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The days are getting shorter, the nights longer, and the woodsmoke is drifting through the crisp November air here at the Fireside Homestead. The sunshine becomes more precious this time of year, and often times we look back on summer's warmth with fondness. But the quiet solitude of a cold mountain night has its own beauty and warmth. It can bring about a sense of togetherness as friends huddle close around a fire, or a feeling of calm as you enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend or even a stranger. It's clear the seasons are changing, and that change often brings new opportunities as we approach the dawn of another year.  Opportunities...sometimes they come banging on your door and other times they are subtle and elusive, waiting for a keen eye to seize them! Recently, Fireside Collective was presented with an amazing opportunity to travel to southern Mexico as part of a cultural exchange with the indigenous population of Michoacán. Yes, folks, we are gonna bring the grass down to Mexico! The band, along with our friends from Bill and the Belles, will be putting on some concerts around Lake Patzcuaro and sharing our music with the people of the region. We'll even be learning some of their traditional folk music! There's a lot to explain here so head over to Hummingbird Music Project for more details.  Once we return, full of tacos and tequila and maybe possessing a new funky stringed instrument from Michoacán, we are pumped to be playing some awesome shows around NC and TN! We'll be doing a house concert hosted by our friends in the wonderfully brilliant band Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys, a tag-team show with Songs from the Road Band at The Grey Eagle, and two shows to celebrate the New Year. One will be at the Pour House in Raleigh, NC and the other at Oskar Blues in Brevard with the Jeff Austin Band! Be sure to check out our tour page for details on these and other shows.  At times, the cold is hard to bare, but like everything in this life, it won't last forever (especially if you're going to southern Mexico and it's 77 degrees out!). This time of year is an opportunity to reflect on what is important, to gather around the fire, and to embrace whatever changes may be at hand. We are so happy to be on this ride with everyone and super excited about whatever opportunities await! We'll seeya back home soon, with lots of pictures from Mexico and probably a few souvenirs...Until then, stay warm, friends! -Fireside Collective 
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The sun kissed blades of grass gently wave in the wind as the fallen leaves find their place upon the cold ground. A few inspired birds sing sweet melodies into the endless blue sky, a song of peace to those who can hear it. It's Autumn again in the Blue Ridge Mountains and beauty is but an open mind away. The human condition seems but a leaf in the wind compared to the majestic harmoniousness of this magnificent Fall afternoon.  That harmony permeates the Fireside homestead and we couldn't be happier to be back in our blue ridge mountain home! We can't help but think back on the past few months and all of the awesome experiences we've had. From being nominated for an IBMA Momentum Award, to receiving so much love and support during the bluegrass conference in Raleigh, we couldn't be more thankful. We got to meet and share the stage with some amazing bands as well. Hearing the amazing vocals and contemporary arrangements of Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys as well as the wonderfully composed and exciting sounds of the Railsplitters has filled us with inspiration. It's great to meet so many like minded musicians who share the same desire for making the world a better place and honoring the traditions of American roots music. We also got to hang out with our friends Front Country and Hank, Pattie, & the Current, two bands who are making waves and creating incredible music! And the festivals,.... oh the festivals! We were so honored to be a part of one of our all time favorite festivals, Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance. This festival shaped the band in many ways and we are so proud to be give back to an organization that has filled us with joy and positivity throughout the years. We also had the fortune of being a part of the Albino Skunk Fest in Greer, SC. We were blown away by the kindness and generosity of this wonderful festival. Everyone involved welcomed us with open arms and we are so honored to be deemed "Skunk-worthy"!!!! Fireside Collective would highly recommend both of these festivals to anyone looking for great music, kind people, and an unforgettable time!  A few weeks back, we had the great pleasure of doing a photoshoot with Sandlin Gaither. The man is a magician when it comes to photography. He was so easy to work with and the photos he sent back blew us away! Make sure to look through the rest of the website as we've added many of these new photos. Thanks Sandlin!!  We are also so happy to have our banjo man, Alex Genova, on board to lend his impeccable banjo skills and positive attitude to the band! Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Alex brings a deep love for bluegrass as well as an appreciation for jazz music to the ensemble. The banjo brings a certain drive and energy to the band that has us all optimistic and excited for the road ahead. Speaking of the road ahead.... we have some exciting shows on the books to finish out 2017. Some highlights include a Halloween show at the Pour House in Raleigh with Barefoot Manner, a cultural exchange trip to Mexico with the Hummingbird Music Project, and an epic evening of music with Songs from the Road Band at the Grey Eagle in Asheville! Head on over to our tour page for more information on where we'll be!  Well folks, before we go, we'd like to say we are so humbled by the overwhelming support we have received recently! We are so lucky to be able to make a living playing music and so fortunate to have open arms everywhere we go. As the leaves slowly make their journey back to the dirt, we are reminded of the oneness of all things. The towering trees sprouting from the earth's surface remind us of the importance of letting your roots run deep. The branches reach out to the heavens in a glorious celebration of life. Similarly, music bursts from the hearts of humankind to remind us all that our very nature is harmonious and a grateful life is a life full of love. Peace and love to you all, Fireside Collective  |
