2019 Performers

We are so excited to announce this year's Ocrafolk Festival Performers. 2019 is our 20th anniversary, and so we wanted to bring back some of the audience favorites from previous years. Please understand that most of our performers turn out to be favorites (Hey! We have pretty good taste!). So if someone you love is missing from this list, take heart . . .they will probably be returning in future years.
2019 Performers include: Molasses Creek (your hosts), Donald Davis, the Steel Wheels, Mipso, Kaira Ba, Aaron Burdette, Chatham Rabbits, Beleza, Craicdown, Noah Paley, Bill Harley, Martin Garrish, Coyote, The Wilders, Paperhand Puppets, Mahalo Jazz, Warren, Bodle & Allen, Bob & Jeanne Zentz, Green Grass Cloggers, John Golden, Rodney Kemp, Jef the Mime, Ballet Folkorico de Ocracoke, and more!

Musicians

Molasses Creek
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Photo by Andrea Tani
Your musical hosts welcome you to the Ocrafolk Festival 2019!

 Molasses Creek returns to the festival stage in their 26th season performing a selection from their 17th recording, Catch the Wind.   Gary Mitchell, Fiddler Dave Tweedie, Kim France, Gerald Hampton and special guests look forward to hosting you under the live oaks on Saturday afternoon. When not at Ocrafolk, they can be found performing at Ocracoke Alive's Deepwater Theater, and touring round the country.  molassescreek.com
Steel Wheels
Simultaneously familiar and fresh, The Steel Wheels bring a singular energy to every note they play and sparkling craft to each song. This potent combination, paired with a robust tour calendar, have made the veteran band hands-down favorites of fans and peers alike. From their base in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, The Steel Wheels have played the most prestigious festivals, listening rooms, and clubs in the world, earning a reputation as one of the top independent bands on the scene today. In keeping with their relentless growth, the quartet, has become a quintet with the permanent addition of percussionist Kevin Garcia to the longtime lineup of Brian Dickel, Trent Wagler, Jay Lapp, and Eric Brubaker. thesteelwheels.com
Mipso
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Photo by Joseph Blankenship
Chapel Hill’s indie Americana quartet Mipso – Jacob Sharp (mandolin, vocals), Wood Robinson (bass, vocals), Joseph Terrell (guitar, vocals), and Libby Rodenbough (fiddle, vocals) – was recently recognized by Rolling Stone as an “Artist You Need to Know.” The band brings a distinctly unique sound – full of wistful beauty, hopeful undercurrents, and panoramic soundscapes.  Venturing ever-further from its string-band pedigree to discover a broader Americana where classic folk-rock and modern alt-country sounds mingle easily with Appalachian tradition, Mipso’s music is lush and forward moving, with lyrics that sear and salve in turn.  Their new release, Edges Run, is out this spring. mipsomusic.com
Aaron Burdett
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Photo: Sandlin Gaither
Creating music isn’t a means to an end, it is an end with a meaning for Aaron Burdett. Writing and creating songs is rooted somewhere deep in his psyche; it’s something that can’t be denied and must be shared. His lyrics are soul-touching, intelligent, witty, and poetic all at once, while his music style is a seamless blend of Americana, country, blues, bluegrass, and folk-rock that cohesively creates a story. Aaron is listed as one of the top 10 most important musicians of western North Carolina by WNC Magazine, alongside such greats as Doc Watson, Steep Canyon Rangers, and The Avett Brothers. Over the years, Aaron has been a finalist in numerous other songwriting competitions, including The Mountain Stage Songwriting Contest, The NC Songwriter’s Cooperative Songwriting Contest, and the Hank Williams Songwriting Contest. We welcome him back! Sponsored by part by the "Aaron Burdett `Dingbatter' Fan Club. aaronburdett.com
Diali Cissohko & Kaira Ba
Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba ecstatically explore the spiritual songs, stories, and rhythms of Senegal’s millenia-old Mandé culture. Indeed, Cissokho comes from a long line of prominent griots, or storytellers, who are entrusted to maintain a West African village’s most important ceremonial affairs through song. But he is much more than a preservationist. Cissokho and his band, Kaira Ba, effortlessly integrate the traditional sounds of the kora with a modern rush of electric guitar and an exuberant rhythm section. Together, Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba sustain one of West Africa’s most expressive legacies with their own energetic interpretations. Diali has become a favorite guest instructor of students and teachers at Ocracoke School Arts Week over these past two years! kairabamusic.com
Chatham Rabbits
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Photo: Kendall Atwater
With fresh chemistry and the charming appeal of young-old souls, Chatham Rabbits — Sarah Osborne McCombie (vocals, banjo) and Austin McCombie (vocals, guitar, fiddle) — fill the spaces they enter with genuine warmth. Their original songs are stories flush with strong characters, vivid imagery, and evidence of their binding ties to the South. Hailing from Bynum, North Carolina, just like the original Chatham Rabbits string band of the early 20th century, this couple is what duo dreams are made of. Since abandoning their corporate careers in 2018, Chatham Rabbits now tour with their hound dog Ruby, have sold out venues across North Carolina including the iconic Cat's Cradle, been featured on NPR and PBS, and recorded their debut album All I Want From You (Robust Records, 2019) with Mandolin Orange's Andrew Marlin. chathamrabbits.com
The Wilders
Molasses Creek got to know the Wilders from several years of Outer Banks Opry concerts up the beach in Kitty Hawk. Led by Kevin Roughton, this duo entrances with their their vocal harmonies, captivating guitar improvisations, original material and tasty choice of acoustic blues, old country & classic rock.
mahaloJazz
mahaloJazz is Alison Weiner (piano, melodica, vocals), Casey Toll (upright bass), Carter Minor (harmonica, vocals), and Beverly Botsford (percussion) – four eclectic musicians and great friends coming together to have their delightful way with jazz standards and original tunes. Blossom Dearie comes to mind often when hearing Alison sing. Casey’s joy grounds us all no matter what style we indulge in.  Beverly keeps all of us in the pocket as she shares her global experience of drum traditions.  Carter reaches down into our souls and wakes us up. Don’t be looking for any CDs from them. They are live, in the moment, celebrating their love of music, aiming to make inspiring memories with you.
mahaloArts.com
Martin Garrish and Friends
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Photo by Carol Woolgar
A master of 'old time' country, rock, bluegrass and folk music, and a favorite of visitors and locals alike, Ocracoke native, folk music historian, and guitar virtuoso Martin Garrish has been at the heart of the Ocracoke music scene since he was a teenager. Ocracoke Preservation Society honored Martin for his extraordinary musical contributions to the Ocracoke community, and we are thrilled to have him back! Martin and John Golden have been collaborating on a new recording project, When We Were Cowboys, at Soundside Studio over this last year. We look forward to hearing all about it!
Coyote
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Photo by Carol Woolgar
If life is about creating experiences, Marcy and Lou are truly alive, making music together, and with neighbors and visiting friends.  They share the love of family and community that is so important to everyone in this coastal town. Their engaging and spontaneous presence invites listeners and audiences into their proverbial living room with enchanting, intimate songs and colorful music tinged with folk, rock, blues and jazz flavors. They can be found at their magical music spot, Coyote Music Den, on the edge of the harbor in Community Square. coyotemusic.net
Beleza
United by musical interests that include samba, funk, soul, blues, bossa, jazz and Spanish flamenco; Humberto Oliveira Sales and Madeline Holly Sales blend the melodic, rhythmic and harmonic riches from North and South America.  Berto, native to Brazil, pursued a formal education in classical guitar. His knowledge of Brazilian rhythms and study of Spanish Flamenco add to the unique finger picking style he uses.   Madeline brings with her the strong influence of soul, jazz and blues.  She sings in Portuguese, English and Spanish.  Her sensual, rich voice, playful interpretations, and strong stage presence make their combination extremely unique.   belezamusic.com
Gypsy Guitar Duo with Berto Sales and Vincent Zorn
Blending wild Gypsy Rumba guitars with Latin & Cuban influences, Berto & Vincent have been wowing audiences with their untamed style. From the flying fingers of Berto, to Vincent’s percussive rhythm, these two seasoned musicians are making a mark with their uplifting performances.  Blending wild Gypsy Rumba guitars with Latin & Cuban influences, Berto & Vincent have been wowing audiences with their untamed style. From the flying fingers of Berto, to Vincent’s percussive rhythm, these two seasoned musicians are making a mark with their uplifting performances. belezamusic.com
Craicdown
Toting a travel trunk of musical influences from around the world, Craicdown creates a distinctive and unique sound which defies easy categorization, but is simultaneously familiar and appealing. That these snappy dressers harmoniously blend instruments and styles from all over the world serves to reinforce their message that music has the power to heal and unite. Hailing from the musical hotbed of Chapel Hill, NC, the band features three spirited players with a fire in their fingers and a love for their art: Rob Sharer on guitar, flute, fiddle and vocals, David DiGiuseppe on accordion and Irish cittern, and Jim Roberts on percussion. They’ll have ya skipping across the squaredance floor and swooning at their Saturday night session at the 1718 Brewery. craicdown.com
Warren, Bodle & Allen
You recognize Louis Allen from many years of hosting Ocrafolk stages. This year he returns not only as host, but also with compadres Rob Bodle and John Warren. Their combination of originals and other classic bluegrass, contemporary folk-rock, country-rock tunes are performed on seven acoustic instruments and feature their beautiful harmonies. Glad yer back boys! warrenbodleallen.com
Bob & Jeanne Zentz
Legend has it that Bob Zentz rooted around in his cerebral music trunk and pulled out the suggestion of “Ocrafolk” for the original Ocracoke music sampler album that Gary Mitchell put together back in 1998. Hailing from Norfolk, VA, Bob and Jeanne are old friends and life partners who share a love of music and history -- which they love sharing with others! With a voice as deep as the sea, Bob is a troubadour of songs, old and new, about people, places, and times gone by.  A nationally known icon of the Folk world, Bob is master of dozens of usual (and unusual!) "unplugged" folk instruments. . . Bob & Jean will host our Workshop Stage and will have their Rambling Road Show and Hands-on HomeMade Hootenanny Tent nearby. Come by check out the instruments!  bobzentz.com
Noah Paley
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Photo: Ann Ehringhaus
Many a salty moon has passed since singer songwriter Noah Paley graced our Ocrafolk stage, but we are looking forward to his return! With his intriguing songwriting, soulful singing, rhythmic guitar, and warm sense of humor, this Ocrafolk audience favorite will be journeying from his home in California to join us, and catch us up on what he has been doing for the past decade.
John Golden
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Photo: Mary Ellen Golden
Our beloved friend and stage host, John has an interest in and knowledge of coastal Carolina history that goes all the way back to the Lost Colony, the pirates Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard, colonial times and the Civil War blockade runners and pilots. He has written songs about local shipwrecks, Virginia Dare, pirates, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, and has published many recordings of folk songs and stories. As of late, John has turned his attention to recording some of the great songs of his youth, collaborating with Ocracoke musical legend, Martin Garrish. They have just released a new recording, When We Were Cowboys, available festival weekend!

Storytellers and Characters

Donald Davis
A featured storyteller at festivals around the world, Donald Davis makes his home right here on Ocracoke Island! He was born in a Southern Appalachian mountain world also rich in stories. Davis grew up hearing gentle fairy tales, simple and silly Jack tales, scary mountain lore, ancient Welsh and Scottish folk tales, and most importantly, nourishing true-to-life stories of his own neighbors and kin.
 
Recipient of both “Circle of Excellence” and “Lifetime Achievement” awards from the National Storytelling Network, author of seventeen books and producer of more than forty audio recordings, he is also a popular teacher and workshop leader. Subject of the PBS television special, “What’s Your Story?” Donald and his original stories often inspire listeners to search for meaningful stories of their own lives. ddavisstoryteller.com

Join Donald Davis for a special event (w/dessert included) on Saturday night at the Ocracoke Community Center.  Limited tickets are $15 and can be purchased online and at the festival until they are sold out. Door opens at 7:30. Show runs from 8:00-9:15. General seating. Be prepared to pick up dessert and be in your seat by 7:55. Latecomers may be held at the door so as to not interrupt the performance. Thank you!
Bill Harley
A two-time Grammy winner, Bill Harley is vibrant, outrageous, unpredictable and genuine with songs and stories about growing up, schooling and what it is to be human—our connections with one another and with the planet we share.Best known for his work with children and families, his ability to navigate through a confusing world with humor and wisdom is evident in his masterful storytelling, singing, recordings and books. billharley.com

Paperhand Puppets
It couldn’t be a 20th Ocrafolk Celebration without Paperhand Puppets Intervention! This puppet theater company based out of Saxapahaw, NC, has been creating original large-scale puppet extravaganzas for 20 years, complete with giant puppets, masks, shadow puppets, stilt dancing, painted flats, live music and so much more to help promote social change, peace and hope for a better world. We welcome back Donovan and friends! paperhand.org
Mended Wing Theatre Company
Emmet Temple was born and raised on Ocracoke Island, and in high school was conscripted into a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, playing Demetrius. This experience sparked his abiding love for Shakespeare and theater which he nurtured at the UNC School of the Arts Drama Program. In 2017, he and fellow UNCSA student Cameron Morton, founded Mended Wing Theatre Co. with the mission of taking Shakespeare to public schools and communities across the South.
 
Erin Huiett earned her BFA in Acting from Tisch School of the Arts, New York University in 2005. As an arts administrator with a passion for education and outreach, she endeavors to define citizen artistry in her career through pursuing theatrical projects that strive to unify and equalize communities. She recently relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where she is thrilled to be a 2018-2019 Horizon Theatre Apprentice Company Member and have the opportunity to continue honing her craft.  mendedwingtheatre.com
Ballet Folklorico de Ocracoke
Stars of the annual Festival Latino de Ocracoke in November, this group of beautiful and talented island residents wows the crowds as they bring their graceful dance moves and elegant dresses to the Berkley Barn dance hall. We are so excited that they can join us again for this year's Ocrafolk Festival!
Rodney Kemp
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Photo by George Wood
The 20th Ocrafolk Festival wouldn’t be complete without the Down East stories from Eastern Carolina’s beloved Rodney Kemp.  Hailing from Morehead City, Rodney’s humor comes not only from his folksy manner but also from his knowledge of, and affection for, the people and places of his boyhood days along the Carolina coast. We are excited to have him back!
Jef the Mime
Whether onstage or roving, Jef is a quiet kind of guy. He juggles and balances things. He gets confused at times. (Sometimes he even forgets what his hat is for!) He involves his audience members to help him when he's confused and to play along with his mime, mask, and variety arts shenanigans.  Jef studied mime with C.W. Metcalf and Tony Montanaro with brief instruction with Jacques Lecoq.  For 17 years he performed as  a member of TOUCH, North Carolina's premier mime theater, and even created the mascot, Wool E. Bull, for the Durham Bulls Baseball! Tip your Ocrafolk hat to the gent! jefthemime.com
Philip Howard
Philip Howard has been collecting island stories since he was a youngster. A direct descendant of William Howard, last colonial owner of Ocracoke Island, Philip loves to share local tales of pirates & preachers, shipwrecks & storms, and the many colorful characters who have called Ocracoke home. Join Philip on Saturday as he answers your most burning Ocracoke history questions at the afternoon Q&A. Otherwise, you might be able to catch a glimpse of him at the Village Craftsmen shop on historic Howard Street (He is supposedly retired, but still makes guest appearances at the counter). villagecraftsmen.com
The Green Grass Cloggers
The Green Grass Cloggers have been featured Ocrafolk Festival performers for many years. In 2018, they helped us inaugurate the brand new Berkley Barn dance hall with some fancy steppin'. Their energetic footwork and fun-loving style have captivated hundreds of audiences and kept them in high demand for appearances at festivals throughout the southeast. They have received the Charlotte Folk Society's Folk Heritage Award, the Community Traditions Award from the North Carolina Folklore Society, and have been inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame and America's Clogging Hall of Fame. greengrasscloggers.com