This Fall’s Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival has left us with full hearts, a lot of gratitude and a big financial challenge. We are grateful that Hurricane Matthew did not cause harm or destruction to any of the people at the festival, any of the trees, tents or structures. We do feel for and want to acknowledge all of those whose lives have been affected (and lost) by Matthew and recognize the hardships many people are facing and know that help is needed in many places right now.

 At Shakori Hills, Matthew created a beautiful chance for our amazing staff, volunteers and performers to come together and work as a team to keep the festival going and make it so the folks still here got an experience they’d never forget!

 We are grateful to all the people & performers who stayed and “weathered” the storm with us; it was intimate and extremely special. The entire Kids Area moved to the Coffee Barn and went on making fairy wands and having a Craft Bazaar while an old-time jam hummed along just outside. Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn trusted us to get them on a stage where they wouldn’t be washed away and put on a very special and very sweet show in the Dance Tent. Our Miami bands set out from Miami on a hope and a prayer, and all had amazing sets on Saturday night! And we got to see Donna the Buffalo in the Dance Tent, always a treat! There were memorable shows from Darlingside, Richie & Rosie, Eilen Jewell and all the performers that stuck with us. It was a truly beautiful scene, late into the night. A day that many will remember for years to come...

At the same time, as with much of the Southeast and Caribbean, it will take us all a while to get back on our feet after this fall. Many folks decided not to come (understandably) because of the storm’s possibilities, ticket sales were at an all-time low and now we need to ask for your help! Please consider giving what you can, it’ll help pay for our $100,000 plus unpaid bills from the festival and it’ll help us feel confident in planning for Spring 2017.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts! Your support has always been crucial for us, but we need you now more than ever. We hope to stick around for as long as possible for many more magical moments.

If you would like to speak to someone regarding donations please call us at (919) 542-8142. All donations are tax-deductible. If you would rather send a check it can be made and sent to: Shakori Hills Community Arts Center, 1439 Henderson Tanyard Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312

All proceeds from the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival support the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center.

photo credit: Dax Pecaro