Thursday, August 27, 2015

A Cultural Mecca in the Mountains

Arts and culture abound in Blue Ridge, Georgia, a haven just 90 miles outside of Atlanta via I-575. Blue Ridge is recognized one of the top arts towns in Georgia, and the creative community is "nothing short of remarkable," according to a recent Georgia Council for the Arts case study. The natural beauty of the area draws artists, potters, musicians, creative enterprises and the people who appreciate them. 

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association & The Art Center

With over 1,000 members, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (BRMAA) has provided the foundation for the development and growth of the arts in Blue Ridge for 35 years. The Art Center, located in the historic Fannin County Courthouse, houses studios, a pottery and kiln studio, five artistic guilds, five galleries and an artist in residence program. BRMAA produces two Arts in the Park festivals each year, Memorial Day and the second weekend in October. The Art Center also has changing exhibits throughout the year. For a complete schedule of events, see the website www.blueridgearts.net 

Blue Ridge Community Theater

Our beautiful new playhouse is located at 2591 East First St., across from The Swan Drive-in. In any given year, the theater has 23 stage productions, 114 performances and 33 weekends of entertainment. Call 632-9223 or visit 
www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com 

Live Music Venues
The Blue Ridge Community Theater sponsors the Live Music is Better series of concerts by acoustic musicians throughout the year. You can find our more and book tickets at the website link above. 

Pickin in the Park is a weekly series of free casual jam sessions for acoustic musicians held under the trees along the Toccoa River at Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville every Thursday evening from 6:00 til dusk, beginning the week of Memorial Day through the end of September. Bring a picnic supper, a lawn chair and your own instrument and join the fun. 

Live Music Downtown 
Live Music Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Blue Ridge Brewery; Most weekends at Christy Lee's Courtyard Grille, The Vine of Blue Ridge, Whistle Stop Grill, Copperhead Lodge and Cartecay Vineyards. Some weekends at Fannin Brewing Co. and Blue Ridge Community Theater.