Join Senior Editor Mark Kemp as he meets the band Grupo Vale during a quinceañero in Lincolnton.
Mariachi Dreams
In the southern Piedmont, a quartet of musicians share their Mexican heritage through colorful folk songs, passing their traditions on to the next generation.
Eastern Gospel: Singing With Faith & Harmony
In this episode of North Carolina, Noted, an all-women’s gospel group sings songs of praise and taps into the spiritual traditions of their ancestors.
Sacred Soul
The poignant voices of gospel music seem to rise from the soil of eastern North Carolina. The genre’s lineage is as rooted to the land as the crops growing in its fields.
Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum
In Jacksonville, the Onslow Veterans Pow Wow connects Native American service members to their heritage — and honors veterans from all backgrounds.
The Return of a Jazz Legend
Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis has strong ties to North Carolina. He’s been traveling here since he was a teenager just beginning to master the trumpet. He’ll swing through the state again in September for a concert in Greensboro.
School Spirit in Jarvisburg
A little white schoolhouse once served as a hub for Black students and farming families in Currituck County. Lovingly restored and filled with memories, it remains an enduring point of pride.
Swimming Across NC
One writer sets his sights on an ambitious goal, aiming to swim at every YMCA pool in the state. In the water, he finds familiarity, fortitude, and memories of his first and most important coach: his dad.
An Our State Playlist: Mighty MerleFest 2024
Our curated Spotify playlist features a selection of the talented artists that are performing at this year’s famous festival.
