COVID
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to the safe presentation of in-person gatherings of all types. Our safety protocols are guided by the findings of the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Buncombe County Health Department and those of Warren Wilson College.
For the last two years, we have required documentation, verified with a photo ID, that all participants have received a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and have gotten the most recent booster dose recommended by the CDC.
Covid is still with us, but its prevalence has receded to the point where we no longer require vaccination, but still strongly recommend it. Anyone testing positve for Covid during the Gathering will be asked to leave in order to limit the spread of the virus among the participants. Participants will be updated throughout the spring of any changes or additions to these safety measures.
Our oldest program, Old-Time Music & Dance Week at the Swannanoa Gathering features fabulous jams, great food, a beautiful location and the best old-time musical line-up in the country! The week explores the rich music, dance and singing traditions of the southern Appalachian region through a wide variety of classes taught by an experienced and supportive staff. The many diverse offerings enable students to explore new areas; fiddlers sing, singers dance, and dancers learn to play instruments. Students enroll in as many as three regular classes during the week, and each afternoon a variety of short workshop topics are offered during the Potluck Sessions. The daily Communal Gathering features guest master musicians, singers, and dancers. Evening activities include jam sessions, singing, square dances, clogging, concerts, the Old-Time Social open mic and the popular Late-Night Honky-Tonk! To accommodate families, we offer the Teen Gathering, a class specifically for teenagers, Young Old-Time, an evening jam for young players, and a Children’s Program for ages 6-12. Food and the craft beer trucks are open nightly. It’s hard to beat the fun and community vibe at late night jams during the pleasantly warm evenings at Swannanoa nestled in the mountains of North Carolina.