk Legacies. Music, competition with cash prizes, PICK, food, vendors, Rockingham Community College campus and Amp

06/08/2026

The Charlie Poole Festival is excited to welcome back our own Jesse Smathers to close out the first night (Thursday, June 11) of our concert series. Jesse Smathers was born and raised in Eden, NC, but holds his Western NC roots close. Jesse comes from a long line of musicians. His grandfather, Harold Smathers, and grand-uncle, Luke Smathers, recorded for June Appal and were awarded the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award in 1993 for their contributions to North Carolina folk music. Jesse began playing the guitar at age eleven, and added the mandolin not long after. His teens were spent competing at fiddlers conventions, including his home festival, the Charlie Poole Festival. In 2010, he began his career as a touring musician with the James King Band, and in 2014 he joined the Nothin’ Fancy band. The Lonesome River Band welcomed him to the group in 2015 as their mandolin player, with Jesse earning the IBMA Momentum Award for Vocalist of the Year in 2017. In 2021, Jesse switched over to the guitar position with Lonesome River Band, and continues to tour with them around the country. In 2022 Jesse released his first self-titled solo album, and one of his latest singles - Charlie Poole’s “Take a Drink on Me” - reached #1 on the bluegrass charts. Take a listen here: https://youtu.be/gRgKEAGP1bc?si=F-LcMw13KH3E7qYE

For tickets, visit: https://www.charlie-poole.com

06/08/2026