Suzy Boggus
The “Gathering in the Gap” Music Festival at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park offers a one-of-a-kind evening of performances by Grammy award-winning artist Suzy Boggus, whose accolades also include awards from Country Music People International and the Country Music Awards. Also featured on the main stage are well-known cellist, pianist and composer Dave Eggar, as well as a high-energy group from Kentucky — Dark Moon Hollow. “Gathering in the Gap” is a celebration of the rich tradition of old-time, Americana and bluegrass music found in Southwest Virginia. This next festival isheld Saturday, May 25, on the park’s grounds. Tickets, which are only required for the main stage portion of the festival, can be purchased online atwww.gatheringinthegap.org, by calling the park at 276-523-1322 or by stopping by the park during regular operating hours.
Suzy Boggus
During the creative explosion that was country music in the 1990s, Suzy Boggus sold 4 million records with sparkling radio hits like “Outbound Plane,” “Someday Soon,” “Letting Go,” “Drive South” and “Hey Cinderella." In the midst of her country popularity, she took time off to make a duets album with the legendary Chet Atkins. In 2003 she made an album of modern swing music with Ray Benson of Asleep At The Wheel. An album of original music in 2007 landed her at number 4 on the jazz charts. Her folk music roots show through in her frequent appearances on public radio’s "A Prairie Home Companion," in the Grammy she earned for her work on “Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster,” and in her critically acclaimed album and book project from 2011, “American Folk Songbook.” In 2014 she released “Lucky,” a collection of songs written by Merle Haggard and interpreted through Boggus's crystal vocals from the female point of view. Her latest offering, “Aces Redux,” is a re-recording of her platinum-selling album “Aces” produced by Boggus with fresh arrangements and her signature sparkling vocals. She continues to tour the world, both on her own and with fellow country radio divas Terri Clark and Pam Tills as Chicks With Hits, and in 2022, she toured with her longtime friend Kathy Mattea.
Dave Eggar
Grammy nominee Dave Eggar is regarded as one of the finest cellists in the world. That cello you hear in the intro to Coldplay’s first #1 single, “Viva La Vida,” is performed by Eggar. On the Billboard Top 200 #1 album, the debut solo artist by Zayn Malik, “Mind of Mine,” heplayed and arranged the music. A musical prodigy as a child, Eggarbegan playing the cello and piano at age 3, performed on Broadway and with the Metropolitan Opera at age 7, and debuted at Carnegie Hall at age 15. Eggar has performed worldwide as a solo cellist and pianist. A virtuoso of many styles, hehas performed and recorded with various artists, including Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bon Jovi, Evanescence, The Who, Pearl Jam, Tony Bennett, Josh Groban, Fall Out Boy, Kathleen Battle, Ray Lamontagne, Frank Ocean, Corinne Bailey Rae and many more. His list of awards and accomplishments includes accolades from Time Magazine, ASCAP, The National Endowment for the Arts, Sony Records Elevated Standards Award in classical music, the Geraldine Dodge & Leonard Bernstein Foundations, and at 15, he was the youngest winner in the history of the Artists International Competition.
Dark Moon Hollow
Since the winter of 2017, Dark Moon Hollow has seen numerous members from notable projects all over the Bluegrass State. Originally forming from improv jams in kitchens and living rooms, playing late into the Lexington nights, a core was formed and brought to stages in various forms over the next five years. In what could be described as a constant evolution of artists, Dark Moon Hollow has had many songwriters, with guitarist "Trigger" Trey and mandolinist Riley Logan being the two constant voices on both studio albums. With the help of JD Thomas (Building Rockets, Charlie Woods and Deep Hollow) and Ishi Wooton (Restless Leg String Band, Bloodroots Barter), Dark Moon Hollow brings together a mixture of honky tonk, traditional bluegrassand both psychedelic and southern rock. The eclectic group can only be described as high energy, no matter the tempo. Noted for powerful harmonies, the goal is to make the best music that speaks not only to themselves but also to one another and their fanbase.
In addition to the featured Main Stage performances, “Gathering in the Gap” includes a songwriting competition, musical competitions, music jams, a children’s area, the “Gathering Place” Beer and Wine Garden, the “Stitch in Time” Quilt Show and more. Antique, food and craft vendors will also be on site.
For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit the festival website atwww.gatheringinthegap.org, “like” the festival page on Facebook or call the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park at 276-523-1322.
