Folk Society traces Carolinas' Scotch-Irish roots

The Charlotte Folk Society's annual monthly gathering features storytellers and musicians David DiGuiseppe and Rober Sharer (pictured above) Friday, November 9 at The Great Aunt Stella Center (926 Elizabeth Ave). Titled "Bound for Carolina," the program promises to be entertaining and educational as DiGuiseppe and Sharer guide audiences through an exploration of Scottish and Irish folk traditions from the homeland to the Carolinas through dance, song, and stories.

They'll introduce less common instruments like Irish cittern and wooden flute alongside the more familiar fiddle, dulcimer, accordion, guitar, and banjo. In addition to traditional music from Scotland, Ireland, and the newly settled South, the program will hit on geography, migration patterns, history, and the stories and experiences of immigrants.

DiGuiseppe is a well known accordionist who began his career in the late `70s. He's also a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and storyteller. Sharer relocated to Ireland's County Clare in 1998 and has toured the US, China, and Europe playing traditional Irish music with Irish musicians Dennis Liddy and Michael Hynes. 

Refreshments, a song circle, and a jam follows the hour long concert. The Charlotte Appalachian Dulcimer Club will have loaner instruments on hand for anyone that wants to try it. The event, which begins at 7:30 p.m., is free, although donations are accepted and appreciated. For more information check out www.folksociety.org.