Piedmont Wind Symphony Presents "Southern Harmony" Featuring The Martha Bassett Show
- Piedmont Wind Symphony
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
Piedmont Wind Symphony Presents "Southern Harmony" Featuring The Martha Bassett Show
An Evening of Togetherness and Unity
Piedmont Wind Symphony is excited to present Southern Harmony, a special concert blending the diverse musical traditions of the Appalachian South on May 31, 2025, at 7:30PM at Wait Chapel, Wake Forest University. This performance, featuring The Martha Bassett Show, will unite distinct yet deeply connected musical legacies through the haunting beauty of shape note hymns and the resonant sounds of Cajun songs from Louisiana.
The concert will feature a dynamic program that blends the folk traditions of the Appalachian South and Cajun songs from Louisiana, with the rich musical forms rooted in African American communities. The evening will spotlight shape-note singing, a unique vocal style that originated in the 19th century and gained popularity in both Appalachian and Black congregational settings, creating a cultural bridge between these two musical worlds.
Martha Bassett, known for her emotionally powerful voice and captivating performances, will guide this exploration of Southern musical heritage. Along with her talented band, Bassett will bring to life a rich tapestry of Appalachian folk hymns, Shaker melodies, and the vibrant rhythms of shape-note singing, all within a deeply collaborative and soulful performance.
“Southern Harmony is a celebration of how music brings us together and transcends cultural boundaries,” said Mark A. Norman, Artistic Director and Conductor of Piedmont Wind Symphony. “By uniting Appalachian folk traditions and African American musical roots, we honor the shared history of these two rich cultures. We are excited to collaborate with Martha Bassett and her band on this unique and powerful program.”
Martha Bassett has long been a treasured figure in the Piedmont Triad music scene, recognized for her heartfelt performances across multiple genres. Through The Martha Bassett Show, which she hosts monthly at the Reeves Theater in Elkin, NC, she fosters collaboration and community by bringing together artists from a wide range of musical backgrounds.
Southern Harmony promises an evening of music that explores both the shared and unique elements of these influential traditions, weaving together folk, gospel, and spiritual music to create a powerful celebration of Southern heritage.
Martha Bassett is known for her emotionally resonant performances, blending folk, Americana, and other genres. She has captivated audiences at festivals such as Merlefest and the Eastern Music Festival, and has mentored many young musicians throughout her career. Through The Martha Bassett Show, she showcases collaborations with a diverse array of artists. Bassett has released eleven albums, including her latest project, Hot Pepper Queen. For more information, visit marthabassett.com.
About Piedmont Wind Symphony Founded in 1989, Piedmont Wind Symphony has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of classical music. As one of the few non-military professional wind symphonies in the United States, the symphony is committed to innovating and evolving wind ensemble music. Through its dedication to artistic excellence and creative programming, Piedmont Wind Symphony continues to make wind music relevant and inspiring, engaging audiences across the Winston-Salem and Forsyth County community and beyond.
Contact
For press inquiries or more information about the concert, please contact:
Brianna Cantwell
Executive Director
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