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April 25, 2006: In September, I had the
immense honor of being invited to join the Dirk
Powell Band. Dirk is one of the world’s most highly respected
old-time musicians, who may be most widely known for having done the
music for the movie Cold Mountain.
Upon receiving the call to duty, I packed up my mandolin and
dancing shoes and had the time of my life rocking CA and NV with Dirk,
Riley Baugus, Travis Stuart, and Martha Scanlan.
What an inspiring experience to be part of this group of
remarkable musicians and amazing human beings!
Upon returning from the tour, late September saw
me heading to Cades Cove in Great Smokey Mountains National Park to
spend the fall interning as a ranger!
In addition to the educational programs, visitor services,
naturalist work, and trail patrols that were involved in being
“Ranger Ellie” (yes, they really called me that and you should,
too!), the park was excited to have me bring traditional music and
dancing home to the mountains of Appalachia.
In fact, I will be hired to return to the park to present
evening programs in Cades Cove several Saturdays this fall!
In January, I had the honor of working with
multiple Grammy winner David Holt
to present a duo program for an elementary school.
February found me in Austin connecting with great musicians and
friends at the International Folk
Music and Dance Alliance Conference.
After leaving Austin, I was thrilled to fly to Alabama to play
several more glorious shows with the Dirk Powell Band. Read a review
of the concert here!
And in the most surprising revelation of all,
March (just three weeks ago, in fact) saw me packing up my life and
leaving my beloved Missouri to move to the mountains of Western North
Carolina. This Missouri
girl is now living in a hotbed of music and dance: Asheville, NC.
But this spring and summer will see me back on the road with
the best sister/musical partner this side of the sun.
Best,
Ellie Grace
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