We offer a collection of with traditional Appalachian music and literature, preserving our mountain heritage. Our area authors' books cover the range from Appalachian history to pioneer cooking and vintage cookbook to contemporary novels as well as the most interesting from our local metaphysical and self improvement communities.

Our regional musicians have long expanded beyond just the traditional Appalachian music they are so rightly famous for. Many of our represented artists make various contemporary recordings that are heard on national television, Sirius and XM radio channels.

Local authors
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Sherry Austin flat rock NC As an award-winning writer, Sherry has expressed her creative talents in both fiction and literary nonfiction. The author of four books, she is fascinated by after-life beliefs and mankind's search for meaning. It has been said about her work, "The great thing about Austin is how deftly she juggles heartbreaking honesty with subtle Southern-fried humor..." Her writing has also been called "humorous, tender, and uplifting." Website: sherryaustin.com

Hayley Bauman, Psy. D. etowah NCHayley is a licensed clinical psychologist and published author. Her latest book "Serendipity and the Search for True Self" - takes you on a whimsical, yet practical journey to a land where spirituality is infused into even the most mundane of daily tasks. Full of inspirational anecdotes and down-to-earth humor, this work is a warm-hearted travel companion for anyone on the winding road of self discovery. Website: drhayleybauman.com

Nancy Dillingham asheville NCWriter and educator Nancy Dillingham is a sixth-generation Dillingham from Big Ivy in western North Carolina. Her poems, short stories, and commentary have appeared in many regional literary journals and newspapers such as the Raleigh News & Observer and our own Asheville Citizen Times. She is the author of seven books of short stories and poems that are available at select locations in the Smokey Mountain region. Website: n/a

Wayne Erbsen Native Ground Books & Music, Asheville NCWayne moved to North Carolina in 1975 from his home on the West Coast to learn more about the roots of Southern Appalachian music from the masters. His music books are a gateway to traditional old-time Appalachian and bluegrass music. After teaching music for 40 years, Wayne has figured out how to make things simple, so struggling beginners can learn to play clawhammer banjo, bluegrass banjo, old-time fiddle, mandolin, dulcimer and guitar. Website: nativeground.com

Charles Gershon Asheville NCThis local author has a new novel out, Slow Funeral. Synopsis - "Fate stamped Jack Cain’s dance card fifteen years before his birth. His father, a staff photographer with Patton’s Third Army in March of 1945, stumbled upon a place near the German town of Worms: a children’s camp known as Camp Rainbow on the former grounds of Hausser Pharmaceutical. Here he found and photographed young Gypsies, Slavs, Poles, and Jews--the untermensch—being treated to comforts enjoyed only by privileged Germans. When he returned two weeks later, the camp had become a ghost town..." Website: charles-gershon.com

Madeleine Kay flat rock NCConsidered America ’s leading expert on serendipity, Madeleine Kay brings the wisdom, passion and playfulness of serendipity sprinkled with her own unique brand of practical, down-to-earth common sense to help people get, claim and enjoy the joy and riches they desire. her books Serendipitously Rich and Living Serendipitously are best sellers; and she is considered to be an unconventional success and motivation coach, maverick entrepreneur. Her latest book: "Serendipitously Rich: How to Get Delightfully, Delectably, Deliciously Rich (or Anything Else You Want) in 7 Ridiculously Easy Steps" is now available.
Website: www.madeleinekay.com

Polly Kent asheville NCPolly Kent is a former newspaper columnist and local author of two deeply-rooted historical novels with imaginative and inspiring spiritual themes. Earth's Only Paradise begins in 1621 - the story of a woman who finds in Virginia, the missing parts to the puzzle her life has become: spiritual enlightenment, purpose, fulfillment . A Coat for a Soldier is based on George Washington’s plea that women of America make coats for his soldiers. Website: www.Booksbypollymkent.com

Celia Miles Asheville NCLocal writer Celia Miles is a native of Appalachia, born in Western North Carolina, and, except for brief stints in Massachusetts and Virginia, plus college in Kentucky and Pennsylvania, has lived here all her life. Her novels Her novels are A Thyme for Love, ThymeTable Mill, Mattie’s Girl: An Appalachian Childhood, Sarranda, and (in 2010) Journey to Stenness. Two short story collections are On a Slant: A Collection of Stories and Islands One and All: Stories and Otherwise. Website: celiamiles.com

Cathy Mitchell asheville NCCathy Mitchell is a Pulitzer Prize winner and journalism professor. Her latest work is a novel about animal rescue. "Save a Spaniel" tells the story of a dog dropped at an animal shelter and in danger of euthanasia. The dog walks through many lives as she learns to work with people and finally finds a role as a therapy dog in a nursing home. The personal knowledge for this book comes from advanced dog obedience classes and from Cathy's personal work as a volunteer with Boykin Spaniel Rescue. Website: n/a

Barbara Swell Native Ground Books & Music, asheville NCIn 1995 Barbara was encouraged (or goaded to hear her tell it) by her spouse to write down some of the pioneer recipes and cooking techniques she had collected during her many years of self-taught trial and error. Her 8 historic cookbooks contain pioneer recipes, kitchen wisdom and sayings, romantic advice, and cooking secrets from rural women now in their eighties and nineties who grew up using wood cookstoves in the southern mountains. Website: nativeground.com

appalachian musicians
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James Barr James Barr-Solo Classical Guitar Stylist, asheville NCJames has played professionally since his early teen years, in styles ranging from swing, classical, folk, jazz, rock, theater, blues and even square dance. For the past 7 years James has devoted his efforts to developing a unique style of performing all genres of music on classical guitar. He gives live performances at private occasions, corporate functions, and public events including weddings and elegant dining venues. Website: www.jamesbarrproductions.com

Wayne Erbsen asheville NC Wayne is a master of a number of styles of music including old-time, bluegrass, folk, traditional, cowboy, pioneer, railroad, gospel and music of the Civil War. He has recorded eighteen solo CDs and written twenty-five instruction and song books. His music has been selected to be distributed by NPR’s Wireless Catalog; and many of Wayne’s recordings have been included on numerous educational interactive CDs including American Heritage’s CD of the Civil War and Microsoft’s Encarta 2004. Website: www.nativeground.com

Donna Germano Classic Touch Music, asheville NCDonna performs concerts with hammered dulcimer and classical pedal harp and Celtic harp as a soloist and with various ensembles - appearing regularly at the Biltmore House and Grove Park Inn in Asheville. She also gives live performances at weddings, corporate events and concerts throughout the southeastern US. And has recorded 7 CD's of Celtic and Classical music performances including Christmas and World music. Website: classictouchmusic.net

David Holt Asheville NCIn 1968, David found his life’s works in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. With a passion to become an old-time banjo player, David traveled to remote mountain communities like Kingdom Come, Kentucky and Sodom Laurel, North Carolina searching for the best traditional musicians. Nestled within these quiet communities found hundreds of old-time mountaineers with a wealth of folk music, stories and wisdom. For over three decades, David has been sharing his passion for the traditional music he discovered in his CDs and recordings. Website: davidholt.com

Don Pedi Grapevine Productions, marshall NCFor over thirty years Don has amazed and delighted audiences with his unique "Fiddle-Pick" style of playing the dulcimer. Heralded as a "master instrumentalist" and "virtuoso" - he has won numerous competitions, appeared with music legends, and recorded more than 11 music CDs and workshop DVDs. The sound of the old tunes being played on the dulcimer offers not only good listening, but an element of a musical heritage that has been passed on for generations..
Website: www.donpedi.com

Chris Rhodes Chris Rhodes Music, Fairview NCWhen people consider Chris Rhodes they think of a musician who is very versatile. This accomplished vocalist and guitarist has developed a blend of jazz, R&B, blues and funky pop-rock that fits comfortably into a wide range of music lovers. Until the summer of 2001, Chris showcased his music in a steady stream of pro engagements on the road and in the LA area and offshore at such exotic retreats as Costa Rica and Bora- Bora and French Polynesia. Later that year, he and his wife moved their home and studio to Fairview, North Carolina. Website: /www.chrisrhodesmusic.com/

Steve and Ruth Smith Cabin Cove Music, Zionville NCSteve's and Ruth's music has been described as "the soul of mountain music and the gentle grace of mountain air". Both were born within the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and they play a unique blend of Celtic Appalachian music featuring hammered dulcimer, guitar, and claw hammer banjo. These two have been playing together for over 30 years and are often heard on XM and Sirius Radio. They were 2009 nominees in JPF International Music Awards, the world's largest awards for independent musicians. Website: www.steveandruth.com