FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shindig on the Green® is proud to welcome the Ashgrove Garland Dancers and Asheville Morris Dancers to open the evening on Saturday, July 13, 2019, from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Roger McGuire Green in downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park.

The Ashgrove Garland Dancers were founded in 1983 and Ashevillle Morris Dancers were founded in 2005. They present traditional dances to celebrate the changing seasons and for the enjoyment of the community. The Ashgrove Garland Dancers perform Garland dances from the north of England. The dances began in the mill towns in the 19th century. Traditional dance figures, made more picturesque by flower covered garlands, evolved into dances that were performed at community events and parades.

Asheville Morris presents Morris dances from the Cotswold region of England: Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire from May Day through the end of summer and perform Welsh Border Morris dances for the year-end holiday season.

Together they perform English Country Dances from the 17th and 18th centuries. These Country Dances, Garland Dances and Morris dances are the ancestors of the traditional dances of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

The headlining sponsor for the 53rd season of Shindig on the Green® is Come Hear North Carolina. Please visit ComeHearNC.com and folkheritage.org or call Brian Carter at 828-335-1263 for more information.