A Doc Watson Day Presentation
“Deciphering Doc Watson”
In the Community Room Venue at the Appalachian Theatre
Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11 a.m. / Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
FREE ADMISSION Reservations Appreciated.
All Seating is General Admission All Ages (children under 17 admitted with parent/legal guardian)
"Deciphering Doc Watson" -Arthel “Doc” Watson was one of the greatest guitarists the world has ever seen. His lightning-fast guitar licks and smooth baritone voice earned him international recognition and 8 Grammy awards. When he emerged on the national music scene during the Folk Revival of the 1960’s he was billed as a pure folk artist who learned his repertoire from his forefathers on the front porch. While Doc performed many songs passed down from family, he also learned songs from the radio and records. In this talk, we will explore Doc’s life, influences, style and look at his legacy. This lecture will be a mix of music, film, family stories, and ethnomusicology.
About the Speaker: Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Willard moved to Boone in 2008, but his roots run deep in Watauga County. His great-grandfather and namesake, Willard Watson I, was a well-known toy carver, moonshiner, and flatfoot dancer.
Willard has a Masters in Appalachian Studies with a concentration on Sustainability and a Bachelors of Science in Sustainable Development both from Appalachian State University. Since 2010 Willard has been an active member of the High Country community through volunteerism and event planning. He assisted in organizing the Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest 'N Sugar Grove from 2010-2014. It was here that he was able to meet and befriend Doc and Rosa Lee and spend a lot of time with them before their passing in 2012.
Since 2017 Willard has served the High Country community as programs and outreach director at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. His academic and volunteer passions intersect on the topic of cultural preservation and community development through the creative arts. He is a member of the William C. Fridays Fellowship for Human Relations, class of 2020-22. As well as a recipient of the 2021-22 North Carolina In These Mountains Folklife Apprenticeship where he studied under Rodney Sutton to learn Flatfoot dance in the style of Willard Watson sr and the percussive dance of the Green Grass Cloggers.
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Tickets for events at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country are sold exclusively through the theatre box office and online at AppTheatre.org . We DO NOT partner with third party sellers. We DO NOT accept tickets sold on a secondary market. We reserve the right to decline entry if you are not the original ticket buyer.
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PARKING INFORMATION
Please be sure to carefully read the information and instructions below to have the best experience when you visit the theatre.
Metered street parking & pay lots are monitored and parking is enforced Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 pm except on town observed holidays.
Parking is $1.00/hour at all metered parking spaces.
Metered & lot parking is free all day on Sundays and every day after 5 p.m.
Parking in Appalachian State parking lots (e.g. the Peacock Lot accessed off Howard Street) is available for free on week nights after 5 p.m. and on non-gameday/event weekends on Saturday and Sunday.
Accessible Parking:
Parking at metered accessible parking areas is free, as long as the correct placard/license plate is displayed and up to date.
ATHC does not own or operate any parking lots or meters and cannot accept responsibility for any parking mishaps or fees.
