Fly Around Festival Brings Rhythms and Restoration to Lansing
Nestled in the heart of Ashe County, the small town of Lansing, North Carolina, is set to come alive with the sounds of Appalachian and folk music. This weekend marks the return of the Fly Around Festival, a two-day celebration dedicated to traditional and innovative musical expressions.
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which left parts of downtown submerged under up to eight feet of water, the festival aims to aid in the town’s recovery. Proceeds will help fund the transformation of a historic WPA-era school into a vibrant cultural arts center, breathing new life into the community.
Chris Jude, the event’s organizer, highlights the diverse lineup, featuring both traditional talent and artists who are expanding the musical boundaries. Among them is headliner Jake Xerxes Fussell, known for his unique ability to bring age-old songs into the present. Jude praises Fussell, stating, “He is, in my opinion, one of the most important interpreters of folk music going these days. And the way that he kind of recrafts these songs to sound so present, yet they’re hundreds of years old, he’s an amazing artist.”
Alongside Fussell, the festival will showcase performances by Murphy Campbell and P.G. Six, among others. Taking place Friday and Saturday, the Fly Around Festival promises to uplift the spirits of Lansing, located just nine miles north of West Jefferson, with both its music and its mission.
