Steve Duncan and Rex Elliott made substantial contributions to Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society and the preservation of our musical heritage. In 2004 we began honoring their memories by offering an annual scholarship to attend the Swannanoa Gathering.
We are proud to announce the 2011 winner of the Duncan-Elliott Memorial Scholarship, Revonda Crow. Crow is interested in Southern Appalachian culture, particularly the Mountain Dulcimer and folk ballads. A native of Caswell county, Crow came to Wilkes in 1989 and resides in Wilkesboro. She has chosen Dulcimer Week at the Swannanoa Gathering. The Board feels that Ms. Crow will carry on the WAFS mission of promoting and preserving music for our youth.
Since 1991, Warren Wilson College just east of Asheville has hosted a series of workshops in various folk arts during July and August known as the Swannanoa Gathering.
Past recipients of the Scholarship are Melanie Podbielski, Trish Wylie, Laura Ferguson, Ethan Haithcock, John Palmer, James Wagoner, and Shay Lovette.
For more information about the Swannanoa Gathering, go to www.swangathering.com
