North Carolina Folk Festival Celebrates Local Musician’s Legacy
In a heartfelt tribute to a cherished local artist, the North Carolina Folk Festival is set to honor the enduring legacy of Matty Sheets. Known for his storytelling prowess and musical talents, Sheets left a lasting impact on the Greensboro community through his artistic contributions.
Throughout his 15-year residence in Greensboro, Sheets became a cornerstone of the local music scene by hosting open mic nights at various venues. These gatherings, as noted by Savannah Thorne, a close friend and North Carolina Folk Festival Artistic Director, were instrumental in the formation of over 70 bands. To commemorate his influence, the festival now includes the Matty Sheets Memorial Open Mic night.
In memory of Sheets, who passed away from cancer in 2024, Thorne and her team are compiling stories from individuals who were touched by his life and work. “People have already started submitting their community impact statements,” Thorne shares. “And I just read one of them the other day that said, ‘I go to an open mic that Matty Sheet started 10 years ago, and even though he’s not here and I never met him, it is clear that his spirit is still at this open mic,’ and I think that’s so special.”
The festival will feature a variety of open mic sessions, from Celtic jams to mariachi workshops, on the Revity Jams Stage. Those wishing to participate or share their experiences can find more information on the North Carolina Folk Festival website and its social media platforms.
