News Release

African American Experiences in the Smokies project hosts Tray Wellington concert to celebrate African American music in Appalachia

Date: July 20, 2023
Contact: Emily Davis, 865-440-0066

GATLINBURG, Tenn.— Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to join a concert by the Tray Wellington Band on Saturday, July 29 at 11 a.m. at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The concert is a celebration of the African American Experiences in the Smokies project.

“African American music is important because it has been part of southern Appalachia culture since the beginning of enslavement. Some of the African American contributions to southern Appalachia music are the techniques, instruments, and music that we enjoy today,” said Science Communicator Antoine Fletcher.

Western North Carolina native and renowned banjoist Tray Wellington and his band will perform music from his latest album Black Banjo. Wellington has performed at festivals throughout the country including MerleFest and the International Bluegrass Music Associations (IBMA) Wide Open Bluegrass. He has also been featured on CNN’s United Shades of America. 

Following the concert, a variety of cultural demonstrations will be presented at the Mountain Farm Museum from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can also join park staff at the historic Mingus Mill and the Enloe Slave Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. for a walking tour focused on African American history.

Visitors should bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the concert. Limited accessible parking and sitting will be available at the event. While the concert is free, a vehicle parking tag is required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes.

The African American Experiences in the Smokies project is supported by the Friends of the Smokies, which helps fund research of the historic presence and influence of African Americans in the southern Appalachian Mountains from the 1540s through today.
 

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