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The Swannanoa Gathering - Traditional Songs Week!
Traditional Song Week celebrates the power and diversity of community singing, taught by renowned practitioners and culture bearers from right here in southern Appalachia and as far away as Scotland and Ireland. For 2025, coordinator Matt Watroba has assembled another top-flight staff to make the magic happen, including Sheila Kay Adams (storytelling and meeting house songs), Kathy Bullock (gospel choir and abolitionist songs), Susan Cattaneo (songwriting), Josh Goforth (shape-note singing and music theory), Sara Grey (ballad interpretation), Reggie Harris (freedom songs), Cathy Jordan (Irish love songs and Child ballads), Zoe Mulford (community singing and ballad styles), Fiona Ritchie (Scottish song), Sally Rogers (songs of Jean Ritchie), Claudia Schmidt (vocal wellness and harmony), and Pat Wictor (vocal improv and guitar).
Join Dr. Kathy Bullock, Professor Emerita of Music at Berea College, for an inspiring exploration of African American sacred music through two powerful workshops: “Gospel Music: Come Share the Joy” and “From Slavery to Freedom: Early Abolitionist and Protest Songs.” With decades of international experience as a performer, scholar, and choral director, Dr. Bullock brings infectious energy and deep cultural insight to every session. Her programs invite participants to engage with spirituals, gospel, and rarely heard historical songs that reflect the resilience and hope of the African American experience—offering not just music, but meaningful connection, joy, and transformation through song.