Interested in performing and under 18?

Apply to perform in our 5th Annual Youth Talent Celebration, Saturday, August 2, 2025 2:00‑4:00 pm
APPLY HERE before May 31, 2025

2025 Dates Announced for Shindig and Folk Festival!

Shindig on the Green will be held July 5, 12, 19, 26, and August 9, 16, 23, 2025. Read More.
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival will be held July 31, August 1 and 2, 2025 at 7:00-10:00 pm. Read More.

Folk Heritage Committee: producers of the Shindig on the Green in Asheville, NC

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Folk Heritage Youth Talent Celebration

5th Annual Youth Talent Celebration

5th Annual Youth Talent Celebration®

Free!
Auditorium at Asheville High School
419 McDowell St
Asheville, NC 28803
Aug. 2, 2025 2:00pm–4:00pm

A Part of the 98th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival

Members of the Folk Heritage Committee are excited to announce the Third Youth Talent Celebration to be held August 2nd from 2:00-4:00 p.m., in conjunction with the 98th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. The location will be announced at a later date. The Saturday afternoon youth showcase is presented free of charge and will serve as great encouragement to the more than 50 youth performers scheduled for this year’s event.

Performers range in age from 5 – 18 and will share traditional Blue Ridge music and dance learned from teachers at a variety of programs. The event is co-directed by Bailee Brandon and Josh Goforth. Bailee is currently a student at Belmont University in Nashville, and has been a performer at Shindig and Festival with many years experience. Josh is a highly accomplished storyteller and old-time, bluegrass, and swing musician. Goforth grew up attending events like this one and is now eager to see a new generation of talent take the stage.

“We are pleased to present this special addition as part of the 98th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, showcasing the talents and vitality of young musicians and dancers,” said Mountain Dance and Folk Festival Co-Chair Judy Miller. “These young men and women and their teachers are at the heart of our efforts to sustain this area’s wonderful heritage of Appalachian music. We invite everyone to enjoy an afternoon of very special music and, like us, take joy as we carry forward traditions so special to this region.”

5th Youth Talent Celebration Program

Directors: Bailee Brandon/Josh Goforth
Emcee: Josh Goforth
Stage Manager: Bailee Brandon
Accompanist: Marlee Merritt
Performers: TBD
Dance Team: Little River Junior Cloggers
Little River Smooth Dancers

Interested in performing and under 18?

APPLY HERE
Folk Heritage Youth Talent Celebration musicians and folk dancers
Folk Heritage Youth Talent Celebration musicians and folk dancers
Folk Heritage Youth Talent Celebration musicians and folk dancers
Folk Heritage Youth Talent Celebration musicians and folk dancers
Folk Heritage Youth Talent Celebration musicians and folk dancers
Folk Heritage Youth Talent Celebration
Folk Heritage Youth Talent Celebration musicians and folk dancers
All photos this page by Diana Gates Photography
Folk Heritage Committee: traditional music and dancing of the southern Appalachians
  • Home
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  • Community Support
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    • Make a Donation
    • Volunteer to Help!
  • About Us
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • About the Folk Heritage Committee
    • Our History
    • Our Performers
    • Performer Info
    • Media / Press Releases
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Performer Info
    • Volunteer to Help!
    • Make a Donation

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