Use the Ocrafolk Festival dropdown website menu for more details. 2023 Festival Performers Listed Below.
2024 Lineup will be announced in January.
2024 Lineup will be announced in January.
Ocrafolk Festival 2023 Performers
Cold Chocolate
Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar, Ariel Bernstein on percussion, and backed by some of the root's music scene's finest players, this group from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, and with a focus on songwriting, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals up and down the East Coast. coldchocolatemusic.com
Burnett Sisters Band
For the Burnett Sisters Band, it's all about family. Growing up playing music together in Boone, North Carolina, the sisters' sound is focused around the type of breathtaking vocal harmonies that can only come from the unique bond shared by siblings, expertly complemented by tight instrumental arrangements and a bona fide love of the traditional songs they play. With a repertoire that's equal parts old-time and bluegrass, country and gospel, this Billboard charting band navigates the diverse source material effortlessly, diving into the songs with an attention to detail and an appreciation for nuance that lends an authenticity and a feeling of genuine expression rarely matched in today's traditional music. burnettsistersband.com
Larry & Joe
Photo: Zion McKnight
Larry Bellorín hails from Monagas, Venezuela and is a legend of Llanera music. Joe Troop is from North Carolina and is a GRAMMY-nominated bluegrass and oldtime musician. Larry was forced into exile and is an asylum seeker in North Carolina. Joe, after a decade in South America, got stranded back in his stomping grounds in the pandemic. Larry works construction to make ends meet. Joe's acclaimed "latingrass" band Che Apalache was forced into hiatus, and he shifted into action working with asylum seeking migrants.
Currently based in the Triangle of North Carolina, both men are versatile multi-instrumentalists and singer-songwriters on a mission to show that music has no borders. As a duo they perform a fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, guitar, maracas and whatever else they decide to throw in the van. The program they offer features a distinct blend of their musical inheritances and traditions as well as storytelling about the ways that music and social movements coalesce. larryandjoe.com
Currently based in the Triangle of North Carolina, both men are versatile multi-instrumentalists and singer-songwriters on a mission to show that music has no borders. As a duo they perform a fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, guitar, maracas and whatever else they decide to throw in the van. The program they offer features a distinct blend of their musical inheritances and traditions as well as storytelling about the ways that music and social movements coalesce. larryandjoe.com
Earl White
Fiddling Earl White has been a mainstay in the old-time, folk and dance community for more 45 years. An original and founding member of the famed Green Grass Cloggers, he is one of few Black Americans preserving and playing Appalachian old time string band music, which was an intricate part of Black communities and formed the foundation of American music of today. Earl White is well known for his extensive repertoire of tunes, and his heartfelt, syncopated, driving style. facebook.com/earlwhitestringband/about
Blue Cactus
Blue Cactus makes Cosmic Americana music, blending classic country sounds with vintage ‘70s pop sensibilities and a sobering sense of honesty. Led by long-time collaborators Mario Arnez and Steph Stewart, the Chapel Hill duo creates songs that range from gritty honky tonk to tender, heartbreaking balladry, harkening comparisons eclectic and iconic as Bobbie Gentry, Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie. bluecactusmusic.com
Josh Goforth
Photo: Eakin Howard
Josh Goforth must have been born musical—he was already playing piano in church at the age of four—but it was an performance by Sheila Kay Adams that caused him to start thinking about the musical heritage of his native Madison County. Most famous for his fiddling, Goforth is a highly accomplished oldtime, bluegrass, and swing musician. Remarkably versatile, he is able to pick up any of a wide variety of instruments and make a solid contribution in almost any kind of band. In 2000, he played fiddle for the movie Songcatcher, both onscreen and on the soundtrack. He has toured extensively with a variety of ensembles, including David Holt and Laura Boosinger, and has also shared stages with Ricky Skaggs, Bryan Sutton, The Yonder Mountain String Band, Open Road, and The Steep Canyon Rangers. blueridgeheritage.com/artist/josh-goforth
Donald Davis
Photo: Eakin Howard
Donald Davis was born in a Southern Appalachian mountain world rich in stories. While he heard many traditional stories about Jack and other heroic characters, he was most attracted to the stories of his own family and places of origin. Davis began retelling the stories he heard and then adding his own new stories to them until he was repeatedly asked to "tell it again, on purpose."
During his twenty-five year career as a United Methodist Minister, Davis began to use stories more and more. He was also asked to begin performing at festivals and in other settings until he retired from the church to tell stories full time.
The author of eighteen books and more than forty original recordings, Davis is the recipient of both the Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Storytelling Network. ddavisstoryteller.com
During his twenty-five year career as a United Methodist Minister, Davis began to use stories more and more. He was also asked to begin performing at festivals and in other settings until he retired from the church to tell stories full time.
The author of eighteen books and more than forty original recordings, Davis is the recipient of both the Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Storytelling Network. ddavisstoryteller.com
After School Surf Club
...is an American Indie Rock musician from the Outer Banks of North Carolina. His sound is a smooth blend of laid back indie pop, folk rock and jazz. ASSC is an ode to the simple pleasures of life, like napping in the shade on a mid-summer day. afterschoolsurfclub.com
Wyldwood
Photo: Eakin Howard
Wyldwood Stringband is the collaboration of Caroline Tanner, Sarah Hollis, and Phil Lanier. Each of them separated by a decade, but with the same passion; the evolution of bluegrass and old time folk music. Sarah's father and Phil's uncle played in a bluegrass band together "Bitter Creek" in the 70s, they are from right here where the music began in North Carolina. Caroline in from western Canada and fell in love with bluegrass on Vancouver island before moving to the heartland of the music that stole her heart. Bringing their various backgrounds together, Wyldwood Stringband strives to honor the traditions from which the music came, while pushing it forward and having one hell of a good time along the way.
wyldwoodstringband.com
wyldwoodstringband.com
Beleza
United by musical interests that include samba, funk, soul, blues, bossa nova, 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
Saltare Sounds
A troop of classical musicians and dancers will be descending upon the island to collaborate on a range of works from the classical period, distant folk songs and up to present day American compositions. The performers, some deriving from North Carolina and others from around the globe, met at School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and have a shared love for contemporary dance and live music.
Their aim on the Island is to prove to everyone not only what a beautiful experience music and dance together can be, but also how much of it is rooted in folk music.
Their aim on the Island is to prove to everyone not only what a beautiful experience music and dance together can be, but also how much of it is rooted in folk music.
Berto & Vincent
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 O Sales, to Vincent Zorn’s percussive rhythm, these two seasoned musicians are making a mark with their uplifting performances. vincentzorn.com
Martin Garrish
Photo: Eakin Howard
Since he was a teenager, Ocracoke Heritage award winner Martin Garrish has been at the heart of the music scene here on the island, fronting bands such as "The Ocracoke Rockers", "The Graveyard Band Revived", and his acoustic ensemble “Martin and Friends". His exceptional guitar playing and rich voice covers everything from acoustic folk and bluegrass to hard rock, classic country and blues.
Coyote
Photo: Eakin Howard
COYOTE are Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro. Residents of Ocracoke Island, NC for over 20 years, they have recently moved to a new habitat in Merritt Island, FL where they continue to invite you into their Coyote Music Den virtually (and their “space coast” backyard soon) for concerts.
Their music is homemade and lightning storm hot; unexpected, honest, masterful, heartfelt, authentic. Throw a rock at a genre and you will hear it, with a Coyote twist, often with a special guest. No matter what, you'll be enchanted by the inevitable magic of a concert with Coyote, wherever they are, and whoever is playing with them. mrbpublishing.com/about-coyote%3A-marcy-%26-lou
Their music is homemade and lightning storm hot; unexpected, honest, masterful, heartfelt, authentic. Throw a rock at a genre and you will hear it, with a Coyote twist, often with a special guest. No matter what, you'll be enchanted by the inevitable magic of a concert with Coyote, wherever they are, and whoever is playing with them. mrbpublishing.com/about-coyote%3A-marcy-%26-lou
Molasses Creek
The pandemic was over by the time Molasses Creek realized they were wearing their masks wrong. (Photo: Tom Whelan)
You may remember that Kim took a COVID-cation from Ocrafolk in 2022. To prepare for this year's festival, she is backpacking her way through Albania this spring. Gerald, Gary, & Dave are aiming to lure her back with promises of all-you-can-eat fig cake. They will reunite at Ocrafolk 2023! molassescreek.com
Aaron Caswell Duo
Photo: Eakin Howard
Aaron Caswell is a native to Ocracoke Island who cut his outstanding guitar chops at an early age, absorbing songs, technique and tunes from local guitar legends Martin Garrish and Lou Castro. He performs regularly on the Outer Banks with area musicians, and can frequently be found onstage in the Aaron Caswell Band. facebook.com/aaroncaswellmusicco
Paperhand Puppets
Photo: Eakin Howard
For over 20 years, Paperhand Puppets have been using papier-mâché, cardboard, bamboo, your old house paints, cloth, and other assorted junk (treasure to them!) to create incredible giant puppets, masks, shadow plays and spectacle performances for all ages. Director Dononvan Zimmerman has visited Ocracoke many times as part of Ocrafolk and as a featured artist in residence at Ocracoke School’s Arts Week. Paperhand continues to tell stories, beat drums, sew cloth, get sweaty, push boundaries and carry heavy things to help make the world a better place. Their parades, pageants, and award-winning performances aim to be an inspiration, a call to action, and a celebration for everyone to enjoy! paperhand.org
mahaloJazz
Photo: Eakin Howard
mahaloJazz is Alison Weiner (piano, melodica, vocals), Ben Palmer (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. Ben’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. mahaloarts.com
Bob and Jeanne Zentz
Photo: George Wood
Bob and Jeanne are old friends and life partners who combine a passion for music and history -- which they love sharing with others! They are singers of songs, old and new, about people, places and times gone by ... players of dozens of the usual (and unusual!) "unplugged" folk instruments ... collectors of stories in verse ... tellers of "the tales behind the songs" ... commentators on the ecology of the human spirit ... scholars of the evolution of "homemade music" … and your hosts of the Ocrafolk Festival workshop stage. bobzentz.com
Jef the Mime
Photo: Eakin Howard
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 play along with his mime, mask, and variety arts shenanigans. He even leads sing-a-longs! In addition to making appearances at Ocrafolk Festival and Ocracoke School Arts Week, Jef has performed at such places as Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC; Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston, SC; the Very Special Arts Festival in Pembroke, NC; and The Children's Festival in Hampton, VA. jefthemime.com
Louis Allen
Photo: Eakin Howard
Louis began his band life as one of the founding members, including Gary Mitchell, of The Wahoo Revue bluegrass band in the mid-70s. It was there that he acquired the stage name "Uncle Dewey". (Gary's stage name was..."Gary"). Since then, he has spent the last 45!! years in the trio Warren Bodle & Allen, a past repeat performer at Ocrafolk. He went to law school to learn how to emcee a stage at Ocrafolk. Heckle him at your own peril!
Ana Luisa Chavez
Photo: Eakin Howard
Ana Luisa grew up in Mexico City between sacred music, school choirs and traditional Mexican songs. In her final days as a high school student, the school choir director saw her passion and talent and encouraged her to take her singing to the next level. Thus, she began her training in classical vocal technique as part of her college studies. Although her favorite opera is Verdi’s Traviata, her true self comes alive with the Mariachi, voice of her soul and heart of her country. In 2019, she came for the first time to Ocracoke to visit her father Eduardo (Eduardo’s Taco Stand) and fell in love with the island. Donning a traditional Mexican gown, Ana will be dusting off her falsetto and bringing her joyful performance to Ocrafolk Festival 2023.
Ballet Folklorico de Ocracoke
Photo: Eakin Howard
Ocracoke’s own Ballet Folklorico celebrates the traditional Mexican music and dance of Ocracoke’s Latino community. Participants in the Festival Latino de Ocracoke and Ocrafolk Festival four year’s running, you can catch their dancing during their set on Ocrafolk weekend.
Brooke & Nick
Photo: Allegory and Elm
Brooke & Nick’s music is truly a unique & fresh combo. Their sound brings a dynamic fusion of folk/rock with an edgy twist of roots revival. Brooke plays cello, almost bridging bass & violin with how she plays, while harmonizing alongside Nick’s spirited voice and bigger-than-life baritone uke & foot percussion. Their style offers a large and compelling sound that easily pulls listeners in with their heartfelt harmonies. Nick’s voice & tunes offer a special experience as his customized foot percussion almost generates the heartbeat that drives their act, while Brooke holds ground playing bass & soloing on the sweet end. brookeandnickavl.com
Green Grass Cloggers
The Green Grass Cloggers have performed at Ocracoke since the Crab Festival in the 1980s, and this year, a few dancers will continue the group's streak of Ocrafolk appearances that started with the first festival. The GGCs celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2021. Formed among college students in Greenville, NC, the group created distinctive choreography by combining square dance figures with original and traditional percussive steps. The resulting dance style influenced performance clogging teams around the world when the original 1970s group and later the 1980s touring portion of the group traveled extensively to folk festivals across the US and Canada and to several international events. Today, the group includes dancers based in Asheville and Greenville, NC, who combine their talents whenever possible to provide lively performances with colorful calico flying to peppy old-time or bluegrass music. Some recognitions for the Green Grass Cloggers include Western Carolina University’s 2008 Mountain Heritage Award, the Charlotte Folk Society’s 2011 Folk Heritage Award, a 2012 Community Traditions Award from the North Carolina Folklore Society, and in 2014, induction into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame and America's Clogging Hall of Fame.greengrasscloggers.com
Rodney Kemp
Photo: Clayton Gaskill
A crowd-pleaser and proven 'spellbinder' of adults and children alike, Eastern Carolina’s beloved Rodney Kemp is a Morehead City native who managed to actually remember all those Down East tales he heard while growing up. His 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. He is often featured at festivals and events in the coastal region, was a performer at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC., and, we're pleased to say, has been with us every year of the Ocrafolk Festival since our beginnings in 2000.
Katy Mitchell
Photo: Eakin Howard
Katy Mitchell, an Ocracoke A lister will be emcee to the Ocrafolk Festivals "Local Talent" set. Katy has been singing and dancing since the ripe old age of 6! Daughter of Kitty and Gary of Molasses Creek, Katy Grew up with music all around her. She has recorded 2 albums and been featured on many more throughout her career, not least of all the Motion Picture Soundtrack to Nights in Rodanthe where Katy was a featured Musician on the Silver Screen! Her boisterous personality and infectious laugh accompanied by a deep soulful voice sets her apart.
Madame Presidents
The Madame Presidents, this group of mystical creatures is comprised of Kim France, Kate McNally and Katy Mitchell. Each woman brings heat to this ensemble! Burning up the stage with their undeniable talent and skill. These brilliant babes play old favorites from the days of yore. Their set is a brew of oldies and newbies and originals! We're bewitched by these women 3! Blessed be they'll play to Thee! Vote for Women!
Dusty Old Bones
Photo: Eakin Howard
The Dusty Old Bones, Daniel Bradley and Jenna Strole playing songs from the rails, a patchwork performance of American grit. The group got their start busking on the streets of Asheville NC. They bought a Van and traveled East to Ocracoke. They now run the Open Mic Night at 1718 and call the island home.
Noah Daniel
Noah Daniel, singer songwriter from Chapel Hill has been writing songs and performing for the last 5 years. This young man's old soul shines through in his gritty lyrics and raspy voice that tell stories with a hardness that holds hands with hope. We are excited to include this rising talent in this year's festival lineup.
About the 2023 Ocrafolk Festival Poster Artist
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Charley Shipe (Sure Charley) is a self taught artist located on Ocracoke Island. Although originally from the Shenandoah Valley, she has called the island home for over 5 years now. Her passion for art originally began as a personal meditation, but has grown into a desire to bond with people in and outside of her community. Charley’s art style is inspired by the groovy aesthetics of the 70’s, but also pulls from her love of pen and ink sketching, hand lettering, and tattooing. Whether it be creating uplifting signs, designing shirts for local businesses, or drawing up the menu boards at 1718 Brewing, she enjoys exploring various mediums and bringing a level of playful authenticity into her work.