Part of the Music in the Garden Series

The middle evening in Phil Cook’s Southland Revue bores down to the roots of American traditional music: folk songs and gospel tunes. Phil and his fine band, The Guitarheels, will be joined by the acclaimed guitarist and banjo player Charlie Parr, who performs old time music with the kind of verve that’s encountered now only on old field recordings and well-worn 78 RPM records. “Parr delivers a sound that is both full and ambitiously stripped-down to the very root of primitive American music. It is bursting with colorful narratives, original characters, and auspicious wisdom” (Saving Country Music). The evening at the Gardens will also feature The Branchettes of Johnston County, NC (Ethel Eliot and Lena Mae Perry) who have been performing hymns and gospel songs together for well over twenty years. Their style and repertory come directly from the rich hymn tradition of rural African-American churches hereabouts. The Branchettes won a well-deserved North Carolina Folk Heritage Award in 1995.

Music in the Gardens concerts take place rain or shine on the lawn behind the Gardens' Visitor Center. Lawn chairs, picnics, and blankets are encouraged. Dogs are not allowed. Outside food and beverages, including beer and wine, are permitted and also will be available for purchase on-site. The lawn will open at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.

Music in the Gardens presentations are excluded from Pick-Four discount.