Go See This: Shakori Hills Stimulates the Senses

For four days in the fall and spring, the bucolic Chatham County community of Silk Hope is enhanced with an event that awakens all the senses.

Celebrating its fourteenth year, the Shakori Festival of Music and Dance is a world of sights, sounds, smells, and feelings that helps make Chatham an especially amazing place.

Bands from across the state and around the globe come to play experimental reggae, soulful jungle jazz, bigger-than-life-blues, roots rock gospel. As the literature promises, it really is a “Music Lovers Paradise”.

Among the 60+ musical acts scheduled this year are the acoustic bluegrass band Punch Brothers, Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara, and local hardcore county band Sarah Shook and the Disarmers. Four stages crank up at 9am and the music continues until midnight. “I love going to Shakori! I’m always eager to see a few bands, then I happily discover new ones while I’m there,” said Randy Voller, former mayor of Pittsboro.

Eyes light up at family- and children-centered activities like Story Jam with local yarn-spinners Cynthia Raxter and Louise Omoto Kessel. Puppet theaters and the parade by Paperhand Puppet Intervention get kids into the show. There are dozens of kids activities that encourage imaginations to soar. Festival goers get crafty making bubbles, mandalas, and macrame jewelry that keep little hands and imaginations busy and focused. Speaking of hands, be sure to check out the drumming workshop. “My kids have grown up coming to Shakori,” said Andrea Batsche of Bear Creek. “The diversity of people, variety of talent, and creative experiences at Shakori has impacted my children’s lives in important ways. We look forward to it every year and it’s gotten better with age — and as we all age.”

The aromas and tastes of fabulous food and beverages help fuel all the fun. There’s Indian food from Chatham’s own Karala Curry — try the Vegetable Samosas and homemade lassis! Wafts of basil and garlic fill the air near the Salvatore Pizzeria boothe offering fresh calzones and pizza by the slice. Cuisines of Mexico and Korea are represented too. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are plentiful.

Revel in the softness of batiks, smooth leathers, and knotty macrame when your sense of touch guides you through the craft booths at Shakori. Handmade pottery, jewelry, soaps, olive oils, and vinegars are treats for the senses. Your nose knows and appreciates the healing and relaxing properties of essential oils and organic herbs. Get them here.

 

The Shakori Hills Festival of Music and Dance is an immersive arts and community experience for kids, teens, adults and elders. For the past fourteen years, a village has come to life in the spring and fall to dance, sing, listen, and learn. Come join in!

• Event Name:  Shakori Hills Festival of Music and Dance
• Event Host:  Shakori Hills Community Arts Center & Grassroots Festival
• Day & Time:  Thursday, May 5th – Sunday, May 8th
• Location:  1439 Henderson Tanyard Road, Silk Hope, NC 27312
• Cost of Admission: Ticket prices vary by day. Chatham County residents get a discount with proof of address at the gate. Single-day tickets and four day passes are available. Free for kids under 12.
• Parking:  Adjacent to the festival
• Accessible: Yes, however it can be challenging.