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Update 10/4/2016 4:59 p.m.: Due to the uncertainty on what Hurricane Matthew will deliver to the region, this concert has been postponed. A new date will be announced later.
The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center and the North Carolina Coastal Federation are teaming up to host the Tony Award-winning band, The Red Clay Ramblers, in a special two-night event, Oct. 7 and 8.
The North Carolina natives will be performing in Joslyn Hall at Carteret Community College. Doors will open at 7 p.m. with concerts beginning at 7:30 p.m. on both nights.
Tickets are $28 general admission, $23 for members (CSWM&HC and NC Coastal Federation), and $12 for students, and can be purchased by contacting Core Sound Museum at 252-728-1500.
The string band’s music draws from multiple genres, including “old-time mountain music,” as well as bluegrass, country rock, New Orleans jazz, gospel and the “American musical” to from its eclectic sound and unique taste.
Since their formation in 1972, Ramblers have performed on various stages throughout the world. Some of those stages consist of several local appearances through the years, including performances at Croatan High School, the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center, and the Coastal Folklife Project in Beaufort.
Personnel for The Ramblers’ October performances will include Clay Buckner on the fiddle, Chris Frank on the guitar, Jack Herrick on the trumpet and bass, Rob Ladd on the drums, and Bland Simpson on the piano.
Simpson has visited Ocracoke and performed here earlier this year.
The musical group is noted as being high energy with a wide-ranging repertoire.
“Bluegrass, New Orleans, classical folk, and gospel sounds emerge in nutty profusion from these talented instrumentalists and singers, whose music making is perfection,” states The New York Times.
Both the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center and the North Carolina Coastal Federation are preparing for milestone years in 2017. The CSWM&HC will celebrate its 25th anniversary, while the NC Coastal Federation celebrates its 35th anniversary.
Both presenters have big things planned in observance of these significantly historic years. “These are two truly fine, highly significant groups, not only for Carteret County but for the whole state of North Carolina,” Simpson said. “Both of them exemplify the very best values in preserving, protecting, and celebrating our social and natural heritage here on the coast. We are thrilled to be making a joyful noise for them in Morehead City this fall.”
